L.A. Fashion Week Fall '10: Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show
The Gallery Los Angeles showroom reprised its eco-friendly runway concept during its L.A. Fashion Weekend series, held March 19–21 at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood.
The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show was held on March 20 and featured three eco labels, Emily Factor, Lizzie Parker and Puridee. This season, The Gallery partnered with the Green Youth Movement, which presented an award to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in recognition of his 1 Million Trees Initiative. GYM is a student organization founded to educate kids and teens about environmental issues and eco-friendly practices. According to the mayor, 260,000 trees have been planted in Los Angeles so far. Villaraigosa accepted his award, saying, “I couldn’t do it without young people.” He urged the teens and children in the audience to “join GYM and make a difference in people’s lives.”
On the runway, Factor layered florals with black lace for an edgy take on romanticism. Using reclaimed, organic and sustainable materials, Factor added a bit of glam to the mix with gold brocade. There was also a bit of ethnic whimsy in the three-quarter-length coat with diamond appliqueacute;s. The designer, who holds degrees from the Central Saint Martins College in London and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, is the sister of Smashbox Studios founders Davis and Dean Factor.
Issaquah, Wash.–based Parker showed easy jersey separates punctuated with unusual details, such as asymmetrical ruching and slit sleeves. Among the best were a blouson hoodie, a drawstring jacket and a one-shoulder top with a ruched-ruffle detail running down one side. Many pieces were layered over tie-dyed and solid leggings.
Designer Lindee Daniel showed a collection of draped and layered gowns made from sustainable materials for her Puridee bridal collection. Daniel stuck to the traditional white palette for most of the collection, except one with an over dress in dusty rose and another made from layers of fabric in shades of indigo. Judging from the applause, the crowd favorite was a short dress with a layered skirt and a long diaphanous train.—Alison A. Nieder
