Romantic visual artist, pioneer, and unconventional designer Jeff Garner and his sustainable, organic label Prophetik are on a path of transformation, leading the evolution of fashion and changing our perception of luxury.
The uniqueness of Prophetik begins with the artist himself. Garner’s vivacity and his commitment to creating distinctive, sustainable, eco-friendly fashion is a reflection of his environment. Born in the Civil War town of Franklin, Tennessee, and raised on a horse farm, Garner grew with a connectedness to nature and a peaceful understanding of the world. The Prophetik label’s genesis came once Jeff made the decision to combine his love for his surroundings with his artistic desires.
Garner takes his inspiration from the dressmakers of the Civil War period who worked with what was in front of them, fashioning beautiful gowns that were later taken apart to recreate new dresses – sustainability born out of necessity. Garner’s designs have a sophistication that sets them apart from typical organic clothing. Garner says, “I want people to experience the heart of Prophetik” and believes that having a social conscience will never go out of style. Using organic dyes from the garden, recycled bottles transformed into greenspun fleece, working with materials like flax and durable hemp that is naturally softened with baking soda, and employees who receive fair pay to produce his designs are all a part of what makes Prophetik distinct. With his collection, Garner hopes to bring awareness to an industry that has not been concerned with the process as much as the results.
In the eight years that Prophetik has been in existence, Garner’s sustainable garments are stocked in high-end boutiques across the United States, including the distinguished Fred Segal in Santa Monica (a celebrity favorite), and Eco Age located in London, Japan and Switzerland. With a focus on sustainability, the UK’s fashion industry has welcomed Garner’s diversity with open arms. Prophetik shows at London Fashion Week where Garner was named “2010 Eco Men’s Designer of the Year.”
Garner has also worked as a costume designer for Miley Cyrus, Jeremy Camp, Newsboys, Amy Grant, Sheryl Crow, Jonas Brothers, Kings of Leon, Barry Manilow and Donna Summer, many of whom have become supportive friends and fans of Garner and Prophetik. Garner frequently speaks at universities on the subject of sustainability in fashion and will be joining forces with Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, to start a school of sustainability.
“We all have a story to tell; we all have a canvas, and my canvas is clothes.” – Jeff Garner