Melody Carlson - Catwalk

Now, this is what Im talking about! I point to the building as Paige and I get out of her car. The entire front of this three-story boxlike structure is covered in a massive collage (made with recycled soda cans) depicting what I think must be a rhinoceros, standing beneath some palm trees and a colorful rainbow. Seriously. I squint up at the shiny image. How cool is that?

Rightand if thats considered art, I can only imagine what the inside will look like. Paige shakes her head as we approach the old building. I cannot believe Helen put this one on the list.

Unlike my sister, I know exactly why this design studios on the list. And Im glad for it. Ive had it up to my eyeballs with all the slick uptown studios, those overly serious designers and their stick-thin models. I cannot wait to meet this particular designer. Because Granada Ruez is a real personand she designs for real women. Ive been a fan of her environmentally conscious clothing for several years now.

Last week, when Granada won an international design award for humanitarian efforts in Third World countries, I brought it to our producers attention. Paige may not know it, but Im the reason were here today. Im the one who convinced Helen Hudson that On the Runway needed to feature Granada Greenwear on our local designers episode.

This feels like a mistake, Paige says as she opens the door.

Granada Greenwear may not be considered high fashion, I tell my sister as we enter the showroom, but we need to give her a chance. Im trying to contain my enthusiasm because I know it will only aggravate Paige. Shes already dragging her heels.

As if to emphasize the fact that shes not into recycled clothing, Paige dressed to the nines this morningand shes wearing a designer who recently made fashion headlines for his blatant disregard of certain environmental issues. But his style is superb and his clothes are perfectly timeless, Paige told me after I pointed out her faux pas. She is so out of touch.

Were here to see Granada Ruez, I tell the salesgirl inside. Im Erin Forrester and

Im Paige Forrester from On the Runway. Paige holds out her business card, taking over as if being here was all her idea in the first place.

Oh, right. The girl peers curiously at us. Hey, didnt I see you two on Malibu Beachthe breakup episode?

Yes, but thats not our show. Paige points to the card. Were On the Runway. Have you seen it?

Not yet.

Well, maybe youll want to tune inin case we decide to include todays interview. Paiges smile fades from bright to tolerant now. And I give her a look that says just be nice!

In that case, Ill be sure to watch it, the girl says.

Our director and production crew should be here shortly, Paige informs her. In the meantime, do you mind if we look around your shop and put together some kind of attack plan?

I frown at my sister, worried that she means that literally. Hopefully she doesnt plan to attack Granada Ruez.

Sure. Ill tell Granada youre here. By the way, Im Lucinda. She then points to me. And youre wearing a Granada Green jacket. One of the earlier designs.

I got it a couple of years ago and I still love it. Its so comfortable.

Cool. Lucinda smiles as she heads for a door in back.

Rightcool. Paige rolls her eyes at me. You know how much I hate that jacket, Erin.

Be quiet, I warn.

Its frumpy and not the least bit flattering.

Are you going to keep this up? I glance to the back of the showroom to be sure no one is listening.

She shrugs. Hey, dont forget this is my show and its supposed to be about fashion and style. She pulls a recycled denim dress from a rack, holding it out at arms length as if shes afraid it might bite her. And this does not even come close to being fashionable or stylish. Good grief, no onenot even Kate Mosscould make this rag look good.

Paige! I hiss at her.

Sorry, but you know how this gets to me, Erin.

Just try to be polite, please.

Fine, Ill be politely honest. She puts the dress back and sighs. But I cant promise you that Granada Greenwear will get a spot on the show. Unless I use it in my fashion donts segment.

Why cant you think positively? I ask. What about protecting the environment or fair treatment of overseas workers? Both are issues that Granada respects and fights for. Doesnt that mean anything to you?

Of course. Paige nods. You know Im totally for that. But its too bad Granadas focusing her efforts in the fashion industry. Paige pulls out a baggy-looking pair of drawstring pants and frowns. She might be better off making home dcor products. Like this fabric would be nice for, say, a couch slipcover. She chuckles. And these pants are almost big enough.

Those pants look comfortable to me. I take them from her and feel the fabric. See how soft this is. I read the label. Bamboo fibers, I tell her. A renewable resource with very little negative impact on the planet.

The negative impact comes when someone walks down the street wearing those hippo pants. She laughs. Hey, I think Ill use that line on the show.

Maybe we should just forget the whole thing. I put the pants back on the rack. If youre going to make fun of Granada Ruez, I refuse to be involved.

So you want to leave then? Just make some excuse and get out of here?

I just shrug, feeling totally deflated.

Now Paige almost looks contrite. Hey, Im sorry, Erin, she says quietly. I got carried away. I didnt mean to rain on your parade.

Yeahwellnot everyone is into your brand of haute couture style. Some of us are quite happy to be comfortable and environmentally aware. Why cant On the Runway cater to those types too? I just read that theres going to be an earth-friendly design show during Fashion Week in New York. They seem to get the importance of it, and I, for one, plan to be there for it.

Ive got it! Paige exclaims.

What?

You can do the Granada Greenwear interview yourself. And you can be our On the Runway conservation expert. That way I wont sound like a complete hypocrite by giving my thumbs-up to bad style.

But Im supposed to be behind the camera, remember?

Its your choice, Erin. If you want to pursue this idea of green fashion, youll have to do it in front of the camera. She holds up a patchwork shirt and just shakes her head. Because I simply cannot force myself to pretend that I like this granola wear.

We hear laughter from behind us and I turn to see Granada and Lucinda standing nearby. Did you just hear all that? I ask lamely.

Granada nods. And dont worry, its not the first time Ive experienced that reaction. Im fully aware that Granada Greenwear is not for everyone. We dont even want to be. Granada is Demi Moore meets Whoopi Goldbergor maybe Im thinking of the old film Ghost. But she has delicate features, expressive eyes, and these wild-looking brown dread-locks that reach halfway down her back. And, although shes a lot more bohemian than I could ever be, shes very stylish.

I love your clothes, I say in all earnestness.

But your sister does not. Granada frowns as she takes in Paiges outfit. And unfortunately you appear to love designers who dont love our planet. Why is that? She comes closer and looks into Paiges eyes. Do you like the idea of small children working ten hours or more a day, seven days a week, in disgusting conditions, just so you can wear those fancy clothes? Or perhaps you dont mind that toxic fabric dyes and chemicalsthe ones used to make your pretty little outfitcontribute to the harmful runoff that pollutes waterways and wildlife? Some of the very water sources that the poor need just to survive? Is that the price you think should be paid just so someone like you can look