Green never looked so good.
Yesterday, students had the opportunity to both watch and be a part of “Gorgeous in Green,” a fashion show sponsored by Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility and the Vanderbilt Sierra Club.
Students strutted down the catwalk displaying the wear of 13 local designers and stores that sell eco-friendly products. The designers also spoke to the audience about fashion and how the items were made.
Junior Gabe Horton, vice president of Sierra Club, and junior Leslie Labruto, president of SPEAR, hosted the event.
“We hope to let Vanderbilt students know that there are ways to go green besides recycling and saving electricity. Even choosing better and more eco-conscious clothing is an option towards a greener lifestyle,” Labruto said.
Around 60 students modeled for the event, including several VUceptors, student leaders, and senior Wyatt Smith, president of Vanderbilt Student Government.
“This event should raise awareness of sustainability efforts on campus, particularly among first year students, and allow SPEAR and Sierra Club to build momentum for attaining their goals this semester,” said Smith, who was dressed in ASK Apparel.
Sophomore Ben Scott and Senior Macey Skulman agreed that the show was a creative means of promoting sustainability on campus.
“It was very professional. I think that SPEAR is really getting out there,” said Skulman.
Proceeds benefited the nonprofit Kilowatt Ours and the World Wildlife Fund.
In addition, several products, including purses and wallets created by sophomore and SPEAR Secretary Emma Steigerwald, were available for purchase. The bags were made from Caprisun packages and cigar boxes, and the money will go toward the planting of pollinator gardens in Nashville.
“I hope they make a statement about the kind of wasteful packaging that abounds in our society — and inspire people with ideas of how to reuse salvaged items,” Steigerwald said. “Hopefully, the eco-friendly fashion show will bring a more substantial definition to the words 'beautiful' and 'stylish' on campus.”
