Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage

by Rachel Yeomans

Photos by Abigail Harenberg

I remember when being “green” accompanied the chime “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. Over the past few years it has become much more. The building industry brought forth LEED certification, cars are going hybrid, and the term “organic” has gone from food to fashion.

When eco-fashion was first introduced, it caused some skepticism that it may tout the description of “granola” versus “grandeur”. However, throughout the years and through the efforts of some passionate designers, the skepticism can now be happily disregarded. And Sunday’s Vert Couture “Springtime in Chicago” runway show was a fantastic reminder that green has gone couture.

The Chicago Cultural Center housed the event that marks the first time eco-fashion has been a part of Fashion Focus Chicago. Before the runway show began, belly dancers from local restaurant Alhambra showcased their talents and reminded me of how much I love it when fashion shows mix fashion and entertainment. And as a side note, the gift bags (in environmentally friendly reusable bags of course) contained by far the best swag of the week.

Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage

Vaute Couture opened the runway show with the fashion-forward jumpsuit, statements of color, and jackets that would make any wardrobe cry out with envy. Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage mixed some fantastic menswear ensembles alongside looks worthy of a cameo spotlight on the AMC show Mad Men. Seven students from the Fashion Institute Student Collective followed touting looks of ingenious construction, texture, and many a one-shouldered show show-stopping ensemble. Next came the Frei Designs collection that took the shift dress from baby-doll cute to evening glamour. Mountains of the Moon ended the runway show with a collection full of sexiness, style, and a whole lot of fun.

Accessories were provided by Mohop Shoes, Kailia Footwear, Fanta Celah and McGowan and McClain. Following the show, Michael Irving of Nudie Jeans (a longtime denim obsession of mine) announced the winner of The Recycled Denim Maniacs Project, a creative project to produce new creations from recycled denim samples. Irving announced Paul Sisti as the winner, whose look will be shown at the Project Trade Show in Las Vegas, and will be featured in select Barney’s and specialty stores throughout the country.

Fashion Institute Student Collective

It was a night to be remembered for its entertainment, fashion, and for the exciting emergence of Chicago serving as a worldwide leader in environmentally friendly fashion.

Fashion Institute Student Collective

Frei Designs

Mountains of the Moon

Mountains of the Moon

Mountains of the Moon

Paul Sisti

Vaute Couture

Vert Couture Executive Producers- Michael & Bianca Alexander