A dress from Emma Watson's Summer 2010 People Tree collection, and the actress on the People Tree catalog

Watson, best known for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in Warner Brothers’ adaptations of the Harry Potter books, spent most of her formative years in the spotlight, but has blossomed with a grace rare among the current crop of teenage actresses, who are increasingly famous for court dates and sex tapes. The 20-year-old has become something of a fashion icon for women her her age, making the transition from icon to designer seem logical if not planned. Watson’s desire to create a line with People Tree stemmed from a lack of fair trade clothing targeted at a younger demographic. The result was a collection that was not only fair trade but also 80% fair trade cotton. The collection showed promise and Watson continued to work with People Tree to produce a second collection for autumn/winter. {People}

Watson, who recently debuted a pixie haircut, will be showing her spring/summer 2011 collection in mid-September. The show is part of Prince Charles’s “Garden Party to Make a Difference”, an event to get people interested in the Prince’s Start Initiative. The event and Start Initiative help Brits to live more sustainable lives, and Watson’s appearance is hoped to be just one of many features that will draw people in. {Ecorazzi}

We already love Emma Watson’s style and her summer collection so we look forward to seeing what her future collections have to offer. Her involvement in Prince Charles’s Start Initiative is inspiring and we hope she’ll continue to make fashion headlines for all the right reasons.

Emma Watson, of the beloved Harry Potter films, has collaborated with People Tree, the ethical fair trade and organic clothing company, on its 2010 spring collection.

This is no Lindsay Lohan/Emanuel Ungaro debacle, but instead is an honest utilization of celebrity status for a worthy cause. Watson said, “I wanted to help People Tree produce a younger range because I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty and knew it was something I could help make a difference with.”

Watson will serve as creative adviser for the line, comprising 26 women’s styles and 15 for men, plus a small accessories range. The collection has been described by People Tree as “clean, sexy and easy to wear” and will enter stores late February 2010.

People Tree produces 100% organic fair trade certified cotton garments integrating methods of hand-knitting, hand-weaving and embroidery which employs struggling families in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. This is fashion you’ll not only feel good wearing, but will make the buying experience a lot less painful.

Read the full story {Telegraph UK}