Richly fabulous high-end designer sportswear has hopped in bed with the style-challenged sustainable movement - and it's all happening in New York at the 7th on Sixth catwalk on September 15th.   Collage Foundation founder, model and actor Angela Lindvall will be at the exclusive "Atelier" show to lend her own brand of eco-infused glam and support to breakout eco designer Linda Loudermilk.

by Leslie Billera

The eco designer in question is Linda Loudermilk, a renegade artist who merges the wonder of earth-generated textiles and couturier skill with fabrics made of sasawashi (Japanese leaves), bamboo, sea cell, soya and other exotic self-sustaining plants.   Loudermilk's one-of-a- kind brand of environmentally-loving textiles, or "herbal wovens" as they've been dubbed, have been developed via partnerships with artisan textile manufacturers from around the world.

In keeping with her commitment to the health of the planet, Loudermilk uses only eco-conscious materials and strives to maintain the utmost in responsible business practices. In return, nature-which she describes as "clean truth"-rewards her as an eternal source of creative inspiration. Each season, Loudermilk creates a theme that she features on T-shirts.   For Spring '06, she states "Water is a human right."   She has partnered with water philanthropists Ethos, with 100% of the profits going to Global Green's water initiative.   Her Spring collection, not surprisingly, is deeply influenced by water - muddy, clean, flowing, still, wild, rushing - all of which celebrates the power of water to transform, feed and cleanse both body and soul.

Luxury Eco Walks the Walk

Loudermilk's fashion love nest is mission control for the "luxury eco" marketplace, where "the clothing and accessories we wear, the products we use and the vehicles we drive are a perfect conduit for the spirit of this complex, colorful and rockin' earth." Shop 'til you drop, but keep our shared planet in mind.

The committed Loudermilk team insists on partnering only with wholly sustainable companies. They consult with European textile watchdog groups like Ökeo-Tex, organic cotton trade organizations and a host of nonprofits that are regularly defining and redefining the meaning of sustainability in the fashion business and beyond. "Our biggest challenge is not choosing the right options, but finding them," says Loudermilk.

Not surprisingly, Loudermilk insist on stringent labor standards, and all the clothes are sewn locally in Los Angeles. As her work moves towards greater recognition, Loudermilk acknowledges that some manufacturing will likely go overseas to meet increased demand. She assures that all the necessary homework on fair trade decisions will be checked and rechecked. In the meantime, her production staff of 25 continues to reap the rewards of working for the quintessential anti-sweatshop with perks like massages and free yoga classes at the studio across the street.

Loudermilk will open a retail home for the luxury eco marketplace in L.A., with the goal of growing it nationally.   Not surprising, the store will be an experience, "I want visitors to feel the physical connection between earth and sky," says Loudermilk. Preliminary design plans include a floor made to look like dirt, a ground level water pool and an open-sky ceiling. Visitors will be able to read environmental literature in the "eco lounge," make tea in the communal kitchen and chill out in the enviro-inspired interior.

Hollywood Bling

After hearing about the intense breathability of bamboo jersey and the artistic possibilities inherent in reclaimed lace, it seemed fitting to find out what savvy actresses had gotten hip to Loudermilk's pricey collection. Jennifer Beals, Jane Fonda and Roseanna Arquette are among the Hollywood fashion divas stepping out in Loudermilk. And Debra Messing, who wears Loudermilk regularly on Will and Grace, flaunted a Loudermilk design on the cover of a recent TV Guide honoring her as the "Best Dressed Woman on TV."

Angela Lindvall, founder of the Collage Foundation and "best dressed environmentalist" per the Sustainable Style Foundation, is also a fan.   In fact, Angela played the role of "style ambassador" at the New York Fashion Week premier, sparking a beautiful relationship in more ways than one.