This interviews was conducted by a member of the College Fashionista staff, and originally appeared on the collegefashionista.com blog. It is reprinted here without changes. Thanks to CF for allowing us share this with you. Photos from johnpatrickorganic.com.

Going Organic with John Patrick

John Patrick has made being organic his life.   Which for him meant more than just buying organic produce in the supermarket. He has brought organic to his work and into the fashion world, and is catching great attention. The launch of his line John Patrick Organic featuring organic ready-to-wear clothing was a fashion revolution. He has continued this journey of operating a sustainable business and organic clothing line since 2007 that is now world renowned and admired. As the trailblazer in organic fashion, he answers a few questions with College Fashionista.

College Fashionista: Tell us about how you got your start in fashion design. What was the road that got you to where you are today?

John Patrick: I started with hats in 1982. Barney's was my first customer. I made things from scraps! I have always been very resourceful.

CF: What was your inspiration in creating an organic clothing line? Why do you feel it is important for everyone and everything to go organic?

JP: My original intention was to be the Organic Johnny Appleseed. To get it started in a big way and show people we can make a difference. And we have, and we continue to do so. I feel that each person can do a small bit. If it's recycling and inspiring others then so be it... Designers have an opportunity and obligation to further many social issues and environmental issues.

CF: Tell us about your current Fall 2009 collection and what is to come for 2010. What should we look forward to seeing in stores?

JP: The Current collection is about "work" - We all work doing something. Reading. Writing. Thinking. Collecting. Posing. It was a fun colletion to make. What is to come for 2010 and beyond is more mutli-purpose clothing and textiles that I am working on designing as we speak.

CF: What type of message do you want people to take from your work? Has it changed as JPO has grown in the past two years?

JP: I want people to get a message of inclusiveness and optimism and fashion and beauty for all that really makes sense. The message has always been loud and clear. Fashion and organic go hand in hand. Like in the Wizard of Oz.

CF: What do you see as the future of JPO and the market of organic clothing in general?

JP: In the very near future all clothing produced in the world will have some organic elements in them. It is only a matter of time.

CF: What is the best piece of advice you have learned along the way of creating your own organic clothing line?

JP: FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT.

Style On, Kim

[Note from Fancy Green editor: Shop for Organic by John Patrick men's and women's apparel at Barney's, Nordstrom, and at these online retailers: beklina.com, embodies.com, and shopbop.com.]

SHOP ONLINE:Click here to find sale items

Manufacturer's Site: www.johnpatrickorganic.com

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