JUGGLING ACT
Considering the multiple pins she has to juggle, Parry’s circus experience must come in handy. Besides toiling over her Fall/Winter 2012 collection and pursuing a graduate certificate in socially responsible and sustainable apparel business at the University of Delaware, the designer had to whip up three “eco-looks” for the aforementioned Green Fashion Competition in Amsterdam.
Although terms such as “sustainable,” “green,” and “ethical” are bandied about interchangeably, Parry has given each one careful consideration.
Although terms such as “sustainable,” “green,” and “ethical” are bandied about interchangeably, Parry has given each one careful consideration. “Sustainability is about meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” she says. “To me, social responsibility encompasses labor standards, working conditions, everyday business activities, and the environmental and social impact of fabrics and processes. So, in this context, sustainability is really about improving and building upon social responsibility.”
AMSTERDAM OR BUST
For her upcoming fall collection, Parry turned to the people and places she connects with most. In terms of color and print, she referenced Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, as well as an Indian resist-dyeing technique known as lahariya. “There is this one photo of the Panchachuli women weavers and I just love the way the women wear and combine color and how it is such a part of everyday life,” she adds.
For her upcoming fall collection, Parry turned to the people and places she connects with most.
The designs also feature the Bauhaus-inspired shapes and lines that have become Parry’s signature.
As Parry presents herself in front of the judges at Amsterdam Fashion Week on Friday, it’s no exaggeration to say that the weight of the world—or at least, a certain sense of patriotic duty—lies on her shoulders. From what we know of the designer, however, she’ll do us proud no matter what the final verdict. In fact, she already has.
+ Carrie Parry
