Fashionably Natural Spring 2009: Green Chic

Eco style has never looked this good. Gen Art and SoyJoy’s “Fashionably Natural” show, hosted by Maggie Gyllenhaal, presented young, wearable lines that, for the most part, had little in common with the standard T-shirts one has come to expect from organic fashion. Brigid Catiis’ first collection was fun and flirty, as designer Raissa Gerona created a sexy Seventies vibe with easy one-shoulder tunics, minidresses and jumpers, with ruffled details and bell sleeves. Becky and Laura Carter of Velvet Leaf showed girlish dresses alongside ultrashort skirts and boxy tops, with solid geometric shapes in primary colors that gave the lineup a Mod feel. Meanwhile, eco-fashion darlings Chrys and Linda Wong of The Battalion showed edgy pieces, but while the minis, ruched tops and ruffled one-shoulder dresses had a sophisticated undercurrent, the busy styling (out-of-place black lace veils, chunky jewelry) overshadowed what could have been a strong collection. Finally, Lizz Wasserman’s Popomomo line featured basic cotton T-shirts, short skirts and oversize sundresses in a neutral palette.