loyale clothing is the definition of eco-chic! Last week, we posted a feature on it’s stylish Barstow Bikini – you know, the one Gisele donned in the latest issue of Vogue?

loyale clothing also creates eco-chic blouses, dresses and jumpers using low impact dyes, overstock fabrics and organic cotton. Celeb fans include Courtney Cox, Rachel McAdams, Jessica Alba, Alice Waters, Kristin Gore and Emily Deschanel.

Well, these sisters wanted the scoop on the green fashion firm! Check out our interview with Jenny Hwa, the loyale’s owner and designer. And don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @jennyhwa. Then, enter to win a mini-dress that you’ll end up living in all summer.

Many girls dream about becoming a clothing designer! How did you get your start?

I had always been in love with fashion from a young age, it seemed like the type of career that would encompass all of my passions and interests. I knew no day would be the same and it would be a great challenge, two elements of life that inspire me and make me jump out of bed in the morning. I made a game plan for breaking into the fashion world: business school, internships, networking and fashion school.

From age 18 it was my plan to start my own business because I knew while being creative would inspire me, managing a business would motivate me. While I attended business school, I hunted down as many fashion related internships I could find and apply for. Being in the Bay Area of California my choices were limited, but I managed to find wonderful opportunities at a PR Firm, then Surface magazine and Chaiken. Then I had the opportunity to live in New York for two summers: one summer I juggled two internships with Kate Spade and W magazine while working retail on the weekends and the next summer I worked with Jill Stuart both on the design and retail end. Upon graduation of business school, I was accepted into Fashion Institute of Technology’s competitive one year AAS program, which consisted of class from 8am-6pm, massive amounts of homework and on top of this I took a design assistant internship at Catherine Malandrino. Needless to say there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears that year. Looking back over the years I feel the most valuable information and experience I ascertained were through internships…they taught me an enormous amount about the real world industry and how to manage day to day interactions with personnel on every level. I encourage everyone I know who is interested in becoming a designer to think outside the box and take as many internships as possible in every field from sales, to PR, to human resources because depending upon where you live, there just aren’t design assistant positions everywhere and you can still work toward your goal by taking educational detours. Though it is a challenge to work for free, think of it as “tuition of life” and what you will learn makes it all worth it.

As I traveled during university and for work related trips throughout the US and Europe, I noticed the presence of organic materials made up into frumpy clothing I had no interest in wearing; that was when the seed was planted that fashionable clothing could be created from these materials and customers wouldn’t have to sacrifice their style to support sustainable consumption. After working with Armani Exchange and Calypso for 3.5 years combined, I decided to branch out on my own in 2005 and launch loyale. The inspiration for the name derived from me wanting my fashion company to be loyal to style and loyal to the environment.

What is loyale clothing all about? What’s the mission?

loyale is a fashion-forward, sustainable clothing company that aims to make the simple act of getting dressed in the morning world changing. I founded loyale in response to the dearth of chic, sophisticated eco-apparel available to fashionable women. I always dreamed of making a positive impact in my lifetime, but I knew my vision would have to be fun, stylish and relevant to daily life. After working for several renowed fashion designers, I found my inspiration and motivation: I would bring a sense of meaning and activism to an artform each one of us relies upon each day: clothing. In 2005 I went on to found loyale, a company that offers eco-chic apparel for stylish consumers who are equally conscious about fashion as they are about the environment…merging style and sustainability. My philosophy is three fold: translate runway trends, utilize the best eco-fabrics and be cognizant of my role in society and on the environment. The intention of loyale is to create stylish clothing that is made non-sweatshop with sustainable fabrics and to create a shift in consciousness where commerce and compassion for the planet can coexist.

Loyale is the definition of eco-chic! Can you tell us about the different fabrics you use in your designs?

I feel strongly about organic cotton and use it for the majority of our collections. While we work with organic wool, eco/peace silks and factory reclaimed overstock fabrics, I love spreading the word about the importance of supporting organic cotton farmers. Each year non-organic cotton production utilizes 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides. Many of these EPA-approved pesticides were registered years before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Alarmingly, it takes 1/3 lb. of pesticides and fertilizers to grow enough cotton for just one t-shirt and routinely 14 million Americans are consuming water contaminated with pesticides from traditional agricultural farming techniques. A bit of food for thought: a conventional pair of jeans and a t-shirt contain 2 cups of toxins imbedded within the fibers due to the chemical-intensive growing and production methods of conventional cotton. In contrast, organic cotton is grown using methods and elements that have a low impact on the environment and its inhabitants. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, while building a biologically diverse and healthy ecosystem for everyone to enjoy.

What are some other ways loyale is pitching in to help the environment?

In addition to working exclusively with eco-friendly fabrics, loyale has further ameliorated the health of the planet by running a green office and using local labor for half of our production. We only utilize post-consumer waste paper products for hang tags, look books, etc. and use a certified environmentally-friendly printer in Brooklyn. Also, by using local, fair wage factories in NYC for half of our production, I hope to keep to keep the garment industry thriving and provide a respectable living for workers here in the city. In addition, each year I visit 2-3 grade schools in NYC and Brooklyn to educate youngsters about the steps they can take to make a difference and help the environment. Lastly, I feel one of loyale’s biggest contributions to society and the planet has been donating 1% of our annual sales to and volunteering for Green Corps, an exceptional non-profit that trains the next generation of environmental leaders. www.greencorps.org.

OK. We have to know! What is one of your favorite styles right now?

I am wearing the Valencia mini in 100% organic cotton grey chambray obssesively. It is so effortless – I love how it takes me from factory visits, to a lunch meeting, to a fitting, to a cocktail party and I am never overdressed or underdressed for any occasion. That is the true definition of fashion to me: a malleable to the moment garment that transitions seamlessly regardless of the occasion.

Your Barstow Bikini was recently featured in Vogue. Congratulations! How did it feel?

It is a dream come true and has proven the ever present cliches: “patience is a virtue” and “persistance pays off” to be true. I have pitched Vogue since 2005 and they have always been extremely gracious. Now for four years of work to translate into a tangiable, fabulous one page story in one of the most coveted fashion publications in the world is the moment I have been waiting! I am just delighted for the exposure and the validation of loyale’s concept and product.

The Celebutante Sisters have teamed up with loyale clothing for this week’s stylish giveaway! One lucky winner will win the Valencia Mini in Semina (Available in sizes XS-L)…a $178 value! Flirty and fitted, it’s perfect for a summer BBQ or a night out on the town. Please leave a comment to enter. One comment per person. Open to residents of the United States and Canada only. The winner will be announced on Monday, June 15 . Good luck!