Andrew Christian
By Tim Gaskin

June 9 | archive | subscribe


Los Angeles based clothing line, Andrew Christian, has been designing and producing contemporary menswear since 1997. This year the company released it's first women's line and a line of eco-friendly "bamboo" and "color block" men's underwear.

How does what you do relate to green, good or giving?
I design and produce my own line of underwear and sportswear under the Andrew Christian Label. I always try to market my product with the least amount of packaging possible. I think a lot of packaging is such a waste because it is immediately disposed of. I like to let my products stand on their own merits and not have a packaging gimmick to be sold.

What are you working on at the moment, any major projects?
We just released our bamboo fiber underwear this past season and it was a huge success. Our customers really identify with sustainable products, but they still like to be stylish at the same time. We will be releasing new colors for the fall. We are also working on releasing organic supima cotton underwear for spring 2009. I am really excited about this project, all the garments will be dyed with eco friendly plant based dyes.

How do you get to work?
I have just started riding my bicycle to work. It’s actually been really great because not only am I reducing my carbon footprint but I am also getting a great work out in daily. My morning ride is really easy, but the ride home is more difficult as it is mostly uphill, but I really like pushing my limits. I think I have been a good example at work; my design assistant now rides a kick board to work.

What long and winding road led you to your current position?
I made this decision about a month ago when gas prices started to rise out of control.
I mean who could have imagined gas prices could rise to $4.50 in the United States.

Where were you born? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Clovis, a small community in central California. Today, I am proud to live in Los Angeles, the second most eco-friendly city in the United States.

What has been the worst moment in your professional life to date?
Starting my own business. It was really hard in the beginning to have people take me seriously.

What's been the best?
Starting my own business. I am so glad I had the conviction to make my vision come to fruition.

Green

What environmental offense has infuriated you the most?
Rainforest deforestation. It just seems so senseless that two-thirds of Central America’s rainforests have been destroyed and few seem to do anything about it.

What's your environmental vice?
Bottled water. I found it hard to kick the habit. I mean the marketing of these products just makes them so inviting. At one point I had three types of bottled water that I drank on a regular basis. I now refill reusable bottles with filtered water.

What's your favorite place or ecosystem?
I would have to say the desert. I think the desert is enormously beautiful and complex.

If you could institute by fiat one environmental reform, what would it be?
Eco-friendly building codes. In Los Angeles new construction has to meet earthquake code, so why not eco-building codes? This would mean use of sustainable building materials and also ensuing buildings were energy efficient.

Good

What is the best idea you’ve heard lately?
San Francisco’s citywide ban on plastic shopping bags forcing supermarkets and chain pharmacies will have to use recyclable or compostable sacks. Not only are they a menace to the environment they are a hazard to drivers. I know several people who have had them caught in the wheels of their cars.

What is your favorite virtue?
Patience. I try and remember to follow this all the time.

How do you spend your free time?
Hiking in the canyons surrounding Los Angeles. It’s surprising the eco system and wildlife you see while you are right in the middle of Los Angeles. People don’t usually associate Los Angeles with nature, but I have run across, coyotes, deer, raccoons, owls, quail, and skunks.

What's your favorite meal?
I would have to say every meal. I love eating good simple food.

Giving

What is your philosophy of giving?
I think it’s important to give back. It not only helps a worthy cause, it really helps you engage and connect with the community you are helping.

What is your first memory of volunteering or making a donation?
It would have to be when I was a teenager volunteering my time working the phones on a hotline.

What organization are you affiliated with presently?
I am not affiliated with one organization, but donate my time and products to several organizations.

Who should volunteer of give?
I think everyone should volunteer; it’s such a rewarding endeavor.

Finally

Who was your favorite musical artist when you were 18? How about now?
My favorite artist when I was 18, I would have to say Madonna. I was such a zealous teen fan.  Currently my favorite artist is Robyn. I think she is so talented and creative, not to mention how cute she is with that Swedish blonde hair.

What's your favorite movie?
The Color Purple, I would have to say I have almost every line memorized. Yeah, it’s scary.

Which actor would play you in the story of your life?
I would have Colin Farrell play the part of Andrew Christian. I have often been told we have a resemblance.

If you could have every Phil reader do one thing, what would it be?
Stop drinking bottled water, recycle at home and in the office and for God-sake, don’t leave home without clean under wear.