Susan Woo believes in blending high design with environmental and social consciousness, which to her credit means more than using organic fabrics—although, yes, she does that as well. Her spring 2010 collection, the second to come from New York-based Woo, follows her philosophy to source fabrics from companies that have made positive commitments to the environment, ensure her everyday operations are energy-efficient, and produce garments using fair labor practices.

However, don't let the style ethics stance fool you. Woo is designing chic, modern—dare we say sexy—cocktail dress and tuxedo jackets that might finally convince fashionable consumers evironmentally friendly doesn't have to mean safe or simple.

Photos: Geordie Wood