Eco-Designer Carrie Parry Bringing Summer Color to the Big Apple With Classic Fashions

Photo by Carrie Parry.

Expanding her recognition in New York City, Carrie Parry hosted a “Pop Up Shop” over the weekend featuring her designs and also participated in last month’s Designers and Agents annual spring Green Room exhibition that showcases emerging fashion designers and their use of eco-friendly materials, sustainable production practices, and supporting local and fair trade labor.

Parry’s style themes are best described as revolving around the ideas of tailored sophistication within simple looks that also have a bit of whimsy. She says as much as possible she uses eco-friendly renewable materials, and recycled materials.

Some of my favorite fashions from her collections are her colorblock sleeveless dress, V neck sleeveless blouse with its removable scarf, and her pleated skirt.

The colorblock dress has a nice causal look that can be dressed up with a belt for going out at night. The material is 88 percent recycled polyester and 12 percent spandex jersey.

Photo by Carrie Parry.

The V neck blouse has a flowing look with a red and white polka dot print made from 100 percent hand-woven silk georgette. The blouse is very versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on what kind of pants or skirt you dress it with. Silk or polyester for a night out, or paired with jeans for a day of shopping. The ponytail scarf is detachable for added versatility.

Photo by Carrie Parry.

Parry’s pleated skirt is also beautiful with a classic look that’s also versatile. It has a high waistband with beautiful knife pleats and an A-line silhouette. The fully lined skirt is about 18 inches long and the company recommends ordering a size up.

The skirt’s color is a purple-gray mesh made with 100 percent bemberg cupro, which is a pure cellulose fiber from the linter of the cotton plant. The material is fully biodegradable.

This skirt is versatile because it can be worn during the summer with a short sleeve shirt and sandals, and can be winterized with thick stockings and a long sleeve shirt.

Parry’s other garments include the use of materials including organic merino wool, organic cotton, and lyocell (commonly known by the brand name Tencel).

Another great thing is that Parry produces her designs locally in the New York City garment district, and gets many of her materials and textiles from artisan communities worldwide that work under fair trade labor consitions. Parry also won the Ethical Fashion Forum’s 2011 Innovation Award.

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