Green Fashion
Fashions in a particular shade of Green were presented along a sodwalk at Greenfest Philly, Sunday, Sept 9. The models wis to wear great clothes without wearing out the environment. Industrial designer Ashley Gehman has assembled the coolest collection of fashion designers who are working in very individual ways to mesh the needs of the market and the environment. Look for one-of-a-kind adult and kids’ designs, presented as themes: Eco-Materials, Re-purposed/Recycled, Conceptual, and Sweat-Shop Free. You’ll see both knockabout and knockout numbers, from recognized and emerging designers, national and local. Research is a huge part of the job of ecologically responsible designers now – and shoppers too. The show is a primer on the eco wardrobe. Check out new fabrics like bamboos, seaweed and bamboo that don’t require fertilizer and pesticides. See colors that zing without toxic pigments. See what natural materials like rain forest rubber will get ya. From designers committed to the 100-mile-diet to re-purposed salvaging cashmere, here are the trade-ups, trade-offs and trade-outs that are taking place now. Ju Ju salon and Organics, Philadelphia’s own ecologically sensitive mecca for hair and makeup, will prepare all models at its salon, at 716 Fourth St. A few teasers from SO RE FA…
- Zoe Brooke’s tiered evening dress, crafted from 100 plastic Target bags
- Rainer Wolter’s award-winning Parasol Gown has bodice stays made of umbrella spokes
- Madgirl’s gown of multicolored paint swatches
- Re-ply’s shoes made from skateboards.
- Plus two dozen other designers including Garbage of Eden, Moral Fervor,
- Earth Child,Panda Snack, Happy Green Bee, Stewart Brown, Delforte Denim, Loyal Clothing, Rust Belt, popomomo, Undesigned, and Under the Canopy.
- Arcadia will celebrate the opening of its eco-fashion boutique in Northern Liberties, Philly, in September by presenting four of its national eco-fashion designers.
SO RE FA see www.greenfestphilly for more details. GreenFest Philly is a project of the Urban Green Partnership. Heather Guidice So Re Fa, Photographer 
designer stylists: Mackenzie Hughes Meghan Kramer
