Gallery: “Runway to Green”...

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RUNWAY TO GREEN

Runway to Green was styled by some of fashion’s foremost authorities (Tonne Goodman and Tabitha Simmons of Vogue) and held at one of New York City’s most prestigious addresses (Christie’s at Rockefeller Plaza). But despite the rare opportunity to show how luxe sustainable fashion design can be, Runway to Green fell short of its potential. Although several designers—Stella McCartney and Oscar de la Renta among them—incorporated organic textiles into innovative pieces, most simply plundered from their Fall/Winter 2011 collections or, worse, whipped something up with no regard for planet-friendlier alternatives.

Where were the modals, peace silks, and recycled PET yarns, and why weren’t they called attention to?

Considering that fashion influencers like Vogue’s Anna Wintour and celebrities such as Diane Kruger, Zoe Kravitz, Olivia Palermo, and Ted Danson were in the audience, we feel the show could have aimed higher at portraying greener garments (much like Earth Pledge’s FutureFashion show did in 2008). Where were the modals, peace silks, recycled PET yarns, and water-saving dye techniques, and why weren’t they given the platform they deserve? Although the tradition of craftsmanship and artisanal labor many fashion houses uphold is sustainable in itself, this event should have been about raising consciousness as well as dollars.

Still, we concede that this is a step forward, no matter how small. The dollars raised for environmental charities—$1.26 million at last count—were impressive, and we’re confident that the organizations that benefitted from the largesse (and, in turn, the wolves, oceans, and trees those organizations support) came away happy campers. Ultimately, however, the potential for this haute eco-fashion event was so much greater than mere fundraising, and the failure to see that is a disappointment.

Oscar de la Renta’s stunning organic bridal gown.

Model Karolina Kurková in Prada

A look by Alexander McQueen.

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue.

Singer Nicki Minaj was entertaining, as one would expect.

+ Runway to Green

+ A Bid to Save the Earth

Originally published on March 30, 2011.