NYFW/Fall 2012 - Gretchen Jones

One of my favorite project runway winners (season 8), Gretchen Jones, took us into a dark desert dreamscape for the upcoming fall season. The now Brooklyn based Gretchen has an uncompromising dedication to social and environmental consciousness. You would never know it by looking at her clothes which have a modern, sophisticated and effortless ease to them. She has partnered with savethegarmentcenter.org, a NYC-based organization focusing on ethical business partners. Gretchen only works with natural textiles, leather, silk, bamboo, wool, linen, organic cotton, wood, brass and gemstones. 


This collection of shadows and light was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's - The Raven and Carroll's novel, The Looking Glass, as seen through Gretchen's Southwestern roots. The bohemian queen describes her collection as "90s grunge reinterpretation of classic 40s feminity." The collection was full of sumptuous texture in the form of brushed wool and basket weaves, desert hues, beautiful Ikats and dark, moody floral prints with a nod to Southwestern Navajo inspired turquoise jewellary adding a pop of colour. Skirt silhouettes were long, paired with oversized wide floppy brimmed hats, heavy brown brogues and square toed Durango ankle boots. 


This collection was made on home grown soil in the US and all digital prints were created by Gretchen. The printed fabrics are created with http://www.airdye.com/, and eco-friendly dye house that utilizes technology minimizing water usage and waste creation.