Los Angeles was quite the hot spot during Fashion Week, as fashionistas of all kinds came out to see and be seen. On October 17th, The Gallery Los Angeles, a philanthropic PR firm, got in on the action with The Green Initiative held at Smashbox Studios. Hoping to raise awareness of sustainable living through fashion, this event promoted organic apparel lines and socially responsible designers who strive for change.
The driving force behind The Gallery Los Angeles, founder Mikey Koffman’s intent was to feature green designers and promote their positive messages. Koffman has a reputation for spotting up and coming designers and catapulting them to the top of the industry. Capturing the attention of the fashion world on both coasts, Koffman’s fashion shows, photo shoots, ad campaigns and launch parties are appreciated for both their style and execution.
Fashion lines and designers showcased at The Green Initiative event included:
* Peligrosa (www.peligrosaknits.com) focuses on elegant, timeless silhouettes in organic fibers with a modern twist. In addition to organic cotton, Peligrosa collections utilize organic wool, cashmere and recycled cotton. The company hopes that future generations will learn from this collection and its purpose and inherit this mission to make our world a better place.
* Protect The Element by Roshi Salim was created with the goal of making a positive contribution to the planet by reducing the amount of chemicals that go into the manufacturing of clothing. By using organic cotton and natural dyes, the use of harsh chemicals and pollutants are avoided.
* Wet Cement (www.wetcementclothing.com) is the "brain-child" of Andrew Lee, former President of 575 Denim, and innovative set designer, Stef Z. The clothes are hand-made, with each piece featuring custom-screened images of life, just as it happens. Using organic fibers, a portion of the sales from each piece is given to leave your mark, Wet Cement’s own foundation that supports environmental awareness and funds projects involved with energy conservation and global warming.
* Vintage China (www.vintagechinajeans.com) created by Deacon Yu and Andrew Wong, combines Chinese Civilization and American wardrobe staples. The adorned products utilize hints of organic fabrics while spreading humanitarian messages written in Chinese script throughout the collection. The purpose of the brand is to communicate culture by combining the intricate work of traditional Chinese embellishments, highly respected calligraphy, ancient paintings, and benevolent mythical characters into the eco-friendly garments.
* Rene Geneva Design (www.renegenevadesign.com) is an eco-chic collection featuring unique corsets and dramatic skirts. Promoting sustainability from production to the delivery to the consumer, this designer is inspired by Japanese architecture and uses organic cottons, wildcrafted silks, hemp, tencel, and recycled textiles, Rene’s line reflects her commitment to support fair wage and fair trade practices through her partnership with Nicaragua (the 2nd poorest country in the western hemisphere).
* M The Movement (www.mthemovement.com) creator Michael Asis Hererra (aka "M") has created a line consisting of classic luxury designer denim-based street wear for men and women comprised of the best denims from Japan, cashmere hoodies from Mongolia, and organic pima cotton and alpaca knits from Peru. M has founded a company of like-minded individuals, creating a team focused on self-expression, statements of unity, beauty and sensuality.
* ArteSania – Jewelry (www.artesaniajewelry.com) is inspired by landscapes and the multiethnic culture of Latin America. Creator Laura Cardenas is focused on bringing diverse communities together by incorporating their culture and artistic vision into the designs of her jewelry. Each piece has a truly distinctive design, which compliments the stones and shells featured in her collection. The company continues to expand through Laura’s passion for nature, fine art, and giving back to her country and its surrounding communities.
* Demano- Handbags (www.demano.net) started with the purpose of using discarded advertising material- PVC, polyester- from banners that promote exhibitions, festivals and cultural events. Creators Eleonoa Parachini, Marcela Manrique and Liliana Andrade use recycled material as the main source in the production of unique bags and accessories for daily use.
I too, am a green designer working with vintage cashmeres, and am enlivened to see that green designers are starting to get the attention they deserve for giving goods a second life. I am excited to be a part of the movement towards using what is already here and not creating more waste in the process.