Looks to Love:

Mr. Larkin Sweeps Us Off Our Feet (Again)

Contributed By: ecofabulous

Designer Casey Larkin — of the label Mr. Larkin — is one of those rare creative beings who understands that fashion is as much about longevity as it is trend tuition. This ethos is certainly visible in her designs: sharp silhouettes in her Spring/Summer 2010 collection were balanced with romantic touches from a bygone era, like vintage-inspired prints and cinched waists that recalled the 1940s. Likewise, her production process embraces what’s modern while keeping sustainability at the forefront. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something green.

Ecofabulous’ very own Zem Joaquin donned a Mr. Larkin dress to accept an award earlier this year, and our enthusiasm for Casey and her designs hasn’t slackened since. Her debut at New York Fashion Week’s The GreenShows in September reinforced our eco-crush on Mr. Larkin, flooring us with the use of sumptuous fabrics like bamboo muslin and organic cotton voiles.

Larkin is known for her use of Milk fiber, an innovative, silky feeling fiber that’s cheese-derived and said to enhance circulation. No, it’s not magic, just another natural wonder of Mother Earth. Those soft blush and bone tones, meanwhile, were created by Larkin’s friend and artistic collaborator Sasha Duerr, who uses plant and vegetable dyes made of everything from blackberries to Japanese maple leaves, to add cascading color patterns to Larkin’s fabrics.

The sharp jackets and long dresses we saw at Fashion Week aren’t available quite yet, but until then you can check out some of Casey’s creations on Shopflick and Oak & Co.. The Marmi Blazer, Molly Dress and backless Nina Dress are just a couple of our favorites in a collection rich with “Gotta have it” items.