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Fashion Fights Poverty is honored to feature some of the most innovative designers, artisans and creative collectives from around the world. Each designer, committed to principles of social responsibility, eco-sustainability and community development, has either graced the FFP catwalk or provided products for editorials in the Dress Responsibly look book.

The FFP team is always on the look-out for designers and organizations to feature either on the runway, the look book or in our promotional materials (for example, our website and promo cards). If interested, please contact Elaine Mensah, FFP Fashion Director, at emensah@fashionfightspoverty.org.

ANNATARIAN

Anna Mkhitarian, a native of Los Angeles, graduated Otis College of Art and Design in 1996. From there she worked as a designer at various Los Angeles based manufacturers where she traveled to Europe, China, Korea, and Thailand for the production of her designs. Her designs have sold and were popularized at a variety of hotspots, including Fred Segal in L.A. and high-end boutiques in St. Tropez. Her work has appeared on popular 90Õs TV shows like Friends and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and has been worn by many other celebrities including Cher and Alicia Silverstone.

After Sepember 11th Anna decided to put her vision of an eco-effective company into action by creating Annatarian. While creating her eco-couture dresses and eco-couture bridal gowns she curated and put on art exhibits with the focus being on peace, eco design, transformation, and animal rights. These shows featured artists like Takashi Tanemori, a Hiroshima survivor, among other artists from all over the world, whose works reflected the theme of her shows.

Anna's designs show that beauty does not need to be sacrificed in order to create art and fashion that supports our people and our planet. She uses vintage and organic fabrics and works with the principles of Eco-Effective design. Eco-Effective design is based on giving back to the environment, making a positive impact and designing in a way where there is no waste. Each piece of clothing she makes is a work of art and increases in value. Each make a statement like when a vintage kimono is combined with a muu muu, or fabrics from different cultures who have been at war are combined, a unique and new beauty and perspective is created.
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KAYCE ARMSTRONG

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Kayce Armstrong began making clothes in high school for herself out of necessity but quickly got voted as the best dressed girl in school. It was the start of a fashion career that includes modeling, designing, recycling and redesigning.

In fact that is Armstrong's slogan for her "Art of Shade" label, where recycling old garments or any useable material into a totally new redesigned garment is the core of her creativity. By not following the mainstream school of designing, Armstrong is able to create genuinely unique clothing that is an art installation of its own, demanding attention and respect for how it came together. In fact most women who have the good fortune to wear her designs have been so taken away with the beauty of the garments and the attention they got that the demand is altogether furious and overwhelming

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ERIC FINN

Matthew ERIC Landsberg starting out in structured finance and asset-backed securities, but he soon realized the money isn't always greener working for someone else. He decided to make a 180-degree turn, leave securities (and security) and start Eric Finn Custom Clothiers. Working with and learning from master tailors, Matt has built a successful custom clothing company, catering to the needs of numerous top executives, politicians, entrepreneurs, celebrities and professional athletes (and anyone else that appreciates perfect fitting clothes).

Landsberg prides himself on helping men find balance and proportion in their clothes. His product consistently helps clients feel confident and comfortable when wearing Eric Finn attire. Matt uses his strict eye for detail to make fine adjustments in every aspect of the garment where off-the-rack clothes fall short (in many cases, literally). The Eric Finn house style is inspired by English tailoring and quality. However, as everything is custom made, the Eric Finn tailors are uniquely capable of creating anything a client can dream up. Based on creative client ideas, clothes are created with individuality in mind with a unique lining here, a contrasting thread there, a certain pocket here. For those that need guidance through the process, Matt has worked with hundreds of clients, helping them navigate the numerous options for creating a suit, sport jacket, tuxedo or shirt. Matt's attention to detail and efforts in keeping clients happy has helped Eric Finn attain a remarkable client base and has created demand for Eric Finn clothing outside of DC. Under Landsberg's direction, Eric Finn Custom Clothiers has built client basesin New York, Baltimore, Miami and San Francisco.

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MAE

Born and raised in the magical forext by the springs of situations, little Mae Ho sewed silkened fog and multilayered it on occasion, saving the land from being common, set apart from make-believe, she journeyed into the real world, cutting patterns through time and space, by means of constant movement her layouts so enhanced - vintage textures that she's using, fabric from another land, trim to fit any figure, yet edgy as you can see, Mae's feminine to the touch with her eye on imagery.

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ADELE WECHSLER

“For the bride who cares about the world in which she lives”

I think it is essential for each of us to try and make individual efforts on this earth, no matter how small, in order make an overall difference!

It is this approach that brought me to the Eco Couture collection-it is my way offering brides an option of doing something for the world on her special day.  

A collection with simple, modern silhouettes made in fabrics, which are certified organic Hemp and silk and vegetable dyed. We have incorporated the use of remnant fabrics and lace and every piece is produced with Fair Trade Labor in Toronto, Canada. The organic elements of the gowns combine together to create a romantic fusion of modern yet feminine simplicity.

For me it is not just about designing another gown, and a new collection, it is about designing gowns with heart and soul. For an Adele Wechsler bride it is not just about the dress, it is about finding a dress that “speaks” to who you are as a woman. A gown that enhances your personality and inner beauty and says something about who you are as a human being!

It is an honor and a privilege to play a role in a woman’s special day, we have a responsibility to provide a positive and seamless experience and with Eco Couture, we have the chance to do our part to change the world!

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Lookbook Contributors

BLINK EYEWEAR

Eyewear continues to be the most important adornment in our daily life, even as the fashion world strips away jewelry and other accessories for the minimalist look. People will always have a need for the privacy and mystery that sunglasses provide. BLINK offers the most impressive collection of internationally designed and handmade frames - updated classics with enduring quality and style. However, our expertise is not only with frames. We also specialize in the best optics available, including world-renowned Zeiss premium lenses. My philosophy is "Clean, Pure, Modern and Distinctive Eyewear".

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ANDREW BUCKLER

Buckler is a menswear line which melds the Roguish American icon with a Brit edge. Andrew Buckler disregards the universal monotony which plagues menswear, evading uniformity by superimposing eccentric undertones with classic silouettes. Buckler is worn by such personalities as Motley Crue's Tommy Lee, The Rolling Stones, Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, Liam Gallagher, Giovanni Ribisi, the band Rock and Roll, Shia LaBeouf, Ashley Parker Angel, the Keane band, the Paddingtons, Panic at the Disco, Mika, Andrew Eckert, and the HBO Entourage cast.

Launched in 2001, Buckler has stayed true to it's original aesthetic conception: English Bloke meets New York. The designs are tailored, versitile, masculine, and sexy, brought to life with quality textiles from the U.S. and Italy.

Bucker has grown since it's initialtion and now sells in London, Paris, Japan, and Canada. On April 12th, 2005 Andrew made New York's "Meatpacking District" the subterannean home for his first flagship store. Two more locations have been opened this year at 13 Grand Street in New York's SoHo and at 35 Artillery Lane in London, with the anticipated opening of a third Canadian store due mid-summer.

Developing as an international name, Buckler continues to be an innovative menswear company. Andrew is very hands-on with all aspects of design...simultaneously creating unique environments to display his collection. Andrew executes his vision: A brand for "blokes."

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CROW

At Crow we make sustainability, social change, health, and community a stylish part of our everyday lives. We create sustainable, fashion forward clothing combined with an interactive resource-driven Web cafe where you can come to shop, learn, connect, and enhance your life, your planet and your wardrobe. We work hard to bring you the best so you can be your best.

We see the many ways our society can change and we help to make that possible. We invest in social change, value physical health, stimulate intellectual growth, and protect our environment. Crow is written in all caps to remind us that all issues are equal, and that when we connect many aspects of social change, including our own personal growth, we are strong, bold and powerful.

Whether you are looking for a great new party dress, a resource on social issues, or a great fitness routine, you can turn to Crow.

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DEKKA

DCAFAM DEKKA is a new concept for U Street shopping. The boutique will be a co-op, bringing together work from local clothing and accessory designers, visual artists, and musicians. They also intend to be a space to host events for the art, music, and fashion communities.

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DINORAH HANDBAGS

All Dinorah handbags are handmade in Colombia using pinewood and leather. This collection introduces a variety of colors that represent the nature found in Colombian landscapes.

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JACK MACKENROTH

Project Runway star Jack Mackenroth is originally from Seattle, Washington where he lived with his mother, brother and sister. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a double degree in Fine Arts and Sociology. He moved to New York in 1991 to attend the prestigious Parsons School of design where he studied Fashion Design. Fresh out of Parsons, Jack opened a menswear store in the uberchic West Village called 'Jack'. There he showcased new designers along side upscale brands such as Gaultier Junior, Diesel and John Richmond. In 1997 he went to work for Tommy Hilfiger, designing knits for the women's line and doing fashion illustrations for the entire division. From there he went back into menswear designing for the Slates brand under the Levis umbrella. Before appearing on Season 4 of Project Runway he was the Design Director at Weatherproof Active wear for the past 4 years.

Jack has always been very open about his positive HIV status. Since his diagnosis in 1990 he has tried to combat the stigma of HIV by living honestly and being a role model through professional and athletic achievements. He believes that public visibility educates and eventually saves lives. He has worked with HIV/AIDS charities such as God's Love We Deliver and Project Open Hand, which deliver meals to homebound people with AIDS. Each year his swim team organizes a benefit event that raises over $25,000 annually for local AIDS charities. He hopes to further disprove the myths about HIV throughout his experience on Project Runway and beyond.

Currently Jack is developing his own line of men's dress shirts and dress pants and hopes to expand into all aspects of men's sportswear. He is also working on a memoir about his life experiences. The runway is just beginning.

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LILY!LILY!

Lily Lily!T is an online boutique carrying unique and high quality women's apparel and accessories. Established in August 2007, LilyLilyShop.com focuses on international designers - established overseas or with an international flair - as well as hard to find and unique US contemporary designers, for a selection of fashion-forward pieces mixed in with classic choices that will last forever. From Europe to Africa to the US, Lily Lily! is the Ultimate Shopping EscapeT for the picky shopper who loves that special find and stands out wherever she goes. Lily Lily! also favors handmade items - to show its appreciation for culture, craftsmanship and community support.

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MEEPS

Meeps, one of DC's longest-running and best-loved vintage shops, offers timeless clothing for women and men as well as a small collection of local designer wares. Whether you are one of the initiated and wear vintage by day, or you simply need a funky outfit for your next theme party, you'll stand a good chance of finding something unique and inspiring here."

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ORANGIA

FFP - Miami featured Orangia, the collective vision of Miami-based fashion designer Janelle Funair and graphic artist and designer Rodrigo Londono. This duo has created a look that fuses all aspects of their design talents including architecture, graphic design, theory, structure, couture, and craftsmanship. Their line was conceived upon the belief that comfort can come with elegance. Tired of finding clothing too fitted and uncomfortable, Orangia decided to create designs that captured the coziness of a favorite T-shirt with the mystical lure of a timeless couture piece.

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REISS UK

REISS is a brand we recently fell in love with after visiting their Manhattan flagship store.The brand, which has been around since 2000, delivers men's and women's contemporary clothing that is stylish, individual and sexy. REISS produces it's own clothing exclusive to it's stores.

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RENEE Q

Renee Q Boateng is the mastermind behind ReneeQ Accessories. Our Accessories range in style from necklaces, pendants and earings, bracelets, anklets, cufflinks, hair pieces, facinators and many more.

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SIMPLY SOLES

In the spirit of recycling, SimplySoles is dedicated to helping women in need. While only fulfilling a small niche of the global needs of women, SimplySoles has teamed up with Suited for Change, a non-profit organization in the Greater Washington DC area that provides professional clothing and accessories for women transitioning from homeless shelters, jail, and/or drug rehabilitation programs. To help us with this quest, simply order a pair of shoes from SimplySoles and return a pair of your donated shoes to us - any size and shape will do so long as they can be worn in a professional setting. In recognition for your generosity, we will give you 10% off your next order.

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