Eco-Fashion Can Be Sexy

Eco Panda and designer Ian West debut their line at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Using recycled nylon from fishing nets re-spun into yarn,Eco Panda and designer Ian West

debuted their new bikini line at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Wednesday, shattering stereotypes that being eco-friendly with your fashion means you have to dress in burlap.

The fashion show was part of a celebration for the local lifestyle magazine Ocean which launched its latest issue. The lifestyle mag promotes itself as “Every fashionista’s guide to what’s hip and hot.”

“We love Eco-Panda because it represents the Southern California beach chic,” said Amy Chizzick, associate publisher of Ocean.

Michelle Guerin with DiscoverSD checked out the action at Float and was surprised to see some of the designs.

“I had never seen the end line,” Guerin said. “The crazy, black, super modern high-fashion look. I saw the lighter stuff before but it was a very cool debut tonight, absolutely.”

Barrie, the designer of Fables by Barrie, designs vintage-inspired suits here in San Diego. She checked out the show and was impressed. “A lot of cool prints and a lot of low-rise, it was really classy,” she said.

According to the models, the bikinis feel fantastic. Kirsten said just wearing the bikini called “Dream Catcher” made from recycled nylon makes her “feel healthier.”

Cody considered the boy short style perfect for surfing. What about parties poolside? Mia, one of the locals who has been part of the rooftop lounge scene in San Diego, said that a one piece that was part of the show would be perfect for hanging out poolside.

If you're up for more bikini fashion, check out Bikini Week starting July 1 at the Wave House in Mission Beach. Fables by Barrie is one of the lines scheduled for the event. You'll be able to check out some of her 2010 designs in a sneak peek.

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