A while back I had the sincere pleasure of interviewing an eco-clothing designer Roxi Suger based in my very own home-town, Brooklyn NY. As a person, Roxi is warm, intelligent and whip-smart. The passion Roxi stitches into each piece of clothing is unmistakable. Each piece is uniquely beautiful, chic and comfortable. One of the signature pieces of ANGeLRoX is a stunning bamboo that wrap can be warn as a skirt, dress, cape, shrug and more. Here is the interview with my new friend Roxi:
Elena: What does your logo and company name symbolize?
Angel: The wings…I did not plan to do an angel themed collection. I first created the logo and the name of the company, ANGelRox, came about because I have a friend named Angel. We spent a lot of time together and started being referred to as Angel-Rox. It all seemed to fit together.
The name, to me, symbolizes balance, finding one’s center of joy. Our company philosophy, ‘May Peace Prevail’, refers to inner peace. There is something about wearing your wings that makes you want to be good and kind to others.
The wing in the logo was inspired by a statue of St. Michael from a cathedral in uptown NYC.
Tell me about your personal journey to green:
Angel: My background is in fashion. I worked with companies like Urban Outfitters and Vivienne Tam. I worked with direct retailers as well as designers. 15 years ago I wanted to start a hemp line. But, it was too early in the life of the hemp fabric. Back then, it was not comfortable, it had no versatility. In 2000, I branched out and self financed my clothing line. We are staffed by myself, my husband and interns. We now have a loyal following of customers.
When my son Cotton was born, I was already on an organic path in my personal life.
What makes you you/unique?
Angel: My signature pieces are on a continuum and my customers appreciate that. True style is sustainable; it’s not about (following) the latest trends. The color palette tends to stay neutral and wearer friendly. They are not meant to have a short life span. You can say I’m anti-trend.
I redesigned the jeans without a structured waistline or zipper and added a nylon mesh. This has a thinning affect for the abdomen area. It gives a sleek look without adding the bulk of the typical jeans. When a women is pregnant, they don’t have to go and buy separate maternity jeans that they will only wear for a few months. This is a new (comfy) way for women to wear jeans.
I had Sharon Stone’s support for my clothing; she purchased the denim blazer through the Giving Suite at the Sundance Film Festival.
What are your some of your “green” practices?
Angel: We are researching organic cotton to incorporate into the clothing. We use cotton, bamboo and some rayon. Rayon is derived from cotton. It is made from reconstituted wood pulp (not directly). The wood shavings (left from projects) are broken down into a liquid, then made into a pulp and then into a fabric. Rayon is a natural based fiber. The bamboo tree is a rapidly growing source. The only negative is the processing that it takes to become a useable fiber. The advantage to using bamboo for high fashion is the drape luxury, the high-end look and the sexy appearance of the fabric.
Why is this important to you?
Angel: I also teach fashion at Parson’s. I always communicate (to the students) the importance of being (environmentally) responsible in their choices. I highlight the use of remnant fabrics and non-wasteful practices.
My personal ethic is that I hate to throw things away when I can re-purpose them. This is respected by my customers. Fashion tends to be a high waste industry. I always re-use my cut away extra fabric in fun ways.
What are your future plans?
Angel: I want to continue to grow in a grassroots way. I will layer in additional pieces that will round out a woman’s wardrobe. These are simple, basic, items to wear and still look different. I want to keep finding those pieces that work with my philosophy. Growth and adding pieces is really studied.
ANGelRox is an expression of who I am, and where I am going. I live in Brooklyn, NY now, but I grew up in Oklahoma. I have a nice range (of life) that I’ve been blessed to experience. (As a result) I now have a collection that spans different ages and ethnicities – it’s a real joy for me.
For updates on her latest designs, follow AngelRox on Facebook
Originally published at Greenwala.com where Elena Lipson is the Beauty & Family Editor.
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