business 411
photography by EdFrey.com
Local small business owner Richard Fredrick was green before green was hip.
THe ULTIMATe
In fact, Fredrick has been doing green and cruelty-free designs since the early
1990s, selling his wholesale namesake label accessories to such retail giants as
Nordstrom, House of Blues and Harley-Davidson.
“Green”
Specifically, the Richard Fredrick line has focused on cruelty-free belts. The
belts, made from faux leather rather than actual animal hyde, have a significantly
longer life, because they are dry-cleanable and won’t crack.
FASHIoN oF
“At first people thought it was just a sales pitch,” Fredrick says of the cruelty-free
concept. “People thought if it isn’t real leather, then the quality can’t be as good.
Actually, it’s just the opposite. For example, the ultra-suede material coming out
MytholoGy
of Japan lasts 1,000 times longer than animal suede.”
When Fredrick launched his line, a local San Diego Nordstrom buyer bought 39
belts. They were sold out in 24 hours, and the Richard Fredrick line became one of
by brian van de mark
the must-haves.
Now Fredrick is bringing is own line of accessories to the heart of South Park
with San Diego’s first eco-boutique, Mythology.
“Mythology is about featuring designers, including myself, who are conscious
of a greater, global aspect to apparel,” Fredrick explains. “For example, many of the
labels we’ll carry are made from organic material. The majority are soy composite,
hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Also, 75 percent of the designers are local, so
they are unique products. And, local designers means cutting down on oil used for
shipping. We feature a brand of vegan shoes. We’re lowering the human footprint
from a fashion perspective.”
60 RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2009
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