At the tender age of twenty-five, Samantha Pleet debuted her fall 2006 collection. The looks were described as "intertwining elements of the dark, mysterious and fantastical - dandies and rogues of centuries past and lands afar - with a sense of modernity that is distinctly Pleet." Her designs soon became wildly popular, selling internationally at some of the most chic boutiques and clothing companies in the world, including Urban Outfitters. Pleet became so adored by second-wave hipsters everywhere that she began to dress indie bands including Au Revoir Simone, Chairlift, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Apache Beat.
The shocking part of Pleet's sweetly refreshing style? All of her post war designs are eco friendly, using sustainable materials to create ethical consciousness with class. The Philadelphian turned New Yorker also demands that her factory operate on wind power, conserving energy while creating her namesake vintagesque pieces. In 2009, Pleet received an Ecco Domani sustainability design award for her work on Bodkin Brooklyn, a project reworking old leather jackets into bags.
Her current spring/summer 2010 line doesn't fall short, and is nothing less than uniquely inspiring. The collection includes several high-waisted rompers, in neutral colors with feminine details such as oversized bows at the neckline, roping draped across one shoulder, and well-tailored pockets. Pleet also takes the 2010 fashion phenomenon of the romper one step further to the skort dress (a dress with shorts underneath), being careful to combine sweetheart cuts to prevent the design from looking too young. A large floral print theme, reminiscent of the 80s, adds flare and color to the line while still creating a cohesive boldly muted collection.
A favorite look from Samantha Pleet this summer is the vintage swimsuit. With micro-polka-dot print and flowing ruffles ornamenting the waist, this one piece is truly one-of-a-kind. The combination is a perfect combination of pretty, funky, urban and sexy to complement a perfect day at the beach.
Be sure to watch Samantha rock the runway in the fall 2010 Do-Gooder's Design Challenge, where she will be creating her own trashion look out of old newspapers to compete against four other eco designers to benefit green charities.
Designs from this eco-chic designer can be purchased at Urban Outfitters, but for the consumer as crazy about these eco designs as I am, don't hesitate as quantities are limited; sustainable fashion has never looked this good.
