HONEST BY SPEAKS WITH VARIOUS 'GREEN-CONSCIOUS' DESIGNERS DURING PARIS FASHION WEEK. READ ALL ABOUT IT IN OUR REGULAR UPDATES AND INTERVIEWS, WHICH HOPE TO SHED LIGHT ON WHERE AND WITH WHOM THE ISSUE OF 'GREEN' DESIGN SITS.
ONE OF PARIS' HOTTEST NEW DESIGNERS, CALLA HAYNES, SHOWED HER NEW COLLECTION DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK THIS SEASON RECEIVING RAVE REVIEWS. WE MET CALLA IN PARIS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER DEBUT IN NEW YORK AND HER NEW COLLECTION FOR AW12/13.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR AW12/13 COLLECTION
This season, I was inspired by the life and travels of an interior decorator. The prints are inspired by interiors: upholstery, wood paneling and granite.

YOU SHOWED DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK THIS SEASON ARE YOU STILL PLANNING AN EVENT OR SHOWROOM IN PARIS?
We are, as usual, having a showroom in Paris. I'll also be doing some private appointments with journalists who didn't make it to the presentation.

HOW WAS IT FOR YOU TO PRESENT IN NEW YORK FOR THE FIRST TIME?
It was so exciting. I was invited by Milk Studios to present in their Loft space. They were so professional and amazing.
I think it is a real advantage to show in New York so early in the fashion schedule. The international fashion press is so much more receptive to seeing young designers in New York rather than Paris - maybe it has something to do with the electric energy of the city. It was great for the visibility of the brand.

HOW DIFFERENT IS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FROM PARIS FASHION WEEK?
It's funny because the New York fashion calendar is so overbooked, so saturated with 3-6 shows happening in every time slot rather than just 1-2 in Paris, but it's still easier for a young designer to have their collections seen and reviewed in New York rather than Paris. There's just a different energy. Perhaps as it's the first week of the month, everyone is just more hungry and enthusiastic about fashion.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO CONTINUE SHOWING IN NEW YORK?
I'm already thinking about September! I definitely want to go back.

HAVE YOU USED ANY EUROPEAN OR SUSTAINABLE FABRICS THIS SEASON? IF YES WHICH ONES? AND WHY?
ll of my prints this season are printed in Italy. I have a very special wool tweed that is Made in France by Malhia Kent.

WAS THIS A CONSCIOUS DECISION?
Italian and French fabrics are very dear to me and I try to use them exclusively in the collection. Not only is the quality amazing, but the weavers I work with do amazing, creative things that you don't find elsewhere. I also appreciate the direct contact I have with these factories.

WHY DO YOU THINK MORE AND MORE CELEBRITIES ARE SUPPORTING 'GREEN' FASHION?
Celebrities (and the luxury consumer) are very conscious about their health and their mental well being. They care about what they put in their bodies so it was only a matter of time before they became more conscious about what they put on their bodies.
Celebrities have a lot of influence over designers on the red carpet, so it's really great that they are using their influence for a good cause! It's going to change the fashion industry.

THANK YOU FOR THIS INTERVIEW AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW COLLECTION!