Alternative Apparel Blog

Falling Whistles: A Campaign for Peace in Congo

 
When Sean Carasso went to Africa to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2007, he never imagined a business endeavor would come out of just a single experience on a single day. Carasso wrote a powerful journal entry one night about his experiences describing the horrible sights and sounds of the war in Congo along with his encounter with four young soldiers who were told to stare danger and fear in the eye with only a whistle as protection.

Fighting Back against Hunger: Food Forward

Southern California is known for its lush natural landscape, and that includes apple, orange and lemon trees. With such abundance on hand, charitable West Coast residents all over the state have joined forces to pay the food forward and help feed the hungry. In 2009, a group of local volunteers and fruit farmers created the grassroots organization Food Forward in order to “harvest food, fight hunger and build community.” The nonprofit gleans and distributes 100 percent of all fruit accumulated from their community picks—which take place at private homes and public spaces—to local food banks.

Oasis of Color: Alternative's Spring 2012 Collection at LA Fashion Week

 
What a week! While our website saw the launch of our new holiday collection with soft, cozy pieces for the winter ahead, our spring 2012 collection was hitting the runway during LA Fashion Week! The collection, entitled Oasis of Color, features sun-bleached desert washes, bold prints and a vibrant color palette, landscape of California’s Palm Springs desert. Looks were modeled for both women and men at Vibiana, a renovated cathedral in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The runway show was styled by Ilaria Urbinati and featured additional products by Soludos espadrilles and Pennyroyal jewelry; hair was done by Warren Tricomi & make-up by Napoleon Perdis.  Guests at the show were also treat to a live music performance by the incredibly talented and super soulful singer-songwriter Ry Cuming.

Above: Highlights from the show including interview with Alternative's Founder Greg Alterman and Design Director Lissa Zwahlen.  Below: Full runway show.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Join Alternative and Make a Difference with What You Wear

At Alternative, we believe that every effort is crucial—there is no act to small. That’s why we’ve partnered with the global leader of the breast cancer movement and introduced our Pink Ribbon Collection, featuring bestselling tees, tanks, dresses, hoodies and more.

This October for Breast Cancer Awareness month, we’re asking our Alternative friends and family to join us in the fight and make a difference with what you wear. For every participating Pink Ribbon style you purchase, Alternative will donate 10% of the retail price to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

With your help, we’re working to put an end to breast cancer—forever. Remember, no effort is too small.