The Vegan Vixens love fashion with compassion. They have recently been working with L.A. designer Monah Li for red carpet events and photoshoots. Monah Li’s clothes are unique, eco-friendly and have an original flair.

Sunny: Tell me a bit about your clothing line and the inspiration behind it.

Monah: The line is inspired by what I wanted to wear as a teenager but was too young to be able to have. When I create and wear my designs, I feel connected and whole. I come from Vienna, from a rich tradition of beautiful and mysterious clothes, and I incorporate those images into what I design.

Sunny: So, you use recycled vintage clothing for your new line. Please tell me about where you find these fabrics and how you go about choosing the right ones.

Monah: I find my material in vintage stores, flea markets and from fabric mills in Italy and Switzerland. I cut everything up and re-sew it into modern and wearable garments. I don’t want to contribute to the throw-away and waste creating culture, so I re-use what’s already there. The flaws and rips in the garments that I use give me the opportunity to "fix" the problem with seams and embroidery, artful patches and beading. Over the years, I developed my trademark: an X-shaped seam that usually conceals a hole in the fabric. Sometimes, this seam looks like a scar or the remnants of a faded tattoo; it creates an organic look that is almost tribal.

Sunny: Please tell me about your efforts to be eco-friendly and why you feel it's important in this day and age to buy eco-friendly clothes.

Monah: I know the human and ecological price of cheap garments from my travels to China and India. I know the brutal way of how sheep are shorn for their wool and the reality of toxic production of most man-made fibers. By re-using fabrics that have already left their mark, I at least don’t contribute more damage. In addition, I use labor here in Los Angeles and I pay my sewers well. I teach women who need to learn skills to become independent and self-supporting how to cut, sew and dye my products.

Sunny: Describe the overall look/style of your clothing line.

Monah: It’s a mix of modern shapes, timeless and artful—Bohemian with a sexy twist. I mix fabrics and textures and when I dye the finished garment, those fabrics take the dye in different shades so everything looks mysteriously faded and vibrant at the same time.

Sunny: What has been your experience working with The Vegan Vixens? Do you feel you all have similar views?

Monah: The Vegan Vixens are strong in their belief that nobody—animals nor people—should get hurt in the process of producing what they want to wear. They are committed to proving that being sexy and beautiful doesn't have to be cruel. It feels empowering to work with them because they show us all that you can care about the environment and still be sexy and hot. What really makes the garments come alive on the Vixens is their enthusiasm and their vibrancy. They have really shown me that inner light of a woman—this is what makes them more beautiful than any 15 year-old stick-thin model that slinks down the runway without any understanding of where the clothes on her back came from.

Sunny: Where can people buy your clothes?

Monah: My clothes are available in boutiques in Los Angeles, in Colorado and other states in the US, as well as in Paris and Vienna and soon in New York. In addition, I hold trunk shows, where I connect with my costumers directly, so I always experience first-hand what they love and wish to wear. My cardigans are $250, the dresses about the same and my unique patchwork wraps start at $120. I also work with brides and their bridesmaids. I create one-of-a-kind wedding and bridesmaid dresses for them through a quite intimate process of getting to know them and creating the perfect dress in their price range for them. Those dresses can cost anywhere from $1200-4500.

The Vegan Vixens will soon be coming out with a clothing line of their own within the next few weeks, which will include hot, sexy tank tops and dresses for women who are ready to look absolutely fabulous in ecologically sound threads. And for all the men who want to stand up for the planet and look fashionably irresistible, the Vegan Vixens will have sweats available for purchase to help support the cause. The Vegan Vixens will also have a hot bikini line for all the ladies who want to show a little more skin. With summer just around the corner, these bikinis are going to make you ladies the hottest chicas on the beach. All of the clothes and bikinis will be made out of organic, natural and ultra-soft bamboo and cotton. For more information on The Vegan Vixens, including updates about their upcoming clothing line, please visit www.veganvixens.com and myspace.com/veganvixens.