Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Eco-Centric: Milk Does a Body Good

The "Green Scene" has been trying to steadily catapult itself into mainstream fashion, however, consumer rejection and hesitation has slowed the process of the trend penetrating designer collections. Eco-friendly apparel hasn't been as 'consumer friendly' as one might think. We all go green with cars and household cleaners, so why the hesitation when it comes to your clothes?

The companies that have continued to pursue the green side of fashion have tapped into a world once thought of as impossible. Organic cotton is the most commonly known organic fiber. Next to cotton, comes bamboo. Who would have thought we could strip the fibers from bamboo sticks to make soft luscious towels, robes and comfy tees while at the same time installing it in our homes as durable flooring? 

On the contrary of these solid and weighted fibers, there is milk.  We all know that milk is good for your body, but is it good for your wardrobe? The majority of us have enjoyed steamed milk in our Starbuck's misto's, but how about steaming your cream into a fiber that creates a cashmere and silk-like fabric? That's some milk that might be hard to swallow... with the exception of one creative soul.



The milky fabric was created by Italian textile designers and is said to be as durable and sustainable as it is comfortable.  Fashion designer, Casey Larkin has welcomed this fabric into her world and created a creamy line of fashion for her San Francisco based Mr. Larkin brand.  From this, Larkin has produced body skimming gowns which seem to be "doing the body good."


Mr. Larkin is known for capturing eco-luxury in its label with styles that are created of organic fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton and cupro, which is a cotton that utilizes the entire cotton plant allowing you to see specs of  seeds and leaves for an uber organic look. Now, she has added milk to the list of usable organic matter. 

One of the luscious pieces in her milk collection is the linen colored dress featured to the right. By looking at it, you would never guess the content label would read "milk". But, milk can be draped and shaped and, as mentioned, feels like a blend of cashmere and silk which makes this piece look both stylish and cozy.

Mr. Larkin has changed the minds of the people who once juggled the thought of wearing organic clothes. Those who are familiar with the brand are seeking to get their hands on a piece so they, too, can have more than just a glass of milk. Even celebrities such as Anne Hathaway have been spotted wearing a Mr. Larkin Milk gown.  One by one, we are realizing that you can dip more into your milk than just cookies.