HOW DOES ONE GO from working as an engineer developing simulators for fighter jets to creating eco-conscious fabrics for her own fashion line? Just ask Amour Vert Creative Director Linda Balti. In 2009, the native Parisian read an article stating that fashion was the second-highest pollution-producing industry worldwide (after big oil). "I decided I needed to change my behavior and look for fashion that didn't harm the planet," Balti says. But existing lines were either too casual or too expensive, so she launched Amour Vert—French for "green love"—with her now husband, Christoph Frehsee. "We believe the woman of the 21st century shouldn't have to sacrifice her style for sustainability," Frehsee, the label's CEO, says. The clothes are made with vegetable and nontoxic synthetic dyes while adhering to a zero-waste policy. Also a priority for the Palo Alto, California-based pair is local production. Knits are crafted in Los Angeles, and all garments—apart from scarves hand-loomed in India—are cut in Oakland and sewn in San Francisco. An added plus: For each T-shirt sold, the company plants a tree with the help ofthe nonprofit American Forests. With around 1,500 planted since June, Amour Vert is living up to its name. —
Michelle Guerrere
Clockwise from top left: GRAY TOP $63, WHITE TOP $72, PAISLEY TOP $212, HERRINGBONE DRESS $171, STRIPED TOP $76. All items, Amour Vert; amourvert.com.
