theNEWS: Designer and Actress | Olivia Wilde's Creative Collaboration @AlternativeApparel #EcoFashion #FashionNews

"Message Bag" for Change

More than a Messenger Bag: Actress Olivia Wilde Collaborates with Eco-label Alternative Apparel.

On June 25th, the Eco-friendly fashion label Alternative Apparel, announced a creative collaboration between the stylish leading actress and activist, Olivia Wilde and friend and activist Barbara Burchfield. Alternative Apparel's casual basics are known for their unparallelled comfort and quality craftsmanship while staying committed to ethically and environmentally production practices.  

A portion of the limited-edition "Message Bag" sales will benefit the Academy for Peace and Justice, a secondary school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, founded by Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggi's charity, Artists for Peace and Justice.  Additionally, Alternative Apparel is committed to donate more bags, backpacks and supplies to the Academy for Peace and Justice throughout the year.

"I've been trying to figure out how to combine conscious commerce with my love for fashion," explains Wilde, "I wear their sweatshirts everyday and live in their maxi dresses. And they're good people."

Following frequent trips to Haiti, Wilde worked closely with Alternative's Accessories Director Mollie Culligan and Burchfield to create a rugged-chic army messenger bag. The convertible backpack/crossbody style is unisex, featuring pebbled leather trim and antique brass hardware. Now available at the Alternative Apparel store, all purchases include a free DIY customization station to personalize your own Message bag with studs, beads, charms and assorted fabric.

Alternative Apparel's "Message Bag" retails for $138 and is available in store and online at Shopbop.com

Watch the exclusive video of Olivia Wilde | "Behind the Seams: The Making of the Message Bag."