LA has glommed onto the idea of going green.  Parking lots at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods packed with Priuses and other bio-burners, are almost as bad as the 405 traffic jams themselves. Organic is a buzzword in today's diet talks. And who hasn't tried the Master Cleanse Detox or an incredible yoga session at Yoga Works?  The fashion world has followed suit in Hollywood's eco-obsession. This year, LA Fashion Week boasted several organic clothing lines, Vanity Fair printed their third annual Green issue, many boutiques have gone "paperless," and even Wal-Mart is advertising organic options.

The Avita Co-op, a hot new WeHo boutique, brought us into the essence of eco-friendly at their one-year anniversary fashion show.  Their down-to-Earth Day display showcased several designers, including Urban Fox, Manzella Spa Wear, Raw Earth, Wild Sky, and Unar from Iceland. The crowd was young, hip(pie), and vibrant. DJ Eric Jag spun some wicked world beats while blasting away on a twin set of congas, which kept the crowd rockin' while sipping on delicious green tea sake.

Jeeyun Ha Designs' long feathered earrings, made from feathers that were naturally dropped by what looked like a Quetzal, were stunning. The slender, brightly colored feathers accentuate the neckline and would add a unique touch to simple tops or a monotone frock. Urban Fox's lingerie line with cute frills and itsy bitsy boy shorts was to die for. Unar's dresses had fantastic movement and flow on the runway, as well as some hot, fresh spring colors. One of Avita's own pieces, a suspendered khaki recycled cashmere skirt, was an absolute knockout. Avita's boutique hosts both local and worldly designers that use either recycled, organic, fair-trade, or animal testing free materials, including bamboo, hemp, and plant fibers.

Amanda Shi, owner and creator, started the co-op, located on 3^rd and Harper, after a lifetime of working in and around fashion. Her parents run a cashmere factory in Tianjin, China, where she grew up. Always obsessed with designing and creating, the young Shi hopped from China to Vancouver, then Vancouver to LA, where she's actualized her passion for fashion. 

Once in LA, she started using the byproducts and leftovers from her parents' factory to create unique recycled cashmere sweaters, which Shi says "have gone over really well in the winter months." Dressed in canary yellow dress and handmade-ribboned heels, she is humble about her accomplishments, and sees the Co-op expanding to "include more designs, new natural materials, and naturally inspired artwork and books. We're always looking for more options."

The Avita Co-op really hit it, showing us all that granola-sheik has arrived in style (in a bio-diesel of course).

Avita Co-op: 8213 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048; www.avitastyle.com

WANT EVEN MORE GREEN FASHION?  THEN READ THIS!