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THE GALLERY NYC via LA/Spring 2011

Agent R.E.D.Showroom, Garment Center NYC

The Gallery NYC is a bi-annual showcase for several LA based designers that take part in The Gallery LA- in October.

We always like to go and checkout the labels/collections --- as many of the exhibitors are owned by women and/or often have an eco MO--- to them.

 Smart sustainable chic.

In no particular order...we first admired colorful array of jewelry with a Carib/Miami vibe...from the MIA MILANO Collection. Handmade over sized rings (that can be re-sized around)... about $100 caught our fancy.


Other pieces made from beads, shells, or semiprecious stones---add flair to any outfit.

Hailing from Down Under, Kooey is a well established, fashion forward swimwear label in Australia--- that takes its design elements from the continent's central desert landscape and indigenous heritage via artist Anne Hanning's work.




















Note---separates are sold separately (YES) for that perfect fit...and there is also a line of resort wear with reversible pieces---all shipped world wide off the e-commerce site. (USA  around $60-$150)

We felt positively slackerish (and helicopter parents should too)...after our terrif chat with the young Rachel Faller---the amazing, seriously--- entrepreneur at the helm of KEOKJAY DESIGNS.


Based in Cambodia, this two years old company employs HIV positive women ---to collect old tees, recut, resew/ design, dye (using natural veg or nut dyes that are 80% edible WOW),...and in general repurpose materials into some of the nicest soft vintage feel-like tees out there.

Western tastes merged with Cambodian flair...KEOKJAY  also sells some cool, intricately hand crafted/woven/crotchet tops/tunics/dresses made from silky bamboo that would look boho fabulous anywhere.

"Every design is inspired by Cambodia----and a life that is modern," Faller told us. "For this collection of tees, it's about traffic...it's insane."

Yup- we have been there and agree---and love how the lights and traffic signs are interpreted in shades of gray and amoebic shapes.

We were thinking West Coast Trash & Vaudeville--- when we saw a selection of youthful, vintage feel/music inspired separates of Tokyo/LA fused Joy Rich.











Oh say can you see---this contemporary lifestyle brand with serious nods to pop culture--- has two stores (Melrose and the Harajuku section of Tokyo)....and a new collab with Le SportsSac...
We saw lots of fun cottony animal prints leggings/tees, sequins/studs on denim with several types of finishes, vibrantly hued leather jackets with rrrrr...all fun and in keeping with the MO "to simply be rich in joy..." (Prices range from $45 for tees up to $225 for leather jackets).

MAKE LOVE NOT TRASH helps all fashionistas to "reduce, reuse, and recycle...and look sharp doin' it."














Eco aware, affordable and made from non-toxic materials...we thought the new organic denim tassel collection of zip flap bags, drawstring duffels, crossbody saddle and Dr's bags--- with vegetan leather trim (not chemically died)--- a worthy and stylish addition to the line's signature collection of canvas hemp.



























OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS used to be the pros secret go to line of quality makeup with its airbrush worthy OCC SKIN, a water-based 100% oil-free liquid makeup that's HD ready and imparts a natural finish.

Now with Makeup Artist Katie Pellegrino joining David Klasfeld in this vegan products only company (YES)
...the brand is reaching out to consumers.

The new Lip Tar ($12.50) goes on glossy, dries to a demi-matte lipstick like finish--- tube packaged/easy to carry--- and comes in 32 shades including Trollop, a cranberry infused coral--- and Harlot, a cool-toned red.






































Also new are the quick drying, long wearing Nail Lacquer ($8 for 0.5 FL OZ) ---free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (30 shades)---with satin, metallic,  matte or shiny finishes. "A little goes a long way" we learned,,,






We actually use a bronzy Loose Colour Concentrate ($10 for 2.5g) ---that's a highly concentrated/pigment powder. It's so ultra-refined we mix a dab with several makeup staples---foundation, eye cremes, blushes etc...for the shimmer, sun-kissed glow where we want it.





Joanno Seeto is a very interesting woman---who has infused her collection, "Wishcraft™" with a whole lot of good karma.





Necklaces, fabulous drop earrings, bracelets and rings are made of precious and semi-precious materials, priced accordingly....

...and all have items "incorporate symbols to help you focus on your life."


Eco fashion house JONÅNO ("live well" Sammi language) is designed by Bonnie Siefers...a visionary, we think. Modern in feel, the separates we saw were made of fabrics this gal developed herself: "ecoKashmere®" and "eColorgrown®."







Pretty pieces...for Spring 2011, themed "Majorca"---our fav items are the fisherman knit sweater, the chenille lace top, and the work friendly shift dress and coat, both lined with a silky bamboo...AND all made from sustainable and/or organic materials.

Silky soft--- the green textiles drape well and are made for wash and wearing... magically starting out as  sustainable crops like bamboo, flax, cotton, hemp, waste corn and wild "peace" silk.