The *Greener* Side of LA Fashion Weekend

Article by Andrea Krystine

Emily Factor SS11

This fall, the Green Youth Movement took the green-repping reigns by producing LA Fashion Weekend's "The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show" held at The Gallery Los Angeles. The event with filled with an eclectic and anxious crowd of bloggers, designers, scenesters, and fashionistas who all happily embraced the collections of ethical designers Jonano, Keokojay, Kristinit, and Emily Factor.

The runway show commenced with a friendly welcome by The Gallery's own Mikey Koffman, followed an inspiring speech highlighting the importance of sustainability for future generations by 16-year old GYM president, Chloe Mills.

Chloe Mills, President of the Green Youth Movement

Neiman Tate, Raggedy Couture

Mikey Koffman, The Gallery LA

Jonano represented a softer side of organics with their simple, yet elegantly romantic pieces.

Keokojay romped the runway with a more fun and funky boheme feel - comfortably light and beautiful.

Kristinit's collection consisted of beautifully feminine cuts and fabrics, breezy pastels, intricate pattern meshing and sex-kitten sophisticated lace.   

Emily Factor's Collection was like taking a trip into a technicolor, flowery, flowing wonderland. One could say they felt like Alice lying in the daisies as the collection exuded a very youthful and free feeling.

Some Fab Eco finds @ THREAD SD

Article by Andrea Krystine

This September I made an appearance at THREAD -- "a curated showcase of the best emerging, trend forecasting, style breaking, genre bending fashion designers, and the music and art that rock their world " -- that came back to visit San Diego, it's original launch pad. 

Founded by Lara Matthews in 2003, THREAD offers indie artists and fashion designers a platform, or "hot spot", to represent their goods. What once began as small, casual trunk shows in Lara's backyard became THREAD - a successful fashion and lifestyle event. And at 8 years old it keeps on kickin' in cities like Seattle, the OC, Frisco, and LA! 

To paint for you the aesthetics: Beautiful people, 40-some vendors, chandeliers, live wall art by Art Kills Artists, mannequin bodies, and a green runway featuring models adorned in the latest in fall's fashions. 

What I loved about THREAD this year was not only the cocktail sampling (yums), but how they incorporated local restaurants through NOSH... and did I mention they had Eco Fashion in the house?

Earrings made from fused (recycled) plastic shopping bags (white and green) that have been cut into shapes inspired by a peacock feather, then carefully hand-stitched to one another by Emily Grace Suitcase

100% Organic Cotton Men's Tanks and Tees by Neopolitan Clothing

Hip n Verde's Cross Body Totes made of Recycled fabrics, and heavyweight cotton canvas. All handmade in Costa Rico and dawned with exclusive recycled paper beads that are individually hand rolled.

Organic Tees by Pahana Clothing

Amazing reused, repurposed, and recycled vintage creative pieces by Lizzy B

Delicate and Light Crochet Silver and Gold Jewelery Made with recycled metals and Semi Precious Stones by Miriam Jewels, from Mythology Boutique

Non-toxic, eco-friendly inked mens options by Arka Clothing

For more information on Thread, or to see when they are coming to your town, visit their website: www.threadshow.com

Or follow on Twitter for updates: @threadshows

The Green is Grasser

Article by Andrea Krystine

It's a Green Day Festival, "a multi-city campaign dedicated to connecting people to resources and information for a greener planet.." held their latest at Liberty Station Park in San Diego, CA. I went by to scope out the scene and take a gander at the grassy runway and Eco Fashion Show featuring local San Diegans.

Of the designer's showing, two were students from Fashion Careers College-- Jessica Serafin and Oseas Villatoro-- who utilized recycled materials and odd goods [like shower curtains!]
in their works.

For more info see www.thegreenexpo.net

BUST Mag's NY Craftacular 2009

During my travels to NY I was lucky enough to be able to swing by Bust Magazine's Craftacular, an annual event of which was held this year at The Metropolitan Pavilion.

Artisans and vendors of all kinds were lined up in several rows inside the pavilion awaiting the long line--as long as an NY city block-- of anxious attendees. For only 2 bucks a ticket, what kind of self-respected arsty female wouldn't want to attend such an amazing convention?

The show was a great success featuring an array of local jewelry, clothing, handbag, and graphic designers.

www.purevile.com

www.madewithawesome.com

Kelly Horrigan Recycled Leather

First World Trash

www.firstworldtrash.com

Designer Jenelle re-uses items such as vinyl billboards and used seat belts to create these water-resistant, tear-proof bags, laptop cases, and wallets.

The Hand of Fatima Design

vintage reconstructed jewelry

Remnant- handmade vegan

Andrea Krystine Interviews San Diego Green Fashion Contributors

Ecologique - Preview from Rockstep Productions on Vimeo.


ECOLOGIQUE - FASHION FOR A GREEN FUTURE

Join host, Andrea Krystine, as she takes us on candid interviews with some of the green fashion pioneers that will be at the upcoming Ecologique fashion show!

Mythology Boutique - Richard Frederick
Nikster's Bikinis - Nikki Sayavanh & Kelli Osterkamp

October 17th, 2009 (Saturday)
7:00 - 9:45 - Cocktail Social & Trunk Show
9:45 -11:00 - Runway Show
11:30 - Close - DJ Fashion Mixer

@ONYX | THIN
852 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

$10 at the door

ecologiquefashion.com

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Music by DJ EJ

Written by Andrea Krystine

Directed by Rock-Step Productions