View the Top 5 Green entries for 2012

Born Free USA & E Magazine Present the 4th Annual
Presenting the Top 5 Green
2012 fffashion design contest winners
While all entries were designed by compassionate,
eco-savvy designers, the following represent
the Top 5 Green Award winners.
The Green Award was judged by clebrity judge,
Summer Rayne Oakes, eco-model,
activist and green living expert.
The competition was open to all students and
independent designers including those who
design for their own fashion labels.
The following are presented in random order
and include the designers’ words and
photos as submitted.
Entry Title: Shell Inspired Smocked Dress
Garment Description:
I was given a project at Marist College where I had to select from fair trade fabrics and
then turn the fabrics into a unique garment. I was inspired by the texture of seashells and
their natural beauty, so I created a smocking technique that was reminiscent of a sea shell
texture. The top of the dress is custom smocked and all sewn by hand.
Types of Materials:
The fabric is 100% fair trade organic cotton. The fabric was dyed using Procion MX
dyes which are fiber reactive dyes and are relatively non-toxic. The fabric was finished
with a mixture of clear paint and Pearl-Ex pigments which are also non-toxic. The Pearl-Ex
pigments gave the fabric a metallic shine.
Interests in Fashion:
Eco-friendly fashion allows designers to be more creative with unconventional
materials. Beyond the creatvie aspect it’s really important to be more concious about
our environment. During a fair trade project at Marist, I became aware of how badly
workers were being treated in other countries. The unhealthy working conditions were
appalling and I feel that it is so important to promote fair labor practices all over the
world.
Designer: Rachel Lichtenwalner
Entry Title: Constructing Zero-Waste
Garment Description:
This garment is inspired by sentimental architecture — the home my father built for my
family. I constructed this garment using zero-waste design techniques and generated
no textile waste to reduce the amount of waste that enters landfills annually.
Types of Materials:
My materials align with my zero-waste technique. The top is made of excess fabric from
the 1950s. The skirt is made of recycled polyester made of recycled plastic bottles, and
is stained with cocobolo wood chips. Both are hand-embroidered.
Interests in Fashion:
Green fashion has been a part of my life since childhood. Growing up with custom
clothes made by my grandmother raised my awareness that clothing has strong
sentimental value. I have carried this into my work by paying attention to special
unique details.
Designer: Helen Trejo
Entry Title: Stripes Evening Gown
Garment Description:
Inspired by the elegant 1940s, this Evening Gown is made from a variety of exciting ecomaterials put together to create one classic look. Stripes speak a language that transcends
time as does resourceful creativity, which is what this dress embodies.
Types of Materials:
When no material is off-limits, inspiration comes from anywhere. This dress began as an
outdated bridesmaid dress. A thrifted skirt was disassembled & added to the waistline, the
sides are made from a parachute. Parachute also doubles as dramatic entrance!
Interests in Fashion:
Committed 100% to (re)cycling fabrics into jaw-dropping designs to inspire a society that
(re)thinks the possibilities of ethical fashion. My goal is to create Red Carpet pieces that get
people talking & propel green fashion into the spotlight!
Designer: Lanni Lantto
Entry Title: Butterfuly symbolizse Freedom
Garment Description:
My inspiration is beautiful butterfly which symbolize the freedom, happiness and beautiful
life. While, white color symbolize purity and clean. This dress is simple as minimum in
design with high waistline and butterfly neckline details.
Types of Materials:
Oraganic and eco-frienldy bamboo fabric with cotton.
Interests in Fashion:
Every creature of god has right and freedom to live their life.I believe in living as green
and natural as possible.Save animal life, make healthy wealthy & green environment. Do
not kill animal for only human luxurious & prestige.
Designer: Kumari Hangma Limbu
Entry Title: The Miller Dress
Garment Description:
The Miller dress is part of an 18-piece collection inspired by abstract expressionism,
where artists used the subject of color itself. The swing dress features elaborate sleeve
pleating, a deep neckline, and no closures.
Types of Materials:
The dress shell is 100% satin bamboo, and is lined in 100% silk habotai.
Interests in Fashion:
Transparency and sustainability are what define our generation. The Miller dress was
made with a conscious regard for social welfare and the environment. Increasing the
demand for eco-friendly practices will ease its assimilation into the fashion world.
Designer: Fifile Nguyen
K E E P W I L D L I F E in T H E W I L D
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 22505, Sacramento, CA 95822
Street Address: 1122 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
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