Los Angeles Fashion Week started last weekend and what better way to begin my coverage than with The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show. The show is sponsored by The Green Youth Movement, an organization founded by Ally Maize with a goal to educate youth on how to be eco friendly. As Ms. Maize put it at the opening of the show, “We’re the next generation and can and will make a difference”.
The event showcased four labels that concentrate their efforts on eco-friendly fashion: organic and sustainable fabrics, local manufacturing, fair trade practices, non-toxic dyes. Although these labels all put an emphasis on being eco-friendly, they each have a very distinctive personality.
First up on the runway was Kristinit, by designer Kristina Lenss.
In a collection that covered the bases from daytime casual to dressier pieces, Ms. Lenss turned out a very feminine and versatile line. Constructed jackets paired with flirty skirts were key to this grouping as were a mix of day to evening dresses.
Next up was , a line with a primary goal to provide jobs for women with HIV in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. With this noble goal, they produce a line that is very handcrafted and artisanal, emphasizing elegance and comfort. Using a color palette that is very earthy and natural, Keokjay produced a nice line of mostly casual separates, all with handcrafted details that really stand out. One look that stood out was a dress with the fabric braided in the front to produce and interesting textural element from which the fabric emerged in soft drapes.
Jonãno followed with a line that was also more geared toward casual wear. Utilizing mostly natural colors, Jonãno accented the collection with a few shots of mauve, a bright blue and an ethnic-look print. A “macramé” shawl, an intricately twisted front print dress and a lace sheath dress with a long jacket were standouts in this grouping.
Last, but definitely not least, the Emily Factor line. While the other lines were all beautifully done, this line kicked it up a notch. The Central Saint Martins education was definitely apparent here. Vibrant sophisticated prints were the focal point of this collection, whether draped in fluid dresses or as leggings. This bold use of color was a nice ending to the show. Flowing dresses with an emphasis on drape were knock outs and high waisted “paper bag” pants and shorts were stylishly reminiscent of the 80’s.
All in all, The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show made good on its promise of showing us that fashion can be eco-friendly without compromising on style. Let’s hear it for Eco Chic!
Photos & Reporting by Mdivani Monroe
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