Misha Mendicino; Conservation in Fashion

Hi everyone, it’s guest blogger Eloise here again. One of the areas of fashion I’m interested in is ethical sourcing as well as conservation. I hate the fur trade and the damage the eco footprint that big fashion manufacturers can have on the environment. In researching these areas I’ve been making new friends online – one of them being John Thomas from StartAClothingLine.com. He has written this excellent piece on Misha Mendicino who combines her commitment to Elephant Conservation with her signature, animalistic prints. Conservation has become a global topic, what with the outrage at the shooting of Cecil the Lion and celebrities such as Ricky Gervais campaigning to protect the rights of endangered animals. I really hope that this article brings attention to their plight. I shall be exploring these topics more in future and inviting guest bloggers on board to show how important they are to me and hope that I can convince the B & R readers of this too. The next time you buy an outfit spare a thought as to how the materials were sourced and where it was manufactured.


Misha-Mendicino-Designs-3Misha Mendicino, the designer and brand Director for Misha Mendicino Designs is moving mountains and climbing the fashion ladder to spotlight her charity
efforts to save the African elephants from extinction. Her resort wear label; Misha Mendicino Designs is a global lifestyle brand of premier resort wear for women of the world, which combine sophisticated elegance, nature inspired colours and vibrant prints that exude an organically chic style. Her signature prints and beautiful tribal elephant logo, signify her commitment to elephant conservation. She has partnered with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the largest rescue and rehabilitation centre in the world for elephants and other wildlife who are based in Kenya, Africa by donating 5% of her revenue towards the costs of hand-rearing orphaned elephants who have become victims of the poaching crisis that has headlined the news in the past few years.

 

“In the beginning stages of my brand, I knew what type of clothing I wanted to create- effortless, forgiving silhouettes and full use of colour. Women are so busy these days, I wanted to give them clothing that looks instantly pulled together and flattering at the same time.  I had spent a lot of time travelling in my younger days as a flight attendant and felt instantly connected with different cultures around the world. My signature prints are a reflection of the various places and regions I have visited or lived” said Mendicino.

 

Misha Mendicino has a unique style that boasts a boho-chic vibe combined with an up-scale poolside glamorous feel that speaks to many women Misha-Mendicino-Designs-4regardless of age. We can see ourselves lounging by the pool at a 5 star hotel wearing the Short Santorini, or strolling the cobblestone sidewalks in Catalina wearing the Kira Dress. Each piece drapes so beautifully, skimming the body with the softest of rayon fabrics to be the most comfortable dress in my closet. We also love that the entire line is surprisingly affordable, we checked out her mobile APP and found several pieces styled from her recent photo shoot, making it easy for you to love too. You might recognize some of the beauty queens wearing Misha Mendicino; the line is a favourite of past and present Miss Arizona, USA winners!

Misha-Mendicino-Designs-1In October of 2014, Misha Mendicino won Phoenix Fashion Week and became “Designer of the Year”, a title she is very proud of. Misha Mendicino’s signature dress has quickly become a go-to favourite of many women in the USA and abroad. The simplicity and elegance of this dress makes it easy to understand why she was given the title of “Designer of the Year”… we approve!  After all, don’t we all love elephants?

 

In 2015, Misha Clothing Line was picked as one of the Top 300 Women Owned Fashion Labels in the world by our StartingAClothingLine.com Team. Look to see more of her beautiful signature prints in her next collection being release spring 2016. She is definitely one designer to watch now and in the coming years.

 

Story by John Thomas of Shop.StartingAClothingLine.com