We recently caught up with Liz, the designer behind popomomo, an eco-friendly clothing line based in Los Angeles. This green line of tops and dresses gets its name from post-postmodernism, and it features fun, versatile pieces made from sustainable bamboo, soy and organic cotton jersey, as well as many recycled pieces.

What inspires your work? I find inspiration in almost everything: the news, books, art, music, design, nature... I'm always open to/looking for inspiration. For example, I've designed pieces inspired by an old accordian, aprons from Japan, dreams, the explorer Gertrude Bell, the musician Klaus Nomi, Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome, and a 1960s cult, among other things.

Who are your favorite designers? Anyone that doesn't sacrifice innovative style for trend. I get amazed by Martin Margiela and Comme Des Garcons. I think most couture houses are like fine art, and I consider ready to wear, like my line, popomomo to be more like industrial design. Both can be beautiful, innovative and well designed: but they are very different.



What are your top fashion, beauty, accessory or art must-haves? I wear mostly my own stuff and a lot of vintage. Our house is filled with art and books: which are must-haves for me. popomomo is a sustainable clothing line, and I live my life that way too: I don't have than many extraneous items: everything I have is because I love it or it's inspirational, not just to collect things.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? You can get experience in lots of different ways, but I would always work for a large company before starting on your own. I didn't go to school for design, but at the first company I worked, Urban Outfitters/Free People, my boss took a chance on me; hiring me for the design team. It was a steep learning curve, so I had to work super hard: but learning on the job is a great way to really see all aspects of an industry, and to see how many people it takes to get a great product to the customer. I doubt a student learns as much at undergrad design school as I did at that job in the same amount of time. It's really important to learn as much as you can. Also! Young designers!!!! Please create something new, don't just knock off vintage or designer labels!

Where can people find your work? On Shopflick.com, and boutiques around the country.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.