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"Green Initiative" Grows Hope for LA Fashion Week

In a week of less than inspired runway offerings, the Green Initiative show that unfolded on Stage One at the Mercedes-Benz/Smashbox Studios was a breath of fresh air. Made even greener by the pots of bamboo plants that lined the runway, the self-styled "Humanitarian Fashion Show" was the brainchild of Mikey Koffman, of the pr/marketing company The Gallery Los Angeles. She gathered six designers with an eco bent, and presented a lively show that got celeb front-row fans Amy Smart, Anna Getty, and Shar Jackson and the rest of the packed room rockin'.

M the Movement designed by Simplicio Michael Luis led off, with two break-dancing guys followed by a men's line of jeans, sweaters, tailored shirts, and jackets, all made of sustainable materials. All looked chic and comfortable, and especially good on the male models, who grinned happily at the audience while bursting into a break dance routine for the assembled photographers at the end of the runway.

Next up was Lady Muse by Mathilde, whose beautiful line of Edwardian-inspired, limited edition "desposyni" coats (shown for both men and women) are constructed with what she calls "rescued fabrics." Those are rich tapestry materials, in various color combinations, from a crimson and gold combo to a cream and white, all with elaborate designs, wide cuffed sleeves and front flap pockets. Shown with leggings or slightly flared slacks, the luxurious Lady Muse coats were the highlight of the show.

Andira Rain Tees changed things up next, with two shirtless guys playing bongos, to accompany their women's line of shocking-toned leggings – hot pink, lime green, etc. – all shown with strategically cut out holes down the sides, shades of the "Flashdance" look of the early Eighties! Shown with tee shirts with deconstructed backs that lace up, the company supports the Costa Rican rain forest with every shirt sold.

Canadian company Lilikoi sent Hawaiian hula girls out to dance on the runway, then designer Barbara Boswell followed with her women's collection of pencil skirts paired with form-fitting tees, over-the-knee dresses paired with leggings, and wrap dresses á la Diane von Furstenberg, all created using cloth made of bamboo, soy, organic cotton, and linen.

Vintage China had Chinese scarf dancers, then sent both men's and women's looks out. For him, dress shirts with Chinese paintings screen printed across the front, and a dark suit jacket with the company's Chinese character logo done in glitter rhinestones across the back shoulders. For her, mostly casual looks, pencil-thin grey jeans topped by a sheer grey blouse, for example. The most innovative look of the night presented by Vintage China design pair Andrew Wong and Deacon Yu was a denim evening gown, with a fitted bodice and huge bottom (including a train) made of crazily patched-together pieces of light and dark denim. The model could barely walk in it, but it drew gasps and cheers from the fashionistas in the crowd.

Finally, Rene Geneva Design presented her line of corset-based eveningwear, satin dresses, and micro minis, all made with handmade organic textiles. And while the hooded red satin dress seemed a bit too Little Red Riding Hood-ish, Geneva's corset designs brought an innovative, flattering look to the last of the Green Initiative runway show, one of the best of the week so far at LA Fashion Week.

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