International Designer Hangs Her Eco-Chic Hat In Pittsburgh
International Designer Hangs Her Eco-Chic Hat In Pittsburgh
Her clothes are amazing. The fabrics are luxurious. The line has been featured in fashion events all over the world, and profiled in some of the most prestigious fashion publications. And it is rumored that THE Jennifer Aniston is a client. But this designer is not at an atelier in Paris, or at the helm of some intimidating show-room in New York City. In fact, if you want to meet her and perhaps schedule a private shopping spree, you needn’t buy a plane ticket at all. The internationally known designer is Bonnie Siefers. Her eco-friendly line is called Jonano and her workspace is based in, (you may want to sit down), Wexford, Pennsylvania. I hear of Jonano through a friend and decide to call the company in the hopes of borrowing some merchandise for a photo-shoot. A man answers and tells me that Bonnie is in L.A. working with her PR team. He asks if I would like her cell phone number. “Seriously?” I am thinking. “I can just CALL her?” I do just that, and she is kind, and down-to-earth and happy to meet with me.
Prior to the meeting, I do some research on the company and I like what I read. Jonano translates as “live well,” and their mission is “From Seed to Sewn.” Since 2005, they have committed themselves to creating beautiful clothes through mindful, ethical, environmentally friendly processes. They use only organically grown natural fibers. Their fulfillment center is green, they package with all recycled materials and the factories they work with are held to strict standards set by the Fair Trade Association. For Jonano, “eco-chic” is more than a buzz-word, it’s a non-negotiable way of life.
The day of the meeting has arrived. Bonnie has told me that she works out of a tree-house style studio and the description fits the home and workspace perfectly. She is beautiful and earthy and one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Every inch of wall is covered with art. Breathtaking works of art, that is, and I later learn that they were painted by Bonnie Siefers herself. Is there anything she can’t do? The show-room is small, but packed with exquisitely made, gorgeous pieces of clothing and for a minute, I can no longer hear her because I’m having a love affair with a grey, soft-as-silk draped dress hanging directly in front of me. The materials used in these pieces come from things like bamboo, cotton and coconut. “At Jonano, we strive to make ethical choices every single day,” she explains. “It’s our goal to incorporate sustainability into every level and aspect of our process.” It is clear that Siefers is passionate about the environment, and she has used her graduate degrees in International Business and Art to create a line that is timeless, multi-functional and generating buzz all over the world. For Jonano, beautiful clothes are the result, but the process is strategic and painstaking. Before a jacket or vest or dress ever reaches a hanger, a series of “eco-efficient” checks and balances have been employed. For every collection, Jonano endeavors to use only enough fabric to meet production needs, to minimize the carbon footprint, reduce toxic dispersion, recycle scraps and maximize the use of renewable resources. However, Jonano’s generous spirit goes beyond the environment. The Daffodil Collection was developed with the purpose of raising money for the Susan G. Komen and Breast Cancer Research Foundation. What’s not to love?
Siefers has been all over the world. She has worked as an artist and designer in Sweden, Paris and Los Angeles and now travels extensively both to show the collection, and to continue to search for the best and most environmentally friendly farms, mills and factories. But she was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and this is home. “I feel strongly that Pittsburgh is going through a renaissance of sorts,” says Siefers. “Since moving back to the city, I have seen my hometown revitalize loft space, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, new cultural landmarks such as the August Wilson Center, and now, a European style promenade is developing in downtown market square. Our city has a spirit and talent and heart that I love.”
Jonano has proven that eco-chic doesn’t have to translate as minimalist lines in neutral colors. The fabrics are comfortable, the colors are rich and the detail is meticulous. It’s clear after talking to Bonnie Siefers that she is passionate about her work and about our city. And the feeling is mutual.
Jonano is currently sold online at www.jonano.com and at Pavement, The E House and other eco-friendly stores and boutiques worldwide.
By Gina Hussar
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