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The green scene at L.A. Fashion Week

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A show called the Green Initiative closed L.A. Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios on Thursday night. After starting an hour late, the show’s producer and creator walked on to the runway to address the crowd, thanking everyone from the hair stylists to the DJ.

Four eco-friendly clothing designers showed their lines after a little video ran about who they are and how much they care about the environment.

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Now, I am not a super eco-activist. I drive a Prius, recycle and do my part, but I’m wondering -- wouldn’t it be greener to not make these clothes at all?

The first collection, Emily Factor by Emily Factor, was several looks inspired by the ocean and mermaids. And as one show goer next to me put it - Ariel wouldn’t wear these frocks with endless prints and strips of fabric to a flamenco dance class.

Energetic break dancers danced their way down the runway to introduce the next line, M the Movement, a line of men’s clothing made of sustainable fabrics like bamboo and soy. Super-short ties on fitted polos and button-downs were good for the nerdy-preppy set and the cropped moto style jackets look like something most hipsters have hanging in their closet. The line is totally wearable and I’m guessing sellable, and the fact that it’s green is a bonus.

Then came the zoo and a collection called EcoSkin by Sandy Skinner. During her video Skinner spoke about her passion for the environment and her love of animals. Cut to 20 seconds later, when her first model came out holding a wolf on choke chain. The poor beast was bewildered by the crowd, lights and loud music and the model was tugging him to stay on the runway. Model No. 3 came out with a monkey or lemur-looking critter sitting on her shoulders -- he also looked petrified. Model 5 was holding a gigantic yellow snake on her shoulders a la Britney. That snake must have weighed more than her. The animals were shocking but not the only reason I don’t remember the clothes.

The last line, Lilikoi, looked like cotton jersey, but green of course. Colorful short skirts, beachy cover ups and T-shirts, some with flower graphics -- most were plain.

OK. Just because the method and fabrics used to make the clothing are green doesn’t literally mean the clothes need to be the color green or there needs to be pictures of flowers and trees on them or an animal needs to be riding your back to show that you like animals. Love them by leaving them in their home.

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-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos by Melissa Magsaysay

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