The second annual Vert Couture fashion show, “Sexy and Sustainable,” was held last Sunday at the new, environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz of Chicago showroom. One of the largest LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings in Chicago, the setting elevated this runway show’s focus on fusing fashion and eco-responsibility. The event itself was quite impressive, but most admirable was the fact that 100% of the profits were donated to Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit that promises to plant 15,000 trees in Chicago by 2015.

The attendees’ attention, nonetheless, remained on the fashion. The event started with a cocktail reception that featured eats by Karyn’s on Green and tasty libations made with Krome Vodka and organic juices. Acting as conversation pieces, impressive eco-conscious art installations and fashion designs by SAIC students filled the airy, 80,000-square-foot venue. Then, an African drum and dance group gave an impromptu performance that didn’t exactly feel like a cohesive addition to the event, and shoppers explored the many pop-up boutiques that sold a selection of local artists and designers.

The final component was the runway show. The designers included Modahnik, 71Jules, Crescendo Apparel, Silkutopia, Enamore and Junk Drawers, and all the ensembles–down to the shoes and jewelry–were also environmentally safe. Modahnik’s bright, African-inspired prints took on a modern approach with interesting cuts. 71Jules’s wrap dress showed how a single garment can be worn in many different ways, and Crescendo Apparel designed looks with the curvy woman in mind. Bold formalwear by Silkutopia was made using recycled gowns, creating dramatic statement pieces that could have easily stepped off the “Boardwalk Empire” set. The presentation finished strong with risqué lingerie and sleepwear from Enamore (a Parisian-chic collection of nighties and silk eye-masks), and Junk Drawers’ scantily clad male models were dress in a variety of briefs made from materials discarded by the apparel industry.

Vert Couture proved green fashion left behind its reputation as being wearable burlap sacks. Party goers left with Vert Couture’s motto engrained in their minds: Fashion can be sustainable and sexy at the same time.

By Maia McGinley

Photography by FotoSB

Fashioning Desire at City Gallery (Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Avenue)
Now through the end of January 2011, stop by Fashioning Desire: Chicago Fashion Photographers. Chicago’s lively and diverse fashion photography scene will be on display, featuring the work of nine local photographers.

Tuesday 10/19

The Designers of the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Millennium Park (201 E Randolph Street)
Kick off Fashion Focus Chicago 2010 at 7:30pm in Millennium Park. Macy’s hosts the first event of the week: a showcase of 14 CFI designers-in-residence along with a runway show of Spring 2011 collections. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.

Wednesday 10/20

Wave of Fashion Runway Show at Millennium Park (Chase Promenade North – 201 E Randolph Street)
The winner of the third annual Mario, Make Me a Model contest will be revealed beginning at 7:30pm. Each of the five finalists will walk the runway wearing local designs. The winner will be selected and announced by Mario Tricoci himself. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.

Life of Two Fairies Runway Show at The Drake Hotel (Palmer Room – 140 E Walton Place)
Starting at 9pm, Borris Powell will present his Spring 2011 womenswear collection, “Life of Two Fairies.” The collection is inspired by a legend of two fairies falling in love despite coming from different backgrounds. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Thursday 10/21

Dress Code at Millennium Park (Chase Promenade North – 201 E Randolph Street)
Students from some of Chicago’s top design schools will showcase their pieces at Dress Code beginning at 7pm. Top student from Columbia College Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art, The International Academy of Design & Technology, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will take part. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Make a Statement: Design for the Cure at River East Arts Gallery (435 E Illinois Street)
Beginning at 6:30pm, this high-energy fashion show and cocktail party will feature designs from some of the city’s best designers. This event is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago Junior Board of Director’s signature event aimed to raise awareness amongst Chicagoans. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Accessory Style Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago (Lounge Bar – 230 N Michigan Avenue)
From 3 to 6pm, Studio-808 presents the first ever Accessory Style Lounge. This event will showcase Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 accessory lines from a select list of emerging Chicago brands. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.

Chicago Fabric and Trim Show at the Merchandise Mart (350 N Orleans Street)
From 9am to 5pm, the Chicago Fabric and Trime Show is back for two days only. Up to 500 buyers from across the country will be in attendance along with over 100 national fabric and trim resources. Admission is free but RSVP required.

Friday 10/22

The Art of Fashion 2010 at Millennium Park (Chase Promenade North – 201 E Randolph Street)
Join StyleChicago.com at 7:30pm for the finale of Fashion Focus 2010: The Art of Fashion 2010 Runway Show. The event will feature Spring 2011 collection from many of Chicago’s best designers such as Elda de la Rosa, Lara Miller, Lauren Lein, Borris Powell, Paul Sisti, and much more. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Fashion Relief Fashion Show at Creative Lounge (1564 N Damen Avenue – 3^rd Floor)
The not-for-profit, Fashion Relief Fashion Show and silent auction gives exposure to new talent and donates all proceeds to the Gulf Relief Foundation. Door open at 7pm, and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Chicago Fabric and Trim Show at the Merchandise Mart (350 N Orleans Street)
From 9am to 4pm, the Chicago Fabric and Trim Show is back for two days only. Up to 500 buyers from across the country will be in attendance along with over 100 national fabric and trim resources. Admission is free but RSVP required.

Saturday 10/23

FashionChicago 2010 at Millennium Park (Chase Promenade North – 201 E Randolph Street)
From 10am to 6pm, join StyleChicago.com at FashionChicago 2010, an exclusive designer shopping event. The fashion event at Chase Promenade North will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind designer shopping event featuring more than 30 of the best designers. Admission is free but RSVP is required.

Fall Fashion and Jewelry Explosion at Plumber’s Hall (1340 W Washington Street)
The popular Modern Vintage shopping event is back for the fall from 10am to 5pm. Find the very best clothing, handbags, accessories, and more. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Elise Bergman Trunk Show at Roslyn Boutique (2035 N Damen Avenue)
Chicago designer Elise Bergman will have a trunk show from 11am to 7pm at Rosyln Boutique. Enjoy live music while shopping, refreshments, and exclusive discounts on custom order from the Fall and Holiday 2010 Collection.

Irregular, a Fashion Homage by Renovar at Heaven Gallery (1550 N Milwaukee Aveue)
From 8pm to 10pm, Alma Wieser, creator of Renovar, will pay homage to the great Japanese designers of the late 20th century at Heaven Gallery. The fashion show will highlight the revolutionary works from the late 60s to the present.

Sunday 10/24

Vert Couture: Sexy and Sustainable at Mercedes Benz of Chicago (1520 W North Avenue)
Join Conscious Living TV, LEED-certified Mercedes Benz of Chicago, and Chicago Gateway Green at 4:30pm for the 2^nd Annual Vert Couture Eco-Fashion Show. The event will showcase the Spring and Summer 2011 lines of some of the biggest and best eco-designers in Chicago such as Modahnik, 71 Jules, Bryant McLemore Smith, Manny B Jewelry, Fanta Celah, Mohop Shoes, Kailia Footwear, and more. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Fall Fashion and Jewelry Explosion at Plumber’s Hall (1340 W Washington Street)
The popular Modern Vintage shopping event is back for the fall from 10am to 3pm. Find the very best clothing, handbags, accessories, and more. Tickets are still available so purchase yours now.

Image courtesy of Billy Rood Photography

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

Marshall and Chandler at Vert Couture

Caitlin at Vert Couture

Anna at Vert Couture

Megan at Vert Couture

Terrell at Vert Couture