FGILA Plants Seeds of Change
Going green—it’s a hot topic as of late. In an attempt to answer the inevitable “How to” question, Fashion Group International of Los Angeles presented a panel discussion on building sustainable business practices. FGI sought out experts in the fields of fashion design, green lifestyles, green services and trend consulting to lead the “Seeds of Change: How to Grow a Sustainable Business” panel moderated by Rebecca McQuigg, trends and lifestyle analyst for The Intelligence Group. Panel members included designers Linda Loudermilk, chief executive officer and founder of Loudermilk Inc.; Carol Young, designer of Undesigned; Gay Browne, founder of Greenopia and the Green Media Group; Lorelyn Eaves, marketing consultant and board member of the Sustainable Business Council; and Casey Caplowe, creative director for Good Magazine. The lively discussion, held on May 30, was presented at Cisco Home, a Los Angeles–based retailer and manufacturer of eco-friendly furniture.
Among the topics discussed were the importance of being an informed consumer, why it’s important to develop new products for the marketplace, the challenges of developing green products and whether green sustainability is just a trend or if it will ultimately sustain itself as a lifestyle.
The discussion led to the opportunities and responsibilities that designers and manufacturers face in light of global warming. According to Loudermilk, who has been a pioneer in developing her luxury-eco couture collection, it’s up to designers and producers to forge ahead and change what is being produced for consumers. After all, consumers can only buy what is available in the marketplace. Caplowe advised, “Look in your industry and try to find something that works for you.”—N. Jayne Seward
