Eco-Ganik : Hello Green

A look back:
Mercedes Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week

Text: Casi Densmore-Koon

Images: Courtesy of Peter Tsai Photography
http://www.petertsaiphotography.com



When: October 15th, 2008
Where: Culver City, California
What: Eco-Ganik




FRESH NEW LOOK FOR THOSE WHO ARE ECO-CHIC

Defintion: eco-ga’nik (n.) : the fusion of fashionable design and eco-consciousness.



As we waited for the show to begin (a collection that seemed to impress everyone sitting in Stage One) we had a chance to chat with design director Hoda Mallone.

CK: What influenced you to use organic fabrics and become an eco-friendly designer?

I HAD BEEN INTERVIEWING AND FREELANCE DESIGNING FOR A WHILE AND WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AT ECO-GANIK PRESENTED ITSELF, I JUMPED ON IT! I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED AND FACINATED BY ORGANIC FABRICS AS WELL AS ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS. IT JUST MADE SENSE FOR DESIGNERS TO SEEK OUT COMPRABLE FABRICS THAT WERE ECO-FRIENDLY WHENEVER POSSIBLE, AT LEAST FOR ME ANYWAY. I THINK AS HUMAN BEINGS, WE SHOULD ALL DO WHAT WE CAN TO SPARE MOTHER EARTH ANY MORE HARM. I TRY TO CONDUCT MY LIFE IN THAT WAY AS WELL, BRINGING THAT INTO MY WORK WAS A NATURAL TRANSITION.

CK: We will be going to your show this week, what can we look forward to seeing? What inspired your collection?

THANK YOU FOR COMING! I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THE SHOW. I NAMED THIS COLLECTION “FRESH START” FOR MANY REASONS. WHEN I WAS BROUGHT ON TO DESIGN, PART OF THAT WAS TO REVAMP THE WHOLE BRAND. WE DESIGNED A NEW LOGO, A NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN, NEW WEBSITE, AND A NEW LOOK. I WAS TOTALLY INSPIRED BY THAT, THE IDEA OF FRESHNESS! THE COLLECTION IS ALL ABOUT CLEAN LINES, VERSITILITY, AND LAYERING. I ENVISIONED THE “IT” GIRLS AND FASHIONABLE WOMEN WHO ARE AWARE OF THE ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES IN THE WORLD, AND WHAT THEY WEAR, AND COMBINED THE TWO. I WANTED TO GIVE HER OPTIONS FOR ANY OCCASION IN HER LIFE. SHE IS ALL ABOUT VERSITILITY AND BEING ABLE TO THROUGH SOMETHING ON (OR AT LEAST APPEAR THAT WAY) AND RUN OUT THE DOOR.

THE COLOR PALLET IS ALSO REMINICENT OF FRESHNESS…COOL GREYS, YELLOWS, AND GREENS, WITH PUNCHES OF RASPBERRY AND A LAGOON BLUE. I’M VERY PROUD OF MY FIRST COLLECTION AND FEEL IT’S SETTING A FOUNDATION FOR THE ECO-GANIK TO COME.

CK: In comparing your line with others, the prices are fairly reasonable for an eco-friendly designer, was that your goal?

IT ABSOLUTELY WAS. I AM VERY AWARE OF PRICING. IT IS NOT EASY GETTING FABRICS THAT ARE REASONABLY PRICED, OR THAT ARE BEAUTIFUL, OR EASY TO USE IN THE ECO-FRIENDLY WORLD, BUT IT’S GETTING BETTER. I THINK IF YOU OFFER THE CUSTOMER A GARMENT THAT IS COMPRABLE, IN STYLING AND PRICE, TO SOMETHING THAT IS NOT ORGANIC OR ECO-FRIENDLY, THERE SHOULD BE NO QUESTION WHICH GARMENT TO BUY. ESPECIALLY NOW, IN THIS ECONOMY AND UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC TIMES AHEAD, A COMPANY COULD EASILY PRICE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MARKET. ECO-FRIENDLY CLOTHING SHOULD BE A STAPLE, NOT A LUXURY. I DON’T THINK IT SHOULD BE MORE AVAILABLE.

On with the show:

We never realized how cute you can look while helping save the earth - it was all about being eco-chic at the Eco-Ganik Spring 2009 Collection. A collection where the models could walk right off the runway and gain many compliments on what they are wearing. It was the first collection of organic fabrics that were reasonably priced, trendy and fashion forward; giving any consumer a reason to go green. It was a versatile and stylish line that is basic and contemporary. Organic cotton, bamboo and denim, along with natural materials such as shells, woods and nuts are used to balance the eco-conscious theme.

The olive bow tie top, tier tube dress, grey jumpsuit, dark denim wide leg jean, long striped sweater and halter dress with pockets showed us just how up on the trends Eco-Ganik really is. The muted colors; white, yellow, burgundy and urban print went perfect with this collection. Feminine ruffles is something every girl loves, along with silhouettes to show off your shape. The high waisted pant with wide cuff is one piece everyone should own. The braided belts, gladiator sandals, and long necklaces completed the LA CHIC look in which many are trying to achieve this season.

For those interested in innovative hip styling and is interested in eco-conscious living visit Eco-Ganiks website, www.ecog
anik.com