Beanstockd Does Global Green’s Gorgeous and Green Event

While the world crossed its fingers for positive progress at the Copenhagen Climate Summit, San Francisco celebrated the green spirit of our city at Global Green's 5th Annual Gorgeous and Green Benefit. Held at the recently LEED certified W Hotel in San Francisco, Gorgeous and Green benefits Global Green’s nationwide and local efforts building green housing, communities and schools, such as, the Edes Avenue development project in Oakland. In a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Pacific Gas & Electric, Global Green helped to achieve affordable, sustainable single-family housing for a neighborhood in East Oakland.

Joining the President of Global Green, Matt Peterson, on the runway, co-chairs Zem Joaquin and Nadine Weil introduced the main event of the evening — an entirely eco-inspired fashion show. Before the runway show, Zem and Nadine (the forward-thinking, fashionable gems of Ecofabulous and Heart of Green) chatted with us about their personal favorites in the innovation of eco-friendly fashion. They overwhelmingly agree, “eco-fashion has never been this beautiful.”

Nadine, wearing a vintage green gown with a tiered train, told us her favorite looks on the runway are from Norwegian designer Leila Hafzi, who showed selections from her spring collection featuring glamorous silk and chiffon gowns of vibrant natural colors like coral, canary and fuschia. “She has some of the most stunning gowns I’ve ever seen — eco or not — and inspired by nature.” We must agree, the combo of flowing feminine silhouettes and plunging necklines looked like wildflowers next to the earth tones we usually see with eco-fabrics. Overseeing her production company in Nepal, Leila Hafzi uses eco-friendly and organic fabrics whenever possible, and promotes fair trade and human rights throughout the production line.

Zem Joaquin wore another featured designer on the runway — local to NYC garment district, Robin Brouilette, whose pale wintry layers, knits, ruffles, and organic silk gowns could compete with the chic-est catwalk couture of the moment.

Zem’s favorite eco-innovator is San Francisco designer Mr. Larkin, who “uses all kinds of organic fibers, and natural dyes from berries and leaves.” On the runway, Mr. Larkin revealed some cutting edge spring designs in the most memorable white milk fiber, (100% biodegradable and nourishes the skin when you wear it) and other natural knits. Gorgeously green Josie Maran chose a vintage-inspired organic cotton lace knit Mr. Larkin piece to complement her natural beauty.

The first collection on the catwalk was by PACT (“change starts with your underpants” — we love their video). PACT debuted a new design by renowned butterfly artist Sage Vaughn — bright orange butterfly boxer briefs. 10% of sales from the organic cotton underwear by PACT is donated to various earthly causes including Global Green, ForestEthics and Oceana.

We were also introduced to Livity (of LA): fun, young, casual wear made from the sustainable, durable materials we know will far outlast the trends of the season. Tees, hoodies, fedoras and more are made with hemp, organic cotton, recycled plastic PET bottles (!), and raffia straw for headwear. “The word 'Livity' is Jamaican patois for a free, healthy and righteous lifestyle of sustainability and unity.”

Also onsite was fashionable eco apparel by Andrea Lusener, Nina Skarra, Sara Shepherd, 10.A.K., Noir, Puridee, Cari Borja and Magdelena Schaffrin, Eco Citizen Boutique and San Francisco's green-minded leader.

“In my day job, I strive to make San Francisco the most sustainable big city in the U.S.,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. By implementing initiatives like a plastic bag ban and, most recently, a city-wide composting mandate, Newsom (who drives an electric car) continues striding forward for the green cause. So, we had to ask,“Do you recycle your holiday wrapping paper?” He responded, “I haven’t gotten a gift yet, but yes, we should…Absolutely. We will.” (So should you). Then, he turned the tables on us regarding the annual killings of Christmas trees tradition. Although we prefer beach bonfires for our expired trees (citing winter solstice traditions of burning a yule log for warmth), we admit there is a bit of CO₂ emitted. Newsom, on the other hand, dutifully decorated a planted "holiday" tree with LED lights which will continue breathing in CO₂ once it is replanted outside of City Hall.

Thanks to all for the inspirational evening of Earth awareness through fashion and action, and to everyone who is keeping green this season — locally, globally, and gorgeously.

Sharona

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