 By: Megan Seyler
Eco-fashion is not really fashion- at least that’s probably what most of us think. It conveys a message, usually with a sassy or informational phrase, but doesn’t show a sense of style or show your individuality. It shows you care about the environment, but not really your appearance. However, eco-friendly clothing is on the rise, and there are many places to purchase trendy clothes that are fashionable and cute. Last week we saw a great example of this in New York City.
Last week was one of the most exciting weeks in New York City: Fashion Week! The third annual GreenShows were held at the Metropolitan Park Pavilion from September 12th-14th. This three day event was a combination of high fashion and environmental awareness. Ten designers showcased their eco-friendly, ethically sound, fair trade fashions. The designers included Samantha Pleet (New York), Susan Cianciolo (New York), Bright Young Things by Eliza Starbuck (New York), Ashton Michael Black Label(Los Angeles), Lavuk by Natasha Gindin (Los Angeles), JoAnn Berman (New York), Auralis (New York/Puerto Rico), Luis Valenzuela (Miami), Dress Reform (New York), and Milliners Guilld (New York). Their trendy and environmentally sound clothing lines were inspired by a combination of their personal philosophies and different inspirations. The designers successfully combined the glamorous world of high fashion with the movement to save the environment.
Some designers chose to use environmentally friendly materials to create their fashion masterpieces: John Patrick of Organic and Bono and his wife who founded Edun use organic cottons and materials to create their eco-friendly trends. There is one designer who took it a step further. Luis Valenzuela is an artist and a designer who literally turns other people’s trash into treasures. He uses already existing materials such as lamp shades, old chandeliers, and birch bark to create truly breathtaking gowns and outfits. He has a love for fashion and was inspired by his grandfather’s passion for the environment and commitment to recycling.
The models on the catwalk at the GreenShows not only wore eco-conscious apparel, but also wore all natural cosmetics. The cosmetics used by the makeup artists were made from all natural ingredients. Every last color and shade of foundation or eye liner was derived from plants. Some liquid cosmetics, such as mascara or liquid liners, require preservatives because liquids can foster bacterial growth, and even the preservatives in these natural liquid cosmetics were derived from plant materials.
The environmentally friendly fashion show was at an equally environmentally friendly and appropriate venue. The event was held at the Metropolitan Park Pavilion in the Metropolitan Suite. The Metropolitan Suite is 8,500 square feet of eco-friendly fixtures. Inside the second floor suite are hardwood floors made from certified raw materials that came from sustainably harvested forests and were produced using no pesticides. Only LED lighting is used inside the Metropolitan Suite. It is elegant and sustainable: the perfect match for the equally elegant and eco-fabulous GreenShows. |
