Sustainable, functional, "yet very chic"

I found my next fashion designer of note for ya'll by complete accident - a completely JOYFUL accident. But with one look at Norweigan designer Leila Hafzi's creations (only enhanced by her eco-friendly mission), I was absolutely smittened.

Leila Hafzi

Hafzi's Debut designs from 1997 were created in Nepal. This highly ecological collection worked with fabrics such as hemp and nettle, loomed raw silk, wood, and buttons and embellishments made of bone or horn from water buffalo. This collection paved the way for Hafzi's enduring mission: To promote organic and ethical trade in the high end fashion industry, to represent this movement, and to develop an entirely environmentally friendly production cycle for fashion in the future.

UTOPIA collection, Spring/Summer 09

And her creations only get better with her experience! Looking through her oeuvre on her website, I'm amazed at the variety and dynamism of her designs, given her commitment to use sustainable, functional materials. You see everything from exceptionally structured, dense fabrics and pieces (Natura), to sheer cashmeres, mohair, and elegant brocades (Studio Earthling, Aeon Afterglow), to the most gorgeously flowing gowns (UTOPIA, Néktar). Some of her pieces can be exceptionally modern and accessible, while others are the perfect fit for a daydreamer with a romantic eye.

Néktar collection, Spring/Summer 2010

And the COLOR. This woman is NOT afraid to use color, and bless her for it!

Néktar (pictured a lot) and UTOPIA are probably my favorite two collections. They're very whimsical, colorful, and romantic. Néktar incorporates colors from hand-picked flowers and draws inspiration from hummingbirds and flamingos in a "lush Kathmandu garden." UTOPIA is inspired by animals of Tibetan mythology and the seventies, and combines the visions of Hafzi, Marcus André Green, and tattoo artist Mike The Athens.

Néktar collection, Spring/Summer 2010

At the heart of her glorious collections remains her strong, adamant mission:

"There is no doubt that the production of an eco-collection is more time consuming and the costs are much higher, but in the end, how high is the price of producing a collection compared to adding one small step towards the achievement of saving our planet and eventually mankind?"

"I think it is important for artists and creative people to emphasize global awareness regarding our responsibility to preserve the earth we are about to destroy."

"For me, it is a balance between creating works in developing countries, establishing a long term market position, and then step-by-step making fully ecological collections."

Néktar collection, Spring/Summer 2010

WANT.

Hafzi's brand style is based on Tibetan monk drapery, seventies glam, and Greek goddess-like gowns. Her favorite color is ever changing with the rainbow, the base colors of her collections not developed from predicted trends but rather from what she feels at the time would be "prettiest" and the most ecologically possible to create.

Roy ay e Sefid ("Bright Dreams") Bridal collection

Hafzi's even taken the leap into wedding fashion! Gorgeous, amazing, incredible designs with presence, flow, and unique charm. Fashioned from silk organza, silk chiffon, or hand-painted silks, floral applications and hints of blush pink, champagne, lavender, and peach give these gowns an incredible femininity. This is a new spoke in her fashion wheel and thus far, appears a success! Any dress found in this collection can be dyed for a Red Carpet (or other) occasion to preserve the brand's commitment to sustainable fashion.

"Cool has become formulaic."

Another fashion post has been a long time coming! If you'll recall, my last two fashion posts focused on African designers Serge Mouangue (combining African & Japanese aesthetics) and Nkhensani Nkosi & Stoned Cherrie (a modern South African women's line). I can contain my love for this next genre no longer...Indian fashion! I don't think there is anything so lovely!

My images focus on the bridal fashion for this particular designer. They're more traditional, but this highly versatile designer's works go from the most seemingly traditional to the exceptionally contemporary. Plus, I wanted to touch back on the Bridal theme I started in late June. :)

Ritu Kumar - Indian Fashion Brand

Yes, these are wedding garments. (I'll take one, please!)

Since 1969, Ritu Kumar has established her fashion brand as one of the largest and greatest in India. She translates traditional fabrics, decorations, and craftsmanship into modern terms and unique fashion creations. According to her website, the brand is known for the quality of their fabrics and embroideries, the colors (the video below mentions treating bridal gowns in pastels instead of the typical vivid red), and "gloriously rich Indiana aesthetic."

Ritu Kumar has been retailing in India and on an international scale since the 1970's while their main production centers operate out of Gurgaon and Calcutta. This brand was the first to introduce "boutique culture" into India (hence why I thought it was important to start here :)). The brand encompasses haute couture, a fashion forward sub-brand called LABEL Ritu Kumar, a bridal collection, accessories, and fragrances.

In October of 1999, Christie's of London published Kumar's first book, an academic fashion text called Costumes and Textiles of Royal India. This book chronicles the history of fashion in India from royal patronage to present. Kumar seems to take a great interest in educating the public on Indian fashion as much as providing it for them. Her website is complete with a glossary of Indian fashion terms that is a great way to start learning!

Ritu Kumar's Couture is your more traditional Indian styles. Long, full skirts and bell sleeves, sheer, embroidered shawls...an abundance of gorgeous fabric in every gown and detail that would take you years to study!

LABEL Ritu Kumar expresses contemporary, new, and western styles with Indian craftsmanship and fabrics. Mini dresses, no sleeves, very modern!

The vibrant colors, the intense attention to detail, flowing fabrics, attractive patterns... Gorgeous Indian works of fashion would make any girl feel like royalty! Contemporary Indian designers, like those from Africa, are finding new and exciting ways to retain their native fashion traditions while adapting to the modern era! I've personally seen that Indian motifs and styles are making their way into Western culture and I think they could have a really big impact on the world scale in the future!

Though none of the images I shared with you today contain denim, this was Mrs. Kumar's take on denim...Ladies, would you agree?

"When women wear denim it (the derriere) must look elegant. It's the second thing every woman looks at in the mirror, but it's the first thing she cares about. She does that half twirl, her back arched and her head craned around. If the jeans are right, the experience is transforming, like putting on a magic cloak."

- Ritu Kumar