Published by Vanessa Brunner under Designers

The name given to SUST’s clothing line is a perfect description of the clothes. A combination of “sustainable” and “sussed” (a British word for “cool”) SUST is just that: very cool, very sustainable clothes.

But gorgeous, 100% organic US cotton, ethically made in California clothes aside—what’s even more striking about this line are the people behind it. Childhood BFFs Marion McKee, a jewelry designer, and Tristan Gribbin, an actress were joined by Kevin Baum, a twenty-year veteran of the clothing industry. These fashionable forces all grew up in Palo Alto, just south of San Francisco–and they continue to base their line out of the Bay Area today

Photo c/o arniandkinski.com

The vision of SUST is what differentiates it from others. Rather than letting the entire focus be on the clothes—which, FYI, are absolutely amazing—SUST’s vision is something more compelling.

“The vision of SUST is to create an engine of giving,” says SUST founder Tristan Gribbin. “We want that to work alongside a strong and compelling brand that aids the movement for sustainability.”

Working with the highest quality US organic cotton, and collaborating closely alongside local manufacturers, SUST guarantees that fair trade principles are carefully incorporated into every aspect of the process. SUST also believes in a larger definition of corporate responsibility–choosing environmental causes that are supported through a portion of profits from every purchase.

The clothes themselves are very “sussed.” Clean lines, strong structure, simple style that can still make a statement. It’s refreshing to see clothing that is sustainable, but can still allow for fashion and flexibility.

My personal favorite? SUST’s simple, comfortable, and beautiful mod dress. It’s the perfect everyday dress with a pair of flats or sandals, but can work just as easily for a night out with heels and a bold necklace. I love it in the emerald hue of SUST’s True Green.

SUST's Mod Dress, in True Green

Most importantly, SUST’s line is made to last. Sticking to the epitath of eco-fashion, these pieces are classic and essential pieces that buyers use and keep for years.

Recently, SUST has expanded its line of cotton supima knits to include super-soft sweaters. SUST is also adding some hemp items to the line. SUST retailers are about to go to MAGIC, the massive and hugely influential Fashion and Apparel Trade Show in Las Vegas, where they will show their Fall 2009 and Spring/Summer 2010 lines.  The SUST collections will also be showing at NOW Showcase, a new show for eco fashion designers, which will take place in September 2009 during New York Market Week.

For more information about, or to contact SUST:

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Kevin Baum: kevin@getsust.com, (650) 464-3021