One of my favorite things about spring and summer is the way the ever-present sun casts a new light on old situations. I think it has something about the sharpness of the rays, the extended hours in the sky and the shadows cast… the culmination of these things can lead to a lot of insight if you are willing to it the proper attention.

Moving on…

Today’s designer is the super-talented Elena Garcia. Born in Spain but based in London since 1992, Elena Garcia originally trained as a linguist, specializing in Public Services Interpreting. Her interpreter’s job has led her to work with many local groups and has made her aware of the problems faced by migrant communities and people in penitentiary institutions. Following her passion for design, in 2001 she decided to re-train as a designer and went back to education, finishing a degree in Surface Textiles for Fashion at the London College of Fashion.

Elena’s work blends daring design, traditional techniques, and luxurious, eco-friendly textiles to create beautiful, timeless pieces for women of all ages.

Elena’s ecocredo:

Our Ecocredo. Organic, Pesticide free, Fair trade, Local, Ethical, Sustainable.

Like you, we are concerned about the welfare of our planet. We often think about our children and wonder what problems they will be faced with for generations to come. As creators – as designers – as business owners – we have a responsibility to do what we can to preserve our world, so we source locally whenever possible, and we only use fabrics that are rapidly renewable and pesticide-free.

Our A/W collection features silks farmed from silk worms and mulberry trees that are pesticide-free and silk yarn processed without chemicals. Most of our wool comes from British Blue Faced Leicester sheep that are reared organically. The garments are handcrafted in our studio or by small local manufacturers and social enterprise units, giving something back to the community. The dyes we use are free of metal, amine, and azo compounds, and specialised dyeing is done in our studio. Batch dyeing is sent to a local dyeing company. All promotional materials are printed on FSC certified paper using vegetable inks.

At present we work with the HEBA Women’s Project in Brick Lane, London, and have plans to collaborate with the Working Chance Community Project, a local charity that aims to re-insert women in society after they have been in prison.

Her clothes are beautiful, good for the environment and good for the community… definitely a designer after my own heart!

I always find myself in a sorta funk this time of year. It’s cold. It’s snowy… and it seems like there is no end in sight. I’ll stop now before this turns into a major rant…  Anyway, as part of my winter rebellion I chose images from Riana Blyer’s spring collection. I love the top image… I want to be wherever she is! While I’m there, I wouldn’t mind being dressed in Ryann either!

Raina Blyer, the founder and designer of Ryann, has been sewing since learning from her mother at the age of three. Born in Brooklyn she later attended the University of Massachusetts [yay!] studying holistic health; and later received her degree from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Ryann was created as a way for Raina to address her concerns about the many negative impacts of the fashion industry by combining her background and passion for fashion with her deep concern for environmental and social issues. The fabrics featured in the line are made from organic cottons, hemps, bamboo, soy, and recycled polyester. All of the clothing is produced in New York and is sweatshop free.*

Enjoy and think warm thoughts!

* full bio from Project Earth Day

As a former 400 meter dash runner, I am well aware that the homestretch is often the most difficult part the endeavor. With two days left before my vacation I’m a bit overwhelmed with the amount of things I need to accomplish. That being said, I’ll keep the randomness short and introduce you to fabulous designer, Koi Suwannagate:

Artistically inclined and imaginatively beautiful, Koi Suwannagate captures nature’s fleeting beauty in her trademark hand-sculpted creations of multilayered luxurious fabrics. Creating an ethereal fantasy, she tempers delicate arty hand-embellishments with elegant real-world clothes. Her prolific three-dimensional designs not only accentuate feminine contours but they envelope the female body in flowing lines.

The creation of each garment involves impeccable handwork and no two pieces are exactly alike. Vintage and organic fabrics, as well as natural dyes often supplement Koi Suwannagate’s nature-inspired designs. The result is more than clothing, it’s a timeless collectible that can be worn with confidence and joy for years to come.

Born in Bangkok and living in Los Angeles, Koi Suwannagte launched her line in 2001. She made her New York Fashion Week debut in 2007 to high acclaim from fashion press and retailers. The same year, Vogue and The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized her talent with a nomination for the prestigious Fashion Fund Award. Most recently, WWD Women’s Wear Daily named Koi Suwannagate’s S/S ’09 collection one of The Top Ten Collections of the season.

I’m going full speed now… but I feel the wall in inevitable at this point! Wish me luck!

Sometimes life moves way too fast. For instance, I can’t believe it’s almost 2009!!

I know I should be focusing on gift guides and resolutions and so forth right now, but let’s face it, I’ve never been one to succumb to those sorts of things. Instead I’ll just stick with today’s designer, Mallyce Miller and her great brand Laeken.

Laeken is a line with a cool casual feel and sexy silhouettes. Inspired by Tokyo street style and colorful Australian aesthetic, expect multi-dimensional pieces with a mix of comfortable street chic, contemporary styling and an effortlessly sensible aesthetic. The brand observes conscientious manufacturing practices, bypassing fur and leather and incorporating organic fabrics. Laeken is based in Los Angeles and keeps all manufacturing local, also donating $1 per garment sold, to ‘Friends of TOMS,’ a not-for-profit organization supporting philanthropic work abroad.

This was definitely a full weekend. The highlights range from reconnecting with old college roommates, visiting a BF’s new baby, paaatying Boston style to a lazy (can I really call it that?) Saturday afternoon. I’m mildly exhausted but at least it’s gonna be an early night!

I thought I’d give you one of my favorite designers to start off the week. threeASFOUR‘s designs are more like wearable art. Seriously, I was trying to pick what representative pictures to post and I literally wanted to post them all. The designs are stunning, inspired by nature and completely organic! About the brand (from Ekovaruhuset):

“Adi, Ange, and Gabi is an international fashion design collective based in New York City’s Chinatown. Adi and Ange, respectively of Israeli and Russian origin, and Gabi originally of Palestinian decent have been collaborating since the late 1990’s, broadening the boundaries of fashion as art. Primarily known for their multimedia fashion shows and curvilinear design interpretation, they have established and defined an individual style unique to their environment. With their signature three-dimensional approach to cut and construction, the collective continues to redefine classical tailoring.

In 2001, THREEAsFOUR won the Eco Domani Fashion Grant, and have since been included in some of the world’s most prestigious Museums including the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute in New York, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
THREEAsFOUR has been collaborating with Ekovaruhuset to make exclusive pieces from their collection completely organic! These pieces are available only at Ekovaruhuset while supplies last! We are so very excited about this latest fashion venture!”

I woke feeling inspired… which is always a good thing. Especially on a Friday.
I know I have tons of emails to respond to and designers to post… you know how I can be though. For all of my amazing qualities, flightiness is not one of them!
Anyway today’s designer is Cali-based Kucoon. I am officially obsessed with Andrea Spratt’s inspired designs. Usually I have no problem picking what picture to post to represent a brand… but in this case I literally wanted to post the whole portfolio. Her stuff is off the hook! Her partner Sheila B. Andrea has created a lovely jewelry collection and the combination of the two creates a creative, unique and ethereal beauty. Kucoon is for the girl with a flair for the theatrical and who wants to create a little magic in her world. The brand uses organic elements like cotton, leather, feathers and crystals juxtaposed with the unexpected frivolity of stripes, ruffles and lace in their collections.

Speaking of ethereal beauty, you have to check out MAC’s Cremesheen lipstick collection. The stuff is amazing. So rich and creamy and lasts all day! I may not be a modest person, but I’ve been wearing the shade for the past two weeks straight! Love it!