Project Runway fashion designer and artist Elisa Jimenez debuted her Spring 2009 Collection, “Urban Nomads,” on Friday night in NYC. Helping to wrap-up New York Fashion Week with an eco-friendly vibe, the Project Runway alum showcased clothes made with 90-95% sustainable fabrics, imbibed with sage and honeysuckle as well as recycled Nike “Considered Product” sneakers. The show also included a line of “Meander Ware Bags,” designed by Jimenez’s partner, Moses, which are made from the recycled materials of awnings and tarps.

Jimenez reveals exclusively to CGG that she finds most of her materials online, relying on companies such as Ingeo, Nature Works LLC, and C.L.A.S.S. Showroom for Sustainable Fabric, to carry out her ideal of being “consumers yet conscientious,” and starting a “new industrial revolution, a green initiative, in the same way that Ford revolutionized the last 100 years.”

Jimenez also says that unlike bigger designers, she takes risks with new fabrics, like sea cellulose. One of her looks was an elegant brown sea cellulose halter dress, which is made out of algae and according to Jimenez, “feels like silk. It’s so stunning and beautiful.” Other pieces in her collection included a heavy white organic denim sheath, and a minimalist light brown mini-dress made of bamboo and soy. We especially liked the funky Nike sneakers worn with each look and the unexpected pairing of airy dresses with high-tops and graphic backpacks.

When she is not designing clothes, Elisa, the daughter of a sculptor and fashion designer, works on her installation and performance art and lives with her partner and daughter in New Mexico.

CGG chatted with Elisa after her show about everything from eco-friendly fashion, to being inspired by “her man”, and why kids should make “light” choices. Be sure to check out the full story here !