Design Bitch

In the spirit of LA Fashion Week (that starts this Friday) and eco-friendly design, I present to you Gary Harvey. He is a London-based eco-couture designer who unveiled his first collection at the 07 London Fashion Week. The concept behind the 9 dresses presented at the show is to promote fashion design with a conscience and reinvent the perception of recycled clothing. Gary finds second-hand garments in thrift stores and infuses them with a new life and a statement. I impatiently await his next collection.

Newspaper Dress, made from 30 copies of the ‘Financial Times’.

Denim Dress, made from 42 pairs of Levi’s 501 jeans.

Laundry Bag Dress, made from 21 laundry bags

I was shopping around for purses for a friend’s birthday and after hours of online “window” gazing, I finally found this cute little leather wallet by Urban Heirlooms at Etsy. It’s not a full blown handbag, but it’s unique and uses vintage materials. I’m pro-recycling second hand pieces when it’s done right, and I like the creative replacement of buckle or snap with a vintage key. There is original design out there if you dig deep enough and it always beats the gift certificate cop out.