cork

Lauren Merkin Eve Cork Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Cork continues to pop up in more and more places. Today, it's the material for Lauren Merkin's Eve Cork Clutch. The hexagonal bag, which measures in at a respectable 9.5x4.5-in., making it a rather useful size for a clutch, is covered in thin cork and opens to reveal a pink-striped shimmery lining. The only downside is that the natural cork makes it a bit too casual for evening use and during the day you're likely to have more than a clutch can handle. It would, however, make a great second purse when you're traveling because you're likely to have a larger, plane-friendly bag that you don't want to tote around everywhere after you land. Price: $165.

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Tags: bag, clutch, cork, handbag, handbag of the day, lauren merkin, LaurenMerkin, purse, summer

Cork Clothing Gets Fashionable

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal ran a piece on how the Portuguese cork industry is keeping itself afloat as wine manufacturers increasingly turn to plastic stoppers and other alternative closures for their bottles. It seems that the manufacturers targeted companies that used eco-friendly production materials, from furniture makers to architects, promoting cork as a useful, under-utilized material. This led to cork floorings, couches and even wallpapers.

When fashion designers got wind of how versatile the tree bark was and how much less stiff it was than in the past, they began to incorporate it into their lines, adding novelty and an eco-friendly appeal. Instead of simply mimicking the time-honored trend of making cork heels, designers are now making cork clothing. The material, called "cork leather" or "cork fabric," is made of very thin, pliable cork, often coated with Scotchgard to protect it. It costs nearly half of what leather does, as well as offering a similar feel and longevity to the animal skin. It also can be machine washable.

Stuart Weitzman has natural cork pumps and DDC Lab features a cork leather jacket (pictured) for $2,400, as part of their fall lineup. As eco-consciousness is on the rise at the moment, it wouldn't be surprising to see more cork on the runway in the future.

Tags: apparel, clothing, cork, designer, eco-friendly, environment, fashion, style, trend, trends

Portugese Winery Goes For Screw Caps

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

A winery switching from cork to screw caps isn't really news but when the wine maker is in Portugal it's a bit different. Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world. Reuters reports that Miguel Champalimaud, owner of the Quinta do Cotto vineyard has said that he has been accused of lack of patriotism but for him it was a question of cost. The change saves him around 25 cents per bottle. Maybe Portugal needs to follow the recent initiative in Spain requiring cork closures in order to receive Denominacion de Origen status.

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Tags: cork, portugal, screw cap, wine

Christian Louboutin Suede Cork-Heel Slings

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Elegant without going over the top, these understated sling-back pumps from Christian Louboutin are a great piece to add to your wardrobe before summer hits. The Suede Cork-Heel Slings are a soft suede in a warm, earthy tobacco brown. The base and heel of the shoe, but not the soles, are made of cork, which gives the pumps a natural, down-to-earth look but keeps them light on your feet. These pumps don't have the same punch as, say, the black Balenciaga platform pumps, but the sky high heels will still ensure that all eyes are on you - not just on your shoes. Price $670.

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Tags: balenciada, Christian Louboutin, ChristianLouboutin, cork, Louboutin, natural, open toe, platform, pump, pumps, sandals, slingback, suede, summer, warm

Spain Supports Cork Closures For Wine

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

While many fine wine companies are embracing alternative closures that won't be happening in Spain any time soon. Drinks Business Review reports that Spain has determined that only bottles with cork closures will achieve the Denominacion de Origen (DO) status (Spain's version of France's AOC). The DO classification
affects still and sparkling wines in 11 of Spain's wine producing regions. The primary growing region for cork trees is Portugal and southern Spain. The law is good news for APCOR, a consortium of cork companies. APCOR recently launched a $3 million campaign to promote the use of corks. In related cork news, a study recently released claims that the cork and wine combo creates beneficial anti-tumor compounds. The study was done for the Association of Industries and Exporters of Cork to find reasons that cork is good for wine.

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Tags: cava, cork, portugual, screwtop, spain, spanish wine, wine

Blairs Cove, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

For today's estate, it's appropriate that we visit Ireland. Blairs Cove Estate has classic appeal. Expansive green lawns, a rugged coast line and plenty of old stonework contribute to the charm of this property that overlooks Dunmanus Bay in West Cork. The estate includes a period Georgian house, a separate four-bedroom cottage, a courtyard with four apartments and a restaurant that seats 85, stables, and a greenhouse on 4.5 acres of land. The restaurant has been in business for over 25 years and Blair's Cove is a popular sight for weddings. Ancient stone walls, colorful gardens, ponds and a cobblestone courtyard complete the classic picture. The main Georgian house was built in 1786 and has both formal and informal living areas and an added conservatory. It has five bedrooms. This estate is listed at 3.5 million euros.

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Tags: blairs cove, BlairsCove, cork, ireland, irish real estate, luxury real estate

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The International Screwtop Initative Says Ditch The Cork

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

We've been following the slow move of wines from cork to screwtop for a while, now there is an official international organization to promote screwtop wine. Decanter reports that the International Screwcap Initiative is an extension of the already existing New Zealand Screwcap Initiative, a group of wine makers who got together in 2002. The International Screwcap Initiative hopes to promote screwcaps in Europe and to convince people that screwcaps aren't just for white wines but can also be used with reds.

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Tags: cork, screwtop, wine

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