GGN: Was Warwick born from an affinity for vintage style or a passion to create sustainable products?

Both definitely contributed to the concept for Warwick, though I think both are related. I love vintage because I like that something considered old or past its time can be revived and worn as something new, unique and stylish.

I have always felt as a society we often are wasteful with valuable things (even things like food and water) and I think that perspective has enhanced my passion for sustainable fashion and design. I lived in San Francisco 6 years and the people and industries there tend to be more environmentally aware in their concepts. I was living there when i decided to open Warwick and I think it had a definite impact on the way I conceived the store.

GGN: How was Warwick received by the public when it opened its doors in 2008?

We were lucky because I opened right at the beginning of the holiday season so I think people were excited at the newness of the store and the affordability of the merchandise. That being said, I think we've continued to have a good relationship with the community here in Echo Park. We are truly devoted to it and love being able to offer Echo Park and its friends great items at a reasonable price. It's a recession and affordable style is really relevant right now. 

GGN: Do you use only recycled/vintage materials or do you integrate eco-friendly fabrics into your designs as well?

We mostly use recycled vintage but if we do use any new fabric we always try to be eco- friendly in our selections. Sometimes that can be difficult but I'm proud to say in almost every piece we "restyle" there is an element of vintage in it. We also try to incorporate as much "dead stock" in our designs when we do need fresh fabric. Dead Stock means that the fabric is vintage but has never been used to make anything. We also try to be sustainable in our shop with the products we use to do the interiors and displays. All the furniture, racks and display pieces are recycled from my grandmother's collection or old shows we participated in and sometimes old displays that we break apart and rebuild into something new. The paint and lightbulbs are also eco-friendly. So we try to do little things to contribute beyond the clothes.

GGN: Please tell us a bit about Eco-in-the-Echo and what the show will focus on?

Eco-in-the-Echo is all about recognizing sustainable fashion, art and design at Warwick. The month of November will be dedicated to featuring artists and designers of all sorts who are either bringing awareness to or participating through their work in the environmental movement.

GGN: Why do you think sustainable fashion is important to the current societal state?

In terms of American society--we're very wasteful. We want what's in style and what's new and when we're done with it we want to throw it away. I believe there is a way to look hot, to own things that are contemporary, unique and at times extraordinary and for all of it to be recycled from something that already exists and is fabulous. I also believe this can be done at an affordable price. We as an American society are finally considering ways that as individuals we can have sustainable lifestyles which is fantastic so including fashion into that movement supports a timely and important global issue.

Eco in the Echo will commence Thursday, October 29 at Warwick located at 1461 1/2 W. Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles. For more information visit www.warwickshop.com or contact
 

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