Earth & Sky: Eco & Chic
Karen Kananen, former designer for Ecoganik, and Samantha Robinson, who worked with French Connection and Elle Apparel, among others, have teamed up to create Earth & Sky, a line of handmade pieces crafted from sustainable fabrics and produced entirely in Los Angeles.
“We met while working at Carole Little in L.A. about 12 years ago and found ourselves together again more recently at another company, working on different lines, and we decided to go out on our own,” Robinson said.
With details such as deconstructed seams, raw edges and unique trims—as well as novelty hand-dyed, hand-stamped and hand-painted fabric designs—the Earth & Sky line comprises jackets, tops, pants and dresses. Certified-organic Supima cotton is the material of choice for the design duo, but they also enjoy working with organic cotton fleece and organic cotton voile. They have also used a hand-batiked silk charmeuse and organic heather jersey and are introducing an organic natural-hued linen for Spring 2008. The designers also employ natural trim elements, including leather, bamboo and nut buttons.
The garments are all produced using low-impact dyes in a dye house that uses recycled water. “We are absolutely committed to doing our part, no matter how small, to help our planet and want our business to stand for quality, designing with a difference, using only eco-conscious materials, adding locally sourced hand-work to our pieces and maintaining high standards with responsible business practices,” Kananen said. “We love the concept that everyone who buys from us joins us in ’a new stream of consciousness.’”
In addition, the designers are committed to supporting the local industry as much as possible.
“We are very proud to support our local industry here and want to promote the amazing talents that are overlooked as companies rush to manufacture elsewhere, thinking they are getting more for their money,” Robinson added. “We might produce a couple of styles elsewhere going forward that cannot be made here, but [we] will not be moving our production overseas at any point. We also feel that to really make an eco-conscious product you need to be in the factories every day, working closely with contractors, making sure everything is going well and taking care of any problems or questions immediately.”
Signature pieces in the line have already emerged and will be modified and carried over to future seasons, including the “Swirling Cowl” top, which can be worn three different ways; the “Solstice” shirt, a voile top with 2x1 rib sleeves; the organic fleece “Earth Hoody”; and the “Seward Dress,” an organic cotton 2x1 rib top and organic cotton voile skirt.
For Spring 2008 the designers are offering two deliveries. The first, “Deconstructivist,” was inspired by the early 20th century Russian art movement and features a palette of red, cement, black and white. Standout pieces include the “Chagall Dress,” “Soutine Dress” and “Mashkov V” top. “Slip Into Neutral,” the second Spring delivery, employs a palette of lichen, henna, charcoal, white and linen. Described by the designers as “more Zen to balance out the boldness of the first delivery,” the collection ranges from a twill parka to a zippered A-line shirt and a color-blocked tiered dress.
Top retailers include Wendy Foster in Santa Barbara, Calif.; Sirens and Sailors; Xin; Em & Co; and BTC Elements. Wholesale prices range from $43 to $165.
For more information, contact The Style Assembly, located in suite 419 of the Cooper Design Space. —Dena Smolek
