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by Carrie Pollare, Editor
Wow, has the eco fashion business come a long way over the past year. It seems like only yesterday we were struggling to find fashion forward sustainable designers to write about. Now, we have an abundance of very talented artists, all using sustainable and recycled materials and changing the face of eco friendly fashion as we know it. As 2008 draws to a close, we thought we’d ring it out with our picks for the year’s top eco fashion designers (in alphabetical order).
Note: Click on the name of the designer to see the original White Apricot story.
THE BEST OF FASHION
Bahar Shahpar
Bahar Shahpar has an incredible talent for creating classic, very wearable pieces, but always with playful fresh design elements. Her pieces are timeless wardrobe staples that you’ll go to again and again. www.baharshahpar.com. Available at www.nimli.com 
and www.embodies.com
Burning Torch
No wonder this collection, created by designer Karyn Craven, has a big celebrity following. Its strength lies in bold, boho chic, statement pieces, made from recycled vintage garments. www.burningtorchinc.com
Deborah Lindquist
The Queen of Recycled Cashmere has branched out quite a bit into new sustainable fabrics, not to mention an insanely fabulous wedding collection, but we still love the cashmere sweaters, scarves, fingerless gloves and hats with her signature appliqués. See the collection at www.deborahlindquist.com. Order or inquire at info@deborahlindquist.com.
ecoSkin
When it comes to beautiful, sophisticated dresses, no one does it like Sandy Skinner of ecoSkin. Each one manages to be understated and elegant, but with a whole lot of sexy and just the right amount of detail. You’ll turn heads…we promise. www.ecoskincollections.com
Lara Miller
Lara gets our vote for the most innovative designer, because her entire premise is that each of her avant garde dresses and tops can be worn many different ways. You essentially get more than one piece in one piece! Now that’s fashion forward, as well as budget helpful. Largest selection available at www.embodies.com.
Larsen Gray
We’d call this collection clean and polished, but always with a few in your face bold details to liven things up. There’s a lot of flair going on here. One of the two designers, Nora Caliguri, appeared on the first season of Project Runway. The other, Rachelyn Porter, came from Chanel. Available at www.shopbop.com
Linda Loudermilk
Having coined and trademarked the term, “luxury eco™,” Linda Loudermilk is eco couture at its edgiest best. She’s also been a true innovator in working with new sustainable fabrics in her designs, like SeaCell (seaweed), Ingeo (corn) and EcoSpun (recycled plastic bottles). Go to www.lindaloudermilk.com to see the collections and find a store near you.
Organic by John Patrick
We think of John Patrick as the eco friendly Armani with sleek, elegant, classic styles and lines, done in sustainable fabrics. He was nominated this year as one of 10 finalists for Designer of the Year by CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Initiative. Go to www.johnpatrickorganic.com to see the collection and find a store near you.
Popomomo
Designer Lizz Wasserman, who got her start designing for Urban Outfitters and Free People, has created a collection that is fun, whimsical and always has an unexpected element. A dress, for example, may look simple enough from the front, but the back has marvelous, artful cut-outs. Go to www.popomomo.com to see the collection and find a store near you.
Prairie Underground
Fleece at its finest, this collection is not your basic sweats. In fact, it has one of our single favorite casual pieces of the year…the signature Prairie Hoodie. Created by Davora Linder and Camilla Eckersley, the pieces make a bold statement but are very comfy at the same time. www.prairieunderground.com Available at www.thegreenloop.com and www.nimli.com.
Stewart+Brown
Who knew that Yak Down and Mongolian Cashmere could be so luscious! Truly one of the pioneers in the eco fashion movement, Stewart+Brown draws a lot of its inspiration from nature to create mostly casual, wearable clothes. The sweaters are truly inspiring! Husband and wife team, Karen Stewart and Howard Brown, worked for such big names as Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, J.Crew and Patagonia before launching their own highly successful line. www.stewartbrown.com
Velvet Leaf
We just love this line, designed by two sisters, Laura and Becky Carter, who are never afraid to take chances in their highly creative styles and the result is hip standout pieces with great detail. www.shopvelvetleaf.com
Viridis Luxe
With effortless, elegant clothes, made mostly from their signature exclusive cashmere and hemp blend, Viridis Luxe clothing is chic and sexy, with flowing lines that drape beautifully on the body. www.viridisluxe.com Available at www.nimli.com.
