Born and Raised: Rural Willmar, Minnesota…I’m a farmer’s daughter.
Founded Line: 1983
Studio Location: North Hollywood, CA
Number of Staff: 7
Design Heroines/Heroes: Zandra Rhodes, Vivienne Westwood

What do Sharon Stone, Gwen Stefani, Keyshia Cole, Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, and Charlize Theron have in common besides fame, fortune, and careers in entertainment? Fabulous clothes, of course, and all of them have donned a highly constructed Deborah Lindquist couture piece at one time or another. Deborah uses hemp, organic cotton, tencel, and recycled vintage materials to create her gorgeous, ultra feminine collections.

When and why were you first inspired to make the Deborah Lindquist line sustainable?

I started with recycled materials in the beginning of my line and have always used them. But I decided to devote my business to eco in 2003. I see so many problems in the environment and I’d like to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

What are the greatest challenges to “doing it right” vs. “just getting it done” when it comes to manufacturing?

It’s important to be mindful of every choice, from fabric choice to manufacturing, shipping, and recycling unused fabrics.

Each season you seem to successfully express an inspired image for the emerging collection. Tell us about your upcoming line for Spring ‘08 and the inspirations behind it.

I send my “girl” traveling in my lookbooks. So I take her from one environment and send her to a new one that is an interesting experience for her. In Spring 2008 I sent a beatnik girl to India to meet Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. She does quite well on her travels and ends up covered in jewels.

You were recently picked up by The Lifestyles Annex, Whole Foods’ new green boutique in West Hollywood, CA. What are your thoughts on how it will effect the perception and scope of your brand?

I think it’s a great place to be. Not only are they amazingly supportive and visible, I shop at Whole Foods for my own food. It’s a perfect match.

What’s the next biggest step for Deborah Lindquist?

Well. There are many things. I just opened a retail store in the front of my studio so that was pretty big. My grand opening was Saturday May 17. I had a bridal theme for my opening and I had organic catering, pastries, wedding cake, organic wine, tea, eco disposable flatware, plates, and napkins. We also had an eco traveling spa, flowers, jewelry, accessories.

I’m working on expanding my green wedding line. I already worked with 5 brides this season and am looking forward to making more brides look and feel beautiful. I’m also working on expanding a more mass marketable ready-to-wear line. So there is a lot going on. It’s all good.