Bamboo Magazine: Fashion Beauty Lifestyle

Launched in spring 2010, Bamboo Magazine was planning on being the North American authority on contemporary, urban living for the "fashion forward who are forward thinking." As a teen I had transitioned out of Batman T shirts, hoodies & sweatshirts with ripped jeans era to a more NYC sensibility of wearing minimal black, gray, and white business attire. But my Batman obsession would not die and now, as an adult, I find myself visiting my roots and wearing a fav Batman hoodie. I even found the best Batman hoodie store which I visit regularly to keep up with new products. And with the number of Batman franchise movies being released I simply couldn't let it go. I then realized after following Bamboo Magazine for a while that fashion design was so fluid, I could mix and match creating edgier trendy looks for casual wear and more conservative looks for work without giving up Batman. Alongside my ongoing passion for the Batman franchise and the playful incorporation of Batman-themed apparel into my wardrobe, another hobby started to take shape - collecting Batman t shirts. This new interest went hand in hand with my evolving fashion sensibility, offering an innovative blend of my teenage affinity and mature style, while honoring the timeless appeal of the Batman saga. Whether for wearing or simply for the joy of collecting, each new addition to my collection became an integral part of my unique fashion narrative.

Jump ahead two years and the editor sadly announce that the magazine was shutting down due to lack of funding. I, along with many other followers were disappointed, but we moved on. The domain's registration expired, was bought by someone who kept part of the original branding elements but called itself ModernEcoMagazine. They too folded and bamboo-magazine.com​ disappeared from the web.

You can imagine my surprise when I recently discovered the domain was available. So, I decided to purchase to prevent anyone else from buying and it re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with the original website. I wanted to keep the spirit ofBamboo Magazine intact. I have included content and images from just some of the categories that were on the site. Former visitors will recall them, I am sure.

  • BEAUTY BAR
  • MEN TRENDS
  • DESIGNER SHOWCASE
  • READY TO WEAR
  • BAMBOO SHOOTS

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE CONTAINS SELECTIVE ARCHIVED CONTENT FROM THE ORIGINAL SITE.

Since the site will not be exactly as you remember it, please be indulgent
Now let's take a nostalgic stroll back to 2010 when Bamboo Magazine was in its first flush of presenting amazing fashion designers, fashion photographers, beauty products, accessory designers and other forward leaning creative folks.

 

Masthead

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Donna Bishop
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sean Beckingham
ART DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN Pencil
DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING Karen Geier
MEDIA SALES Lisa La Rochelle

Editorial

BEAUTY EDITOR Erin Carpenter
STYLE CONTRIBUTOR Gillian Waxer

 

About Bamboo

 

There is no need to compromise lifestyle, beauty and fashion choices with being conscientious. There really isn’t.

There is a wealth of amazing fashion designers, beauty products, accessory designers, spa owners, architects and so much more who are maintaining and developing products and practices that are contemporary, fashion forward, timeless and conscientious. The world just needs to know about them – and that’s where Bamboo comes in.

Launched in spring 2010, Bamboo Magazine is the North American authority on contemporary, urban living for the fashion forward who are forward thinking. Filled with gorgeous beauty stories; lush fashion spreads; eyebrow raising personal profiles and much more – everything that you would expect from a top-notch fashion/beauty/lifestyle publication. The twist is it is all done with conscientiousness and responsible living being top of mind.

How so? Well…

A legend posted with the credits of each editorial will communicate the many ways conscientiousness was incorporated into the photoshoot. Each editorial must include a minimum of 3 of the following elements:

As well, conscientiousness will permeate through all other departments within the magazine – from the products reviewed to the companies, designers and individuals profiled to our online only production and much more.

It is time for conscientious choices to move out of the margins and into the fashion and beauty limelight.

 

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Bamboo Shoots

Boost Yourself Up Naturally

September 27, 2010 By Marni Wasserman, Food Editor
The season of colds, sore throats and stuffy noses  is upon us. We are surrounded by it at the office, taking kids to school and other public spaces. Protect your health and your immune system before the season gets the best of you. You don’t want to end up in bed or worse, taking unnecessary sprays, pills and even shots!

Here are some tips to stay in check naturally! Makes these steps a regular part of your daily routine and keep those cold bugs away!

1. Eat Plenty of fresh organic Fruits and Vegetables - they contain high doses of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes some key players are : broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, berries and citrus fruits

- Some extra special additions are garlic, ginger and onions – these guys contain naturally occurring properties that fight off infection and help to keep your immune system strong

- Manuka Honey is also super important – it is antibacterial and tastes delicious!

2. Take an extra dose of Vitamins and Minerals ( I am not one for supplements – but this is the time to use them!) : Vitamin C, Echinacea, Sambucol, Vitamin D, Zinc, Deep Immune

3. Drink  your greens and eat Superfoods – Vitamineral Greens, E3 Live, Vega, Camu Camu, Goji Berries

4. Keep your body Moving – get into the routine of doing regular physical activity (yoga, pilates, resistance training, running, kettlebells, swimming team sports etc..). Moving your body will help to keep your lymph flowing and allow “stuff” to move through your body. Exercising also makes you feel good!

5. Make sure to get lots of rest – try to get at least 6-8 hours of rest every night. If you like to nap, take a quick power nap mid afternoon to keep you rejuvenated and fresh (I wish I could nap!)

6. Drink lots of fluids – Keeping your body hydrated will help to flush toxins out of your system and keep your cells happy. Herbal teas (ginger, hibiscus, echinacea, nettle, dandelion, astragalus, reishi mushroom)  lemon with warm water and lots filtered water are a great way to get started!

It doesn’t take much to keep your body healthy. So whatever you decide to do – that is your choice. Just remember – that just because you get the flu shot – it doesn’t mean you can’t get the flu. So be sure to do whatever you can to boost your immunity on your own – these remedies work and have worked for decades. There was a time when flu shots didn’t exist – but natural remedies did! So go back to the roots of nature and stay healthy!

Super Immune Boosting Drink:
1 cup warm water
1/2 lemon – squeezed
1/2 orange – squeezed
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp goji berries
1 tsp manuka honey

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MEN TRENDS | DESIGNER SHOWCASE | READY TO WEAR

 

Designer Spotlight – LABEL

April 29, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
Designers Shawna Robinson and Natalie Sydoruk have been collaborating since March 2007 on their line LABEL. They are deeply committed to creating clothing from an ethical standpoint, utilizing, wherever possible, organic, renewable or reclaimed fibers for their garments. All production is by local contractors, with t-shirt designs drawn and printed by hand – which we love.


  • And their designs are modern, simple and totally wearable – which we also love.
  • Love this Column dress. It is classic, versatile – perfect.
  • Tailored trench – amazing. Would be great over a spring dress or skinny jeans.

This guy is amazing


April 28, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
People do the most amazing things.
This guy, Matt, is walking across the US. Yep – just walking. In fact – that is his web site – imjustwalkin.com.

Dressing beyond casual Fridays


April 27, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
A common point of frustration for styling gentlemen in search of responsible clothing choices is “there isn’t anything I can wear to work.”
Totally valid. Unless you work in a creative industry or have a work place that embraces a more casual approach to office wear (i.e. no suits) you have tended to be SOL.
Well bankers, lawyers and daily suit wearers of the world rejoice for there is Culturata.

Available in traditional and slim cuts and in a wide array of colours, patterns and stripes (as well as classic white) Culturata makes heavenly shirts. They are so wonderful the women in your life will likely want to borrow them. Rest assured – their woman’s line is being released ASAP.

I ♥ Cake! By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor

April 26, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine

Yes, I “heart” eating cake, but more importantly (and less fattening), I “heart” Cake’s Satin Sugar Refreshing Body and Hair Powder. This product comes in two hues for lighter and darker hair colours. Use the Satin Sugar on busy days when there isn’t enough time to shower. Just rub a small amount in the palms of your hand and run through your hair, giving special attention to your roots. The powder is so velvety and will revitalize your locks in seconds Not only are you saving water by nixing the lather-rinse-repeat, but the ingredient information looks like the delicious produce section of your favourite market! For $18 that’s a price I’m willing to pay for time saved on washing and blow drying. And, from personal experience, it works well on mousse-mishaps (took my product-heavy hair to one of the best hair days in weeks!).

Yummy!

Oh So Office Worthy


April 20, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
Who says you can’t carry your office accoutrement in style? The sleek lines and and sturdy structure make this the ideal briefcase to tote your papers, books, pens and other office items where ever you are going.

Handmade in Italy utilizing regenerated leather (which is made by grinding up scraps of waste leather with a small amount of natural rubber resulting in a beautifully durable material) the design by Stefano Nati is modern and masculine.
How cool is that?

Begin with Great Skin – By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor

April 19, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
Don’t let the affordable price of Soya Boutique’s Soy Emulsive Crème Cleanser ($20!) fool you into believing that you aren’t buying a luxury product.  This soy-based cleanser has it right from the outside in.  Beautifully subtle packaging that is as easy on the eyes as it is on the environment (recyclable) AND a fragrance-free cleanser that is incredibly creamy and hydrating.  Makeup artists use this cleanser without water as a quick way to do a makeup change on set.  For personal use you can rinse with or without the H20 – your choice!

Benefits: soy is a fantastic anti-inflammatory and a natural anti-aging ingredient.

Red Carpet Worthy? Hell Ya.

April 15, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
My god there are amazing designers out there. Realizing that is stating the obvious it is always exciting to discover a new talent. Someone who makes you immediately say – “I would so wear that.”

Like Leila Hafzi – this incredible talent from Norway is designing everything from urban, casual separates to gowns suitable for the Academy Awards.


  • The architectural draping is stunning.
  • So incredibly elegant.
  • Comfortable and chic.
  • Gorgeous. Full stop.
  • Short intake of breath moment. Amazing.

Since 1997 Leila’s goal has been simple and ambitious; to introduce and represent eco and ethical trade in the fashion industry on a global basis, and to develop a completely environmentally friendly production cycle. She has won design awards and has shown in Olso, Paris and New York to rave reviews.

The only tragedy – you have to go to Europe to find a boutique that carries her. Here’s to a shopping trip abroad!

Toronto Label Thieves Rocks Mens Wear

April 14, 2010 by Bamboo Magazine
So often design innovations begin with woman’s wear. For the longest time gentlemen wanting to be more conscientious with their fashion choices were left with limited options. Especially if they sought something beyond a standard, white T shirt (like a modern, tailored suit for example).

Thank you Sonja den Elzen and her label Thieves. The spring/summer 2010 collection is fantastic – masculine, modern and responsibly made.

  • Hello awesome summer suits.
  • Hello classic trench.
  • Hello motorcycle jacket and perfect casual pants.

Are these threads not fabulous? All garments are made in Toronto, either in house or with local small production facilities, which is also amazing. Whether you seek a suit, weekend wear or yes, even a basic T Shirt, Thieves makes them urban and sustainable.
Gentlemen, how cool is that?

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Beauty Bar

 

Fragrance

October 18, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful.  A whiff of peanut butter cookies and I think of my aunt Sandy; the musky smell of Fahrenheit and I recall my high school boyfriend and his penchant for wool sweaters; and the smell of plastic binders reminds me of fall and the days of heading back to school.

Wrinkle Release

October 5, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
When I was 13 my mom made sure I had a skin care regime that fit teenage-dom.  My morning and pre-bedtime ritual of soap, toner, and moisturizer was pretty easy and perfectly matched for the skin I had.  I am no longer 13.  Like many of you I am trying to navigate my way into…

Happy (and Healthy) Halloween

September 27, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
We are one month away from breaking out of our everyday garb and becoming someone/something else for a night.  Halloween is the perfect occasion to let your imagination run wild!  Even though it is just for one night, wouldn’t you like to know that the makeup you need to transform yourself isn’t harmful to you?

Let the Sun Shine In

September 20, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
Pure and Simple is a Toronto-based company with 3 retail locations in the city and 1 in Oakville.  In their long list of referral-worthy products I want to introduce you to their own brand of face colour.  I have been using “Soleil” as a powder blush for weeks now and have actually had two people comment on…

Party Pout

September 13, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
The Toronto International Film Festival is in high gear right now and what could be more “Hollywood” than a red lip?  All women can find their perfect shade of red - from bright and vibrant to a deeper plum or brown-based hue.  A red lip is glamorous and classic but a little high maintenance.  To ensure your lip lasts through all …

Hair Tips for an Indian Summer

August 30, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
When I’m looking for answers to my toughest hair questions I turn to Hair Extraordinaire, Jenna Godin.  My recent hurdle has been bad hair days due to the humidity.  Here Jenna gives us all some solutions: Don’t be fooled by the time of the year or the shift in the late August weather.  Our hair still …

Are You a Makeup Hoarder?

August 23, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
As a makeup artist and beauty editor I am constantly acquiring makeup, skin care, and hair products.  However, I happen to know that it is not just me or my profession that leads to a cluttered beauty bag.  I dare each of you to dump your cosmetic case out on the floor and if you  …

Beauty Trends for Fall 2010

August 16, 2010 By Erin Carpenter, Beauty Editor
There is a look for everyone as we transition into “Back to School” season (aka – Fall).  Ladies of the 80′s make way for the Gen X’ers.  Those whose major musical influences were Pearl Jam and Nirvana will be thrilled to see the return of Doc 

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

 

June 2012 Issue

“It’s a mad world,” sings Tears for Fears (or Gary Jules or Adam Lambert, depending on your preference). I have been reflecting on this a lot lately. I certainly am feeling the madness of the world, especially as it relates to Bamboo Magazine.

It is a mad time to be in publishing and content development. (For the record, content development refers to anything you consume with your eyes and/or ears—movies, printed magazines and newspapers, podcasts, online publications and much more.) This industry is in a state of flux and crisis. Readers do not want to pay for the content they consume. The expectation is that if it is online, it is free, and Bamboo is no exception to this assumption.

What is widely unknown is that the amazing people behind Bamboo Magazine—the more than two dozen immensely talented writers, designers, editors, photographers, makeup artists, stylists and more, who work tirelessly to write these fantastic articles and make such stunning images—do it for free. Yep, you heard it. They do it for free. And I think that stinks. Everyone needs to keep their lights on.

“Why not get advertising?” I hear a chorus of people wondering. Well, we try to. This is the other side of the mad world I have been pondering: advertising budgets are nowhere near what they used to be, and getting a piece of the pie is like, what’s that expression, trying to get blood from a stone. I sympathize, I do. Company budgets have been slashed and their dollars need to be stretched further than ever before. Bamboo gets accolades all the time, yet there are no resources. Alas, we are taking a break.

With sadness, this will be the last issue of Bamboo Magazine until we can find the means to compensate the people who make it happen. In the meantime, all of our past issues will remain available online so that people like you can continue to discover the many, many ways one can live responsibly and stylishly. Thank you to all our subscribers, followers and FB friends. I speak for all of the Bamboo team when I say that we love doing this. I am optimistic that Bamboo Magazine will return, and you will be the first to know.

 

Bamboo-Magazine.com