Words by Giulia Simolo
We are so used to celebrities bursting out with the latest glamorous fashion labels – and it seems that one is doing so in-between blinks! – so we don’t usually expect that a celebrity is going to launch something more modest with fewer frills. Glamorous Jessica Alba has done just that, instead of waving another designer fragrance in our faces.
So what has Jessica designed? Nappies, but not just any old sort – they’re eco-friendly. Her range is called Honest and seems to fit the idea perfectly. No mess, no fuss, no complications or sneaky hidden agendas, just the real deal. Right off the bat it might not sound like a very posh range, but it’s focused on purity instead of chemicals; all the good things that won’t be dangerous for your baby.
Inspired to change
One of the things that led to Jessica’s interest in eco baby products was when she herself experienced an allergic reaction to a so-called ‘baby safe’ detergent! Although it was regarded as being pure (watch out for those misleading labels, ladies!), it contained chemicals. Scarily, Jessica points out the legion of health problems that toxic chemicals in baby products can cause: allergies, asthma, autism, ADHD and even childhood cancers. Her shock and outrage that baby products would contain such dangerous and life-threatening ingredients inspired her to start a more, well, honest range that would not put baby or mommy health in danger.
Enter The Honest range. It’s part of The Honest Company, which Jessica started with Christopher Gavigan, a former CEO of non-profit group Healthy Child Healthy World. The Honest range not only contains nappies, but also cleaning products, baby skin care (such as lotions and sunscreen) as well as bath products.
Moms who kick butt
Although she’s usually showing off her prowess and good looks in movies such as Fantastic Four and TV series like Dark Angel, actress Jessica Alba is focused on being a good mom. She’s the mother of two children: three-year-old daughter Honor and baby girl Haven. On the website The Honest Company, Jessica says, “When I became a mom, I finally became the person I am, that I always should have been. It’s the most satisfying job in the world. But, it can also be overwhelming and confusing. I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start.”
Happy nappies
These nappies are plant-based, ultra-absorbent, non-toxic and chlorine-free. They’re also not as expensive as you would assume, even though they are designed by a celebrity. They would cost you about $20 (approximately R140) per week, which is quite competitively priced.
Prettiness for thought
Although the line is focused on providing pure, healthy starts for babies, it’s by no means boring. On the website The Honest Company, you can view the products and customise styles of nappies that you would want to purchase for your baby. Designs include fun things like stars and anchors, and even gingham patterns or skulls. When speaking of the cool skull design, Jessica said that she wanted to pay homage to deceased British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
The pretty designs show that you can be green as well as gorgeous! Who says style can’t go hand-in-hand with eco-friendliness? Jessica certainly believes this is so, as she said in an interview for an article posted on The Daily Mail website: “I’m like, just because it’s eco why does it have to be brown, beige, or have a green leaf on it?” With Jessica’s designs, you can keep your baby looking gorgeously eco-conscious while giving something back to the environment.
