Fashion Week 2007 puts green in the limelight

Anyone who pays attention to fashion-industry news knows that sustainable fashion no longer means wearing a dress that looks like it's made of mulch. In this spirit, Fashion Week 2007 showcases the best eco-minded styles you actually want to wear from local, national and international designers. The event takes place Oct. 2-6 at various venues throughout Seattle.

Marching down the runway at the big Oct. 6 show will be eco-friendly ensembles by the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Heatherette, Imitation of Christ, Diane von Furstenberg and Loomstate (8 p.m. at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, general admission $50).

Among the other not-to-be-missed events is an Oct. 4 trunk show at the Pampas Room (5-8 p.m.), which gives attendees sneak previews of looks by designers who ply their trade with an eye toward preservation: Portland designer Anna Cohen favors start-to-finish sustainability, from using locally sourced materials to decorating her studio with recycled furnishings; Pine IV Denim plants a tree for every pair of jeans they produce; local jewelry designer Emily Baker of Clever Castle uses cast-off auto gaskets, found objects and semiprecious stones in her brilliant earrings and necklaces.

Other happenings include an evening of private shopping at Seattle boutiques such as Olivine, Rue and La Rousse (Oct. 2, 5 p.m.), a panel discussion on green fashion choices at El Gaucho (Oct. 3, 7 p.m.) and a "Style Suite" at the Inn at El Gaucho, with spa and hair treatments from leading Seattle salons Mode and Seven.

Tickets are available online, and they range from $50 general admission tickets, which give holders entrée to the Mad Dash for Fashion, the runway show and its after-party, to $425 "UVIP" passes, which allow access to all events, free valet parking, front-row runway seats, private receptions and a gift bag.

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