“Just about every piece of clothing has a story that goes with it, the clothing I have collected is made from materials that could potentially come from all corners of the globe and may have been worn by amazing women,” said Tawny Holt in a recent interview with The Green Stylist. Holt is the owner and sole operator of Armour sans Anguish which is a little clothing company based in Northern California.

The Green Stylist (TGS): How did you become interested in fashion?

Tawny Holt(TH): I really can’t think of a time I wasn’t interested in fashion! I remember having very highly-developed ideas about what I should be wearing to Kindergarten, mostly revolving around a pair of high-top striped multi-colored Converse. In high-school I was very keen on looking as much like Stevie Nicks as I possibly could, so I think my love of vintage clothing and romanticism in fashion was really born there.

TGS: How did you start making things from recycled material?

TH: This started as a simple extension of how I live my everyday life. I’ve always bought things second-hand and tried to support companies that recycle or use eco-friendly modes of production. When I began making clothing it never occurred to me to go to the fabric store, I went straight to the thrift store!

TGS: What is the most important eco-aspect of your work?

TH: I would have to say my dedication to salvaging each and every material I work with, down to the buttons, notions, and zippers from second-hand sources makes for a unique eco experience. The materials-sourcing is by far the most important sustainable aspect of my work. I temper that with bike rides to the post office and recycled packaging when items are shipped.

TGS: What does sustainable fashion mean to you?

TH: For me, the term extends beyond sustainable production and extends into what it means to be a small, independent business that exists outside of the flash! bang! whiz! of the fashion industry at large. I want to grow at a sustainable pace, take care to never lose the customers who have been with me for years, and put my time and attention into each garment I send off.

TGS: Where do you find your materials?

TH: I go to thrift and antique stores, rag houses, estate sales, and recently the home of a women who used to own a vintage shop. She lets my friends and I play dress-up in her house and she sells us her old clothes. We love it!

TGS: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

TH: I love getting photographs of my customers wearing their dresses!

TGS: Do you have any star (repeat) customers?

TH: Yes! I have gals in the US and Canada who have faithfully purchased my items for the last 5 years. I also had a slew of orders from Courtney Love a year and a half back.

TGS: What inspires you when you are creating a piece?

TH: Though it may be cliche, I love a sad song or a romantic film. I’m obsessed with adolescence and I frequently turn to films like The Virgin Suicides as background imagery while I work. I will sometimes hunt down old modern dance footage or photos of dancers.

TGS: Do any of the pieces from your collection have a significant meaning to you?

TH: Whenever I can incorporate something from my travels, I get excited.  This dress (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/22047837) was made with items I salvaged at a flea market in Barcelona.  It was purchased by one of my favorite customers.

If you would  like to know more about Armour sans Anguish or view some Tawny Holt  designs you can check out her website at  http://armoursansanguish.tumblr.com/ or you can see her clothing in person at  Bella Vista in Oakland and Tavin in  Los Angeles.