Interactive Journalism I

NYC fashion shows with an eco twist

Posted on 17. Sep, 2009 by Margaret Teich in Thomas Lin

On Wednesday afternoon, I had the very good fortune of attending two eco/ethical fashion shows for NYC Spring 2010 Fashion Week. The Green Shows held at a vast, beautiful space on Greene Street in Soho, were a two day event showcasing designers whose fashion reflects their politics. And, oh how stylish environmental sustainability can be!

The first show, Mr. Larkin, offered sweet pea looks from California based designer Casey Larkin that would be perfect for picnicking in.

Notable garments included hemp/organic cotton jumpsuits that were belted with thin vintage leather belts, hemp/peace silk playsuits (not to be mistaken with the jumpsuits) in a shorty short length, a 100% milk fiber top made with recycled vintage rhinestones, and a precious 100% organic cotton poom poom shorts worn with nude thigh-highs. Many of the models were sent legging-it down the runway in nude thigh highs, a look I most certainly will be copying come spring.

The second show was Izzy Lane by Isobel Davies who had a very 1970s collection complete with go-go boots, crocheted berets and mod-tastic  candy color sweater dresses.

One of the main functions of fashion week is to showcase models as well as designers. I had a chance to interview 20-year old New York based Kelly Lynch (she is represented by Garage Rocket) as she transformed for the Mr. Larkin show and then the Izzy Lane show right after it.

Here she is before Mr. Larkin.

And during Mr. Larkin.  Kelly said that foot pain aside — from wearing heels — fashion week is a model’s dream. They get the chance to make money and feel glamorous doing so.

Here is Kelly being prepped by freelance makeup artist Charles Coulter for eco-friendly organic mineral makeup company DEX. Coulter and the other makeup artists were charged with giving the models a “Brigette Bardot sex kitten” look complete with a sexy dark eye, but not goth dark, and long dark eyelashes.

And here is Kelly striking a pose in an Izzy Lane cashmere v-neck sweater dress. Fabulous.