Walking into Vert Couture’s runway show last Sunday, I realized I don’t have a single ethically produced item in my wardrobe. Aside from the fact that eco-fashion is a fairly new (and quickly growing) art, I think my closet is green-free because sustainable clothing and accessories have a reputation of being hippy-like designs made with coarse fabric and scrap metal.

The designers at Vert Couture didn’t live up to that reputation. Much of what strolled down the runway was surprisingly soft, form fitting and expertly tailored. In fact, most of the items didn’t look environmentally friendly at all—and I say that in a good way. The garment designers of the evening included Frei Designs, Vaute Couture, Mountains of the Moon, students from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Bryant McLemore Smith Vintage, and Nudie Jeans.  The show was accessorized by the equally eco-responsible Mohop Shoes, Kailia Footwear, Fanta Celah, and McGowan and McClain.

Some of my favorite designs included a cobalt bomber by Vaute Couture, which also presented a number of jackets, coats and dresses that I could easily see myself wearing. The black origami-style dress (above) by Mountains of the Moon was a delight. It’s movement was marvelous, and it’s bodice fit like a glove. Bryant’s vintage pumpkin orange dress (above) was the perfect fall piece, especially when paired with a leather bomber and leopard print tote. A faux leopard print, of course.

From the organic martinis and hors d’oeuvres to the intimate setting in the Chicago Cultural Center, the evening seemed to be a real success. We look forward to what Chicago’s eco-friendly designers bring to the runway next year.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Komifoto