You might think that a woman who dropped out of Parsons after receiving an "F" in draping didn't have a future in fashion. But emerging Filipino-American designer Melissa Dizon proves that idea wrong. After working for established names like Todd Oldham, Theory and BCBG, Dizon launched Eairth (the name, a combination of "earth" and "air"), a line of jeans and cotton jersey tops, dresses and bags that she embellishes by cutting, slashing and embroidering to ensure that each piece is unique.

Inspired by a beautiful road trip through the Philippines, Eairth was born when Dizon, who was learning how to surf, ran out of clothes and had to buy (and get creative with!) cheap white T-shirts along the way. "They're more organic chic than resort wear," she has said. "You can wear them anywhere depending on how you put them together with other pieces. No two pieces are exactly identical." In keeping with the green theme, the colors are mostly muted, khakis, grays and blues that are the product of organic sources like indigenous barks, seeds and plants of her tropical homeland.

For Miami girls, the Tinguian Chemise—a white cotton jersey dress embellished with a rainbow-colored, hand-screened abstract print—is the perfect casual complement to a sun-kissed glow. For something more nighttime appropriate, the dark-hued Tiboli Armor hand-knitted tank dress is sexy, but understated—pair it with some gold heels, and you're good to go. Straddling the ground between the two is the Mandaya Short Wrap jumpsuit in khaki that falls just so... and they thought Dizon didn't know how to drape!

Take it from us girls—Eairth is easy.

Eairth is available online at www.valleynyc.com.

- Caroline Stanley

Similar Topics:fashion, spring 2008

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