Where your heart on your sleeve, or around your neck! That’s what Los Angeles-based green fashion brand Annatarian is encouraging fashionistas to do with their new line of recycled sterling silver necklaces. Peace, Love and Earth was designed “to inspire positive change,” according to company founder and designer, Anna Mkhitarian.

Established in 2001 after the events of September 11th, Annatarian is best known for its eco-couture dresses and bridal gowns. Sold only on the company’s website and at special events, Anna’s one-of-a-kind (”because you are”) designs have been featured in numerous publications, such as The Knot and Women’s Wear Daily. Vintage and organic fabrics, including kimonos and muu muus, are a key element of the sustainable line.

Along with her new line of recycled silver necklaces, Anna also has a line of luxurious shawls and scarves made from the same collection of fabrics as her well-known dresses. The Annatarian website also hints at a shoe line in the works, with more info to come.

It was my pleasure to recently interview Annatarian founder Anna Mkhitarian about her new jewelry collection, future plans for Annatarian, and the importance of green fashion in the overall environmental movement. Keep reading for her responses, as well as an exclusive, limited time discount for all Victoria-E.com readers.

After starting such a successful eco-couture dress company, Annatarian, what drove you to branch out into necklaces?

Anna Mkhitarian: I’ve always designed jewelry at the same time I’ve done clothing, and mostly in the same way: one-of-a-kind. With this line, I wanted something that was unique but that could be worn by the masses. The idea is to inspire positive change, as well as wearing and stating your beliefs. My hope is that they will provoke thought about the truth of the meanings of these words. The more people wearing them, the more this idea is in the collective conscious.

The designs for Peace, Love and Earth are delightfully simple and, of course, made from recycled materials. What lead you to choose silver over other metals and gems?

Anna: With the mission of being environmentally friendly, and relatively price conscious, I tried to find the best material for these designs. Silver is a beautiful pure metal that is affordable and recycled. We can specially make them in recycled gold as well.

Do you plan on continuing to expand the Annatarian brand in the future - a ready to wear line, shoes … etc?

Anna: Oh yah. From the beginning, the vision has been that Annatarian is a place for all your eco-effective design needs - from clothing and accessories to film and other kinds of visual arts. In 2001, we actually started doing all of the above: putting on art exhibits, making t shirts, paintings and jewelry; all with the eco and peace mission mission of course. In 2005, we realized that we needed to downsize and that the dresses were the starting point, the roots where everything else would then branch out of. The Peace, Love, and Earth necklaces are the first branch.

How do you see your company as part of the eco-movement? Is green fashion just as vital as hybrid cars and solar power?

Anna: I look at Annatarian as a bellwether. In 2001, when I would talk about my company, I would get strange looks. People wouldn’t understand [while] others would tell me to give up, they’d say that it was hopeless, and stores were practically hanging up the phone on me. Now, everyone gets it - peoples faces light up, they get excited, they want to know more, they love it (it encourages them) and stores are very excited too. Green fashion is just as vital as hybrid cars and solar power. Now that green fashion is the coolest way to dress and express your values (and it actually looks cool), consumers are asking for it and retailers are listening! Fashion is on you all day long, and it is the modern day protest. We get our voices heard by how we spend our money - it’s how we “vote” and it starts making a change. The change is here!

*** For all Victoria-E.com readers, Anna has offered up an exclusive, limited-time discount on her new jewelry line. With four different designs to choose from, you will received 10% off your purchase by clicking here. Don’t wait! Act now! This offer ends August 1st, 2007. ***