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Friday, May 25, 2012

CULTURE

An Inside Source: Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia

In honor of Earth Month, Hearst Magazines, publishers of Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, Marie Claire and more of our favorite glossies, is celebrating 30 Days of Green with an auction to benefit the Nature Conservancy. The auction, which kicked off last night, features exclusive items and experiences donated by staffers at all 15 Hearst publications. Two prizes we know we'll be bidding on include the chance to meet Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia and an autographed set of Garcia's bestselling books. Here to whet our bidding palette—and surely yours too—a Q&A with Garcia that covers everything from what she'll be wearing this spring to how the fashion world has gone green.

Green

The Inside Source: As you well know, starting today in honor of Earth Month, eBay will be auctioning off more than 30 items and experiences donated by staffers at Hearst magazines, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Nature Conservancy.  One of the prizes donated by Marie Claire—which we're sure will be a huge hit—is the chance to meet you and Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles and to receive a personal tour of the Marie Claire fashion closet. What's the most surprising thing a visitor might see there?

Nina Garcia: They’ll have to come and see for themselves! It’s a well oiled machine…

TIS: Another prize includes a copy of your books—The Little Black Book of Style and The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. (The latter is a very green concept indeed, as it indicates that you can build a wardrobe out of pieces that will last a lifetime!) What is an item with the kind of longevity that might surprise us?

NG: People would be surprised to hear what an advocate of belts I am! If you have a really great belt, it can really add something to an outfit—either high on the waist, over a blazer or cardigan, or even to break up a LBD! It’s also a great way to get something iconic from a designer without blowing your yearly rent budget.
 

TIS: Based on the "30 Better Buys" roundup in the MC April issue, it's clear that there is a virtual "green market" of options out there that are at once stylish and eco-friendly. How have you seen the fashion world embrace the concept of "green" in recent years?

NG: I think as an industry, we have really come together with a common goal. From the huge increase in “eco-friendly” brands to the growth of charities and auctions related to environmental awareness, we have really made an effort to prioritize the concept of “green.” Take, for example, Christie’s first ever “Green Auction” taking place this year on Earth Day; it is a perfect instance of the fashion (and art) world coming together to raise awareness and finances for environmental non-profit organizations.

TIS: Project Runway, where you are a judge (not to mention a main attraction), often features challenges in which contestants are assigned to give new life to something—a very green concept as it reduces the use of resources, limits manufacturing waste and keeps items out of landfills. Contestants have re-purposed everything from items found in grocery store aisles to goods purchased in New York's flower district to spare car parts. What is the most interesting thing you've seen re-purposed?

NG: This season’s Hardware Store Challenge was truly eye opening—the use of paint trays, garbage bags, nuts and bolts was really amazing! But I have to say, my favorite would still have to be the Corn Husk dress in Season 1.

 

Trends

TIS: Our readers are obsessed with trends—what's in, what's out and what's up-and-coming—and you are certainly the go-to resource. Which trend are you most excited about for this season?

NG: For Spring, I am very excited about the resurgence of military looks. From Rag & Bone to Balmain and Marc Jacobs, the military cargo pant is definitely the new go-to item.

Rag & Bone (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Celine (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

 
TIS: What will we see you personally wearing for spring; what will be your spring style uniform?

NG: I have to say I am inspired by the minimalist trend for myself. I cannot think of a better way to start off the decade than with a clean slate! Some of my favorite designers who demonstrated “less is more” are Phoebe Philo at Celine, Stefano Pilati at YSL, and Helmut Lang.

TIS: What trend are you most excited to see go?
 

NG: I can’t say I have ever been a fan of head–to-toe dressing. There are so many great options out there and resources to mix and match and create your own style!

TIS: The rest of us are still on spring (and excited to get reading the MC May issue, which just hit newsstands), but the fashion world is already thinking about fall! Can you give us a glimpse into some of your favorite fall trends?

NG:  It was so refreshing to see a season with real winter pieces! From chunky knits to thick coats, I didn't know where to look first! I loved that it was a season of outerwear, from the detail-oriented to the minimalist. Reed Krakoff and Burberry had some amazing shearling coats; Prada made some beautiful ladylike jackets with a twist; capes were big at Philip Lim and Vena Cava; and Tory Burch showed a new twist on the military parka with leather inserts and fur lining.

3.1 Phillip Lim (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG), Alexander Wang (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

TIS: What's an upcoming trend that will surprise us?

NG: The thigh-high legwear! Alexander Wang had a thick, ribbed legwarmer version that covered the shoe, and Prada showed a folded down knit and velour knee sock with ruffled detail tucked into ladylike heels.
 

eBay

TIS: Finally, we have to know: How do you shop eBay?

NG: eBay is great for out-of-print fashion books. Thankfully, so many people know how to take care of their books and they sell them in pristine condition as a perfect addition to my library!

Roll over items for details
Allure by Diana Vreeland 1st Edition
Couture: The Great Ddesigners by Caroline R. Milbank, 1st Edition (buy it now price, $274.99);
(buy it now price, $500)
Couture: The Great Ddesigners by Caroline R. Milbank, 1st Edition
1st Ed CAROLINE R MILBANK COUTURE THE GREAT DESIGNERS
(buy it now price, $274.99)
Art to Wear by Julie Schafler Dale, Otto Stupakoff
Art to Wear by Julie Schafler Dale, Otto Stupakoff (1986, Hardcover)
(buy it now price, $146.54)
An Inside Source: Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia
 

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