Interview: Doie Designs

(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 16, 2008)

Interview with Sara Kirsner, Designer behind Doie Designs

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

Today I am wearing the Ku De Ta dress, in black, from my Spring ‘08 collection. The dress is named after a popular bar in Bali. It is so comfortable and cute- I have been living in it. I would say the Ku De Ta dress and the Uluwatu dress (also from my Spring ‘08 collection) are my favorite pieces in my closet right now.

I am starting to include a lot more eco-friendly pieces into my wardrobe, now that they are much more accessible. I also try to wear my own designs as much as possible.

What inspired you to start an eco-friendly line? What kinds of materials do you use? Why?

I started out using regular cotton. After my first collection was produced, I was showing it to my friend’s mom, who own Vivaterra.com a great website/catalogue featuring eco-lifestyle products. She loved my collection and asked if I could make a few pieces for her in a sustainable fabric such as bamboo or organic cotton. I really liked bamboo and after learning more about it I decided to continue using it for all of my future collections. My family is very environmentally conscious. It just seemed natural. After learning how environmentally disastrous cotton is, I will never go back.

Bamboo production is not completely virtuous as there are harmful chemicals used to breakdown the bamboo into fabric, but bamboo growth does not require any pesticides and is 100% sustainable. I am trying to incorporate more organic cotton and organic wool these days. I do use bamboo because it is environmentally friendly, but I also love the feel of it! It has the softest hand and it drapes so well.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorite designs?

The hoodies and tie pants always do well every season- they are so cute to wear around town and you can also lounge around the house in them for hours. I love the Ku De Ta dress and the Pasar dress from this current collection. Those two styles are selling very well.

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

I definitely agree! There are several ways to be “eco-friendly” that don’t have to do with the fabrics that are chosen. For example, I currently live in New York City and my line is produced just 10 blocks away from my apartment. Keeping the production local cuts down on fuel usage. I will be moving my production, and myself, to Los Angeles in two weeks. For right now, where my production is made is where I live. I also try to recycle boxes, paper and other office supplies needed to run my company.
I think it is important to know as much as possible about where something is made and what goes into it.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

If you can’t buy eco-friendly clothing, you should try to by vintage or already worn clothing. I also like to make sure that I buy pieces that can be worn for more than one season. This idea of “disposable fashion” at places like H&M, and Forever 21 is great for the wallet and a fun night out, but not so great for the environment.

Other easy tips for a greener lifestyle include, unplugging your cell phone charger or other items when you are not using them. They just suck energy! Always bring a reusable bag with you when shopping to cut down on paper and plastic bag consumption. Donate clothes and furniture, rather than just throwing it out. If you lower the room temp 2 degrees in winter and raise it 3 degrees in summer (hard to do with this heat wave!), you will prevent the emission of nearly 700 lbs of carbon dioxide a year! Try to take public transportation whenever possible and always recycle and turn off lights when they are not in use.

(check our list of coupon codes for current Doie Designs coupon codes)

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