Thursday, May 28, 2009

COTO: Sartorial and Sustainable

So where would you be able to find a Corozo nut, briar root, coconut and fallen rack antlers?


A. in backyard of a home in the Palm dessert;
B. any neighborhood Whole Foods; or
C. the wardrobe of a gentleman living a sartorial and sustainable lifestyle.


Well, the answer is C for COTO which creates men’s fashion and accessories that promote a sartorial (def: of or related to tailored clothing) and sustainable lifestyle as well as integrates materials that benefit local communities and the environments in which they thrive. COTO designs and develops cuff links out of materials such as coconuts and Corozo nut which is a nut from a tall palm tree that grows in South America. “Purchasing Corozo aids in the protection of South American rain forests by giving local communities an incentive to cultivate it instead of harvesting old growth forests.” COTO also makes cuff links from fallen rack antlers recovered from the forest floor (which is naturally occurring and harms no animals), recycled paper, and antique buffalo nickels (US$40-95). Their selection of summer inspired ties (US$120) are woven with all natural silk or wool boasting AZO free dyes (and contain no hazardous by-products such as carcinogens). These chic accessories are a far cry from old school “natural” fashion (in other words gentlemen... no turquoise rope necklaces here) and reflect the modern influences of their New York City urban designers.

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