Melissa Dizon makes eco-friendly clothes designed to flawless perfection. Her new collection, in shades of bone, bluebird and coal, is organic luxe in minimalist silhouettes. Here, the designer talks about her work and the stuff she can’t wait to wake up to everyday.
 
Manila Bulletin: What are new developments at Eairth?

Melissa Dizon: We’re getting ready to start distribution in Japan and also restructuring our sales team in the US. I do a lot of my work in the studio as our patternmaker and sample sewers are in house. There is never a dull moment between clients coming in and the dynamic work that happens within the team.

Since baby Alistair is on the way this October (Dizon is seven months pregnant), I’ve been quite excited to make “eairth baby” and also a special grouping of organic toys. My husband, Edvard, has already composed one and is now selling in several stores in the US and here. His name is “Stefan.” We also have our website up www.eairth.ph and finishing the online store which will sell the “forever young classics.”

MB: How did the concept for Eairth’s organic chic collection come about?

The concept for Eairth was all unplanned and actualized in the most effortless way. It was the result of two decades of design work, travel, love for surf and the natural. Eairth is a compilation of all these elements that collided when I first revisited the Philippines three years ago. I wanted to do something that was pure in passion, something that I can’t wait to wake up to every day.

MB: In your own words, describe for us the specialness of Eairth. Are you ever conscious of nature and the environment when working on a collection for Eairth?

Nature is a part of my life and daily existence.  My sensibilities are not formed or inspired by “au natural” but more like the rawness of real life. I love tricycles and even the conspiracy of why the corner sari-sari store is so appealing, all the vivid plastic packaging. Although I am very conscious of not using toxic dyes or big, energy-grubbing machines... As much as possible we do it “hand-made, hand touched.”

MB: As a designer of an eco-friendly brand, do you feel you need to wear so?

No, not at all. I do love beautiful objects so however it comes. But I have to say that since Eairth, I have not been able to wear anything else. The tactile hand and feel of the clothes are of no compare.