Tag - Art Institute of California – Los Angeles

“Going Green” has created quite a stir here in the Golden State. From cleaning products to recycling to fashion, sustainable living is becoming a way of life. Seventeen-year-old Ally Maize is a firm believer of that concept. She is the founder of GYM (Green Youth Movement), a non-profit organization comprised of a group of students who are concerned about our planet and educate youth all over the world the importance of living green.

The fashion show, which took place at the Sunset Gower Studios was produced by The Gallery LA and featured three eco-friendly designers showcasing their Fall 2010 collections: Emily Factor, Lizzie Parker and Puridee by Lindee Daniel. Before the show started, Ally presented LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa with the ‘2010 Green Youth Movement Humanitarian Award.’ He then spoke about the ‘Million Trees LA’ project (www.milliontrees.org).

The first designer featured on the runway was Emily Factor. Her collection, ‘Eco-Ornamental’ is her second collection since she graduated from Central St. Martins in 2008. She used vintage lace and kimonos, which inspired her to “envision the Parisian Oriental movement, where there’s a powerful fusion between very ornamental cultures.” She works solely with eco-friendly materials and techniques. Her materials include antique black lace and vintage lace table or bed linens that she hand paints with non-toxic fabric paint. Her short tailored jackets are made from either vintage kimonos, raw silk or lace. She also uses embroidered Indian textiles, a disassembled knit sweater and a lot of hand embellishments. Her own prints are done digitally on silk, using low-impact inks, thus avoiding harsh chemicals and water waste from screen printing. For more information, go to www.emilyfactor.com or info@emilyfactor.com.

Issaquah, Washington-based designer Lizzie Parker’s collection followed after Emily Factor. She featured fun, comfy-yet super fashionable pieces made from bamboo jersey. Check out www.lizzieparker.com for further information.

The last line to flow down the runway were amazingly gorgeous bridal gowns by Puridee, designed by Lindee Daniel. Lindee presented her first small collection in the Spring of 2009 via fashion sites such as: Eco-Fabulous and Eco-Stiletto. For the LAFW 2010 show, she presented two small collections. The first was inspired by fabric manipulation as she draped and the women of the Old Testament, while the second collection was inspired specially by four sisters who have distinct personalities. She only uses non-synthetic and peace silks, organic and recycled cottons for her designs. She sells directly to her clients and hopes to be in stores by 2011. To own a piece of “natural” beauty for a wedding or party, contact Lindee at enquire@puridee.com or (310)613-5747 or visit www.puridee.com.

Special Thanks: J, Sunset Gower Studios, Mikey Koffman of The Gallery LA, Jessica Lieu of Tyler Barnett PR, the crew of the The Green Youth Movement (www.greenyouthmovement.org), Ally Maize, Mayor Villaraigosa, the designers, models, Smashbox Cosmetics, Planet Salon, Coca Cola, Art Institute of California – Los Angeles, Apparel News, Frontiers Magazine, The Collective Magazine, Agave de Cortes and Fortune Vodka.