Designers - Spring/Summer '08
Amias Project (Tanzania)
“From a land far away... Whether you buy for yourself or a gift for others, you are spreading the story of Africa, hope and something beautiful.”
In the African language of the nomadic Barabaig tribe of Tanzania, Amias means beautiful. The Amias Project specializes in hand-made, fair-trade accessories inspired by traditional Barabaig fashions.
A herding, Nilo-Cushitic culture, the nomadic Barabaig migrated from the Horn of Africa to the Great Rift Valley about 3,000 years ago, settling in what is now Tanzania. They have long been a feared rival to the well-known Maasai tribe. While wealthy in cattle and spirit, the Barabaig have struggled against increasing hardship and opposition to their traditional culture. Now they seek ways to both advance themselves and to save that culture.
For centuries, the nomadic Barabaig tribe of East Africa has roamed the plains and savannas, adorning themselves with beautiful rings, bracelets, and jewelry. Through the Amias Project, the Barabaig now want to send their beautiful things and their stories around the world.
On one return to Tanzania, Nichole Smaglick, founder of, was reunited with a wise, old Barabaig woman named Udada. She gave Nichole a bracelet and told her, “When you go home, use this to tell others about me.” With that, the idea of Amias was born.
Since then, the project has mobilized over 200 Barabaig men and women in central Tanzania to design and craft jewelry and handbags inspired by traditional fashions. The project aims to uplift and empower traditional culture. It also helps generate significant income and educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Amias and its fair trade mission have allowed families to find stability in a region wracked by hardship and frequent drought. More parents now send their children to school, and they have enough food in times of need. They are increasing their livestock and making plans for the future.
Amias, in the ancient language of the Barabaig, means “beautiful.” So when wearing Amias jewelry or handbags, always remember that you are wearing hope, the story of the Barabaig, and something beautiful.
Avalove (Brooklyn, NY)
“To inspire and be inspired”
Out of Brooklyn, avalove is a poet self-publishing her work on her clothing designs. She views her prints as works of art and her body of clothing as the canvas. Each print is considered a lithograph, hand-printed, and limited edition.
Avalove draws her inspiration from branches, bodies of water, fields of city flowers, birds and botanics, feathers of all shapes and sizes, nature, nature, and more nature.
A small company, nothing is mass produced, and everything is printed in Fort Greene in Brooklyn. Handmade, limited editions “made with heart, and a dream.”
Avalove’s motto: to inspire and be inspired! and to create positive products for people to wear, and feel positive IN!
Chilli Pepper (London)
Chilli Pepper clothing, an innovative line from the United Kingdom, was created in 1985 in London, inspired by London’s 24 hour fashion culture. The clothing collection recently made its American debut in 2006. Chilli Pepper finds its muse in the independent fun-loving girl... she is young at heart and free-spirited. Her wardrobe reflects inspirational choices and girlie looks “peppered” with some carefully crafted eclectic pieces. Casual looks are customized with vintage references and bespoke details. Chilli Pepper fabrics are broken in and unique prints are collected from around the world.
Sustainable Collective by Convoy (Los Angeles)
“Know the source and live sustainably chic.“
Los Angeles, CA… Sustainable Collective by Convoy has set a whole new standard when it comes to green clothing lines: fashion forward. While the number of eco-friendly lines becoming available increases with each season, no other can boast being the only American brand to be invited to the 2007 Ethical PR show in Paris. On top of this, the company has also on been applauded for its designs on Daily Candy, WWD and German Elle. So what’s all the hype about? Sustainable Collective has only one target market in mind and that’s the fashionable. And with such a wide variety in their men’s and women’s wear lines, the company is soon to have a cult following for their convertible pieces with surprising placement of details which can transition easily from day to night and from season to season without losing the fresh feeling they had the day they came out of their non-plastic packaging.
The company is proud to use certified organic and recycled fabrics and plant and root-based dye techniques as well. For example, SOLEIL, the company’s latest custom dye, is a bright, citrus shade of lemon derived straight from weeds, which complements PLATNIUM, a pale silver pigment brewed from South American fair-trade teas. Paired with the company’s promise of a fair labor policy and its recycled fabrics, tags and packaging Sustainable Collective is lending a fashionable hand to not only the green movement but to everyone who can get their hands on these sleek pieces that look just as fantastic on the street as they do on the runway.
Whether it’s for an adventurous day or a chic night, fashionistas and their sweethearts can rest assure that their attire is not only helping them look the part, but also helping do their part.
Itsola (Tokyo/US)
USC Business School to Tokyo banking industry to fashion designer may not seem like a direct route, but Lauren Fong's clothing line, Itsola, tells a different story. Like the studied simplicity of the Japanese aesthetic, each piece in the collection achieves a stunning visual effect, but only after careful observation of each delicate detail is the real story unveiled.
Itsola's clean lines in metallic silks, flowing layers of chiffon, and the everyday comfort of rayon blends lead to a feminine fit and subtle sensuality that reflect the best elements of Japanese and American culture. Itsola is cutting edge right now because women are more eclectic and adventurous than ever before. Itsola offers women the simplicity, luxury and artistry integral to the lifestyle of the modern woman.
Lara Miller (Chicago)
“Wear it your way“
A graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, designer Lara Miller began her career in fashion while still in school. After interning with local designers, Lara began showcasing her garments at Wicker Park’s clothing boutique, p.45. The Lara Miller collections are now carried in 17 retail stores in the U.S.
Lara Miller’s quest is to keep fashion fun by creating sophisticated clothing that allows women to feel comfortable at work or at play. Lara designed the trademark FLIP® Line that allows you to enjoy wearing a garment in a variety of ways and project your own style to the world. You may ”flip“ a breezy halter dress into a stylish skirt or wrapped knits into fluent body accessories.
Almost all of her pieces are convertible! We can’t think of anything more fun or original, not to mention that she uses organic cotton.
Myolee London
A blend of beautiful designs, originality and luxurious fabrics at affordable prices.
Based in London, Myolee is the brainchild of Winnie Lee. Her signature style exhibits a contemporary manipulation of jersey and knitwear with a beautiful detailing twist. Myolee was launched in September 2005.
Combining a keen eye for wearable designs, intricate tailoring and casual femininity, Winnie Lee’s philosophy is that each piece can be paired easily – making them your wardrobe's essential element to staying stylish and fashionable.
The Spring/Summer 2008 collection's beautiful vintage styles pay homage to the romantic feminine touch - an ensemble of classic silhouettes with effortless elegance.
Zeto (Tokyo/US)
Designer Nami Ogawa, grew up in Tokyo, and had a mother who was a skilled seamstress. Inspired by her mother, she started designing and sewing her own clothes at the age of 11. But it did not occur to her to become a fashion designer until she started working in the fashion industry much later. At first, she was a ballerina, and went on to costume designing. Soon, however, she realized fashion design was her true vocation, and after gaining experience Benetton, American Eagle Outfitters, and designing for Stussy, Obey, and Roxy, she launched Zeto in 2001. Now she directs ZETO clothing as chief designer, and manages ZETO's flag ship store, Apartment.
Zeto blends form and function with its playful yet mature designs. Whether charmed by the subtle and intricate beauty of each garment or attracted by the clean, minimalist lines, each piece in Zeto’s collections are a declaration of individual expression.
Borrowing equal influence from both Japanese and American culture, Zeto’s sophisticated yet contemporary metropolitan aesthetic pays homage to the elegant styles of the past but with eyes fixed on the future.
Vanessa Barrantes/Shumaq Millma
Vanessa Barrantes grew up in Peru, where she learned the art of design and the traditions of her native country’s craftsmanship. Vanessa's love of the world of fashion led her to New York, where she currently lives and designs, but her love of her native Peru has remained in her vision. Using eco-conscious materials such as organically grown cotton, and manufacturing the clothing in Peru, Vanessa Barrantes has created more than just a sophisticated and beautiful line of clothing – she has created an example of socially responsible business. Vanessa Barrantes’ feminine and flirty dresses have an unmistakably retro look, they are at once sophisticated but playful.
