1. John Patrick Organic Spring 2009
John Patrick has done it again! As one of my favorite designers, his dreamy, bucolic, utopian vision came to life at the Desmond Tutu center in Chelsea last month. This American Gothic reminds us that our land-base in primary, and taking care of it (like using organic cotton, fair-labor, sustainable practices – developing sustainable cottage industries, and growing your own organic cotton in the jungles of Peru) is crucial. Click here to view the complete collection for men and women.
2. Vegetable-Based Leather is my bag, baby!
Vegetable-based ‘leather‘ made by Amazonian natives from sustainable plant matter, and recycled canvas from cargo trucks. Need I say more? The bags and accessories from Paz Apparel are hot, and I love this oversized “Uptown Handbag“. Thanks to reader, Ari for the tip-off!
$125, Paz Apparel
Also from Paz:
3. 
One of DB’s favorite organizations, Sea Shepherd, will be featured in Animal Planet’s 7-episode special series “Whale Wars”. On Friday, November 7th Animal Planet will premiere Whale Wars at 9 PM ET/PT in the US, and internationally in early 2009. For additional information, photos and a sneak peak at the series go to:
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/
4. Peter Singer is the Godfather…
Joshua & Peter Singer at Karen Dawn's event
I got the honor of meeting Peter Singer, father of the modern animal rights movement and author of “Animal Liberation” at a party for Karen Dawn’s (Dawnwatch) birthday and book reading. It’s not often you get to meet the person who set the new course for your life. I recommend reading both books!
When Purchasing Books, I also strongly recommend supporting local independent bookstores. Use Indiebound.org as opposed to the not-at-all-ethically-fabulous Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Do it!!!
5. Autumn is in the Air
And so are these seasonal smells from DB friend, A Scent of Scandal! Check out: OLD SCHOOL – granny smith, ROUGH PATCH – pumpkin, & TURNING TRICKS – candy corn.
6. Do Rabbits Scream?
Find out more about Armani on peta.org.
The answer is yes, and this new undercover video of rabbit fur farms in France and China is enough to make anyone give fur the cold shoulder. PETAs Armani campaign is in full swing. Get involved!
7. Shoes that will make you swoon
A little bird told me that Elizabeth Olsen (Olsen Haus), whose vegan shoe line is blowing up and selling out all over the place right now, will be making vegan shoes for men that are as equally badass as her womens’ shoes. And to get a taste of how she rolls, take a look at these:
(All I can say is that I am looking forward to dancing in some blue suede-like mens’ shoes.) More to come, stay tuned.
8. 
In Defense of Animals is taking on Zappos‘ hairy sales, exposing outdated primate nicotine experiments,planning for Fur Free Friday, and standing up to Puppy Mills. Check out their campaigns and get involved!
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9. Pick an Apple!
Get out of town before the season is over. If you haven’t been to the Hudson Valley in New York State for an autumn adventure, you don’t know what you’re missing! Click Here! or Here!
10. 
Support Farm Sanctuary’s Party for the Pigs:
A benefit for the survivors of the Midwest flood disaster
In June of this year, Farm Sanctuary mobilized in Iowa to take part in one of the most ambitious farm animal rescues ever undertaken, after thousands of pigs were left to die in the Midwest flood disaster. During both land and water rescue operations, 69 pigs were rescued, including many pregnant sows who were once confined to gestation crates on factory farms. Now, these pigs, many of whom are still suffering from serious health problems, are at Farm Sanctuary receiving urgent care and undergoing rehabilitation.
On October 18, Farm Sanctuary will honor these survivors of the Midwest floods and raise critically needed funds for their care.
Please, help the pigs by attending the event or making a donation today!
PARTY FOR THE PIGS
Saturday, October 18, 6-9 p.m.
Equality Center
1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
FEATURING
Hosts
Persia White and Nellie McKay
A special performance by
Singer/songwriter and Broadway actress Nellie McKay
And…
Vegan hors d’oeuvres, a wine and beer bar, and a silent auction
Cocktail attire requested
RSVP now or call 607-583-2225 ext 221 to reserve your space.
General admission tickets cost $50.
The Discerning Brute 