By Jada Brazell     

Like many recent college grads, fashion designers Michelle French and Fifile Nguyen of Fimîka developed environmental awareness in college, after leaving home. Yet their philosophies took tangible root during their post-college travels to undeveloped countries. Now their careers are devoted to environmental preservation.

“The more I saw of the world, the more I wanted to work to keep it beautiful and unharmed,” said Nguyen, who wanted to fill the void of high-end, eco-friendly fashion. 

French joined her to create a business founded on their values. “We decided we wanted to do work together and launch the Fimîka collection as a strong foundation, to put our work into what we believe.”

Inspired by the pristine lands, their organic collection merges art and nature. They recently showcased the collection at Organic in the City, a fundraising fashion event held at Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas.

Before designing the collection, French took a motorcycle trip from Austin to Chile. Her encounters with dramatic, changing landscapes were up close and personal: vibrant vegetation, stretching volcanoes and barren deserts. At the same time, Nguyen was  living in and exploring the scenery of Cannes, France. 

As an homage to the majestic lands, the duo decided to create a collection “for the adventurous woman” that breaks natural elements into a direct artistic interpretation.

Fimîka respects nature and humanity. All products are made and manufactured in the U.S. under fair labor and healthy working conditions. Natural fibers are organic whenever possible, and products are shipped with minimal packaging.

French said she wanted to mimic the resourcefulness she found in underdeveloped countries, where residents save what they receive because they have so little. “They are more inclined to recycle, reuse and remake things,” she said.

French discovered the excessive amount of packaging waste typically used while she was working at a popular retail store during college. She said each garment was wrapped in plastic and placed in boxes. When the store received product, all packaging was thrown in the trash. “It was awful,” she said. French took responsibility and, when shipments arrived during her shifts, she would save the packaging and take it to recycling centers after work. 

In addition to the designers’ personal respect for the environment, they are answering the call of a new generation; one that demands transparency, ethics and accountability. French said large corporations can uphold these standards as well, and as her career grows, she plans to stay true to her values.

After their collaboration, the Fimîka women plan to divide and conquer, taking their careers solo. 

Both women feel that their devotion to humanity has come back to them in full.

“I've learned so much about myself and about what it really takes to go out on your own to put together a collection like this,” said Nguyen. I've met such wonderful, talented people who have been so helpful and encouraging.”

Nguyen said she knows the positive momentum will propel both of them into unlimited opportunity. “I've learned to be more comfortable with taking risks and to put myself out there, to be unafraid,” she said. “After what I've experienced and learned with Fimika, I feel like I can do anything.”

Jada Brazell is a freelance writer who also consults for fashion- and art-based businesses on branding. She has written for the Odessa American, edited for the Texas Senate and RadioShack, and contributed to several magazines and newspapers in Central and South Texas.