Autumn has arrived and with it colder temperatures and rain. H&M is back with their latest in the Conscious Collection. Selections are truly beautiful with pretty lace, bold florals, structured jackets in greys and browns with embellishments. This will be available in stores starting October 6, 2011. More later. Here is a fun video in the meantime.

video: thanks to H&M

Times are really changing – and for the better. Over a decade ago, I can remember floating down Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley and Haight Street in SF looking for cruelty-free fashion with very few options. Thankfully, times have changed. On October 2nd the 1st San Francisco Vegan Fashion Show was presented as part of the 11th Annual San Francisco Vegetarian Society Festival.
I can truly say that it was an excellent, fast moving and enjoyable show – which is great since everyone who contributed their time and efforts did so on a volunteer basis for this grassroots event. As a special treat, Rory Freedman of Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bastard fame, hosted the show featuring vegan and vegetarian models.

Guess what? Here is the next best to being at the event, the video and a recap. Yes, it’s long. Yes, the sound is slightly out of sync. Another option is to view photos at the Pansy Maiden blog here. Some of the highlights:

Karine Brighten (Intro:0:02)
Rory Freedman (Intro: 1:20)
Mission Savvy (Interview: 2:30, Clothes: 5:45)
Farm Sanctuary talk with Rory Freedman (14:05)
Pansy Maiden and Lion’s Share (Interview: 14:55)
Pansy Maiden, Lion’s Share, Reco Jeans, Melie Bianco (Clothes: 20:00)
Surprise guest, Dixie Mahy, President of SFVS (43:35)

Presenters:

One of the main reasons for the fashion show’s success was due to Karine Brighten who planned and produced the event. Karine Brighten Events specializes in event planning for those who want an affordable, environmentally-conscious affair. She is a graduate of Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec and just finished the Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Animals.

San Francisco Vegetarian Society (SFVS) is one of the oldest and longest running in the United States. SFVS is friendly and very active with a full roster of events. President Dixie Mahy (seen near the end of the video) has been a vegetarian for over 50 years and a vegan for over 30 years!

Designers:

Mission Savvy created a set of collections designed by eco-conscious designers to “support animal rescue and wildlife conservation.” Five percent of all sales support one of Mission Savvy’s 5 missions: Dream, Compassion, Freedom, Instinct and Voice. Based in Charleston, West Virgina and founded by Jennifer Miller in 2009, clothes are designed to last. Designers include: Eco Skin, Kelly Lane, Prairie Underground, Clary Sage Organics, Sust, Toggery, Alchem1st and Blue Canoe. For women.

Vaute Couture is earning quite the name for itself and deservedly so with founder, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart being on the cover of Veg News. As a vegan and animal rights activist, the founder couldn’t find much in the way of suitable vegan coats and outwear. This is particularly a necessity in Chicago (my home town) as the winters can be harsh! Thus Vaute Couture was launched an 2009. Some of my favorites are the Upcycled Indigo Windbreaker, the Kinder and the Oru. For men, I like the Larson. Oh, btw tee shirts and sweatshirts are now available. For men and women.

Vegans Annika Ledhe and Kirby C. Johnson started Lion’s Share in March 2010 as an experiment in art and fashion. How does this work? Five Artists are commissioned to design a series of t-shirts with vegan in pictures or words, select the inks for printing and pick an organization to donate a percentage of the profits. 200 of each design is then printed and 18 of these go to the artists, models and other contributors. All t-shirts are made from certified organic cotton, bamboo or recycled materials. Operations are in Seattle and Austin and manufacturing is in the Carolinas and Los Angeles. For men and women.

Reco Jeans is the only recycled denim company that is green label certified. Denim is made using an innovative fabric and process. Jeans are made from a combination of organic and recycled materials reducing the use of new cotton. The site has a useful business report on Green fashion. Reco Co-labs is a collaboration with artists to design fun t-shirts. For men and women.

Family-owned and headquartered in Los Angeles, Melie Bianco was founded by the husband and wife team of Melissa and William. Melissa, a graduate of F.I.T. in New York, started this vegan handbag collection in 2003. Known for high quality luxury at reasonable prices, Melie Bianco has been frequently featured in the press. I truly like the Agatha Carry-On Bag, Annabelle Blossom Top and the Mariah Pleated Shoulder Bag. For women.

Cri de Coeur has been a favorite of mine since it started in 2007. Imagine finding a vegan shoe company that is also well-made and stylish. Gina Ferraraccio and Julie Dicterow founded this line to make a difference with a focus on ethics and animal welfare. Each shoe is made ethically from start to finish. Spring 2010 saw the introduction of the Heart of Darkness line for a more mainstream audience with prices remaining under $150. Cri de Coeur is a great place to shop for vegan boots. Accessories and Jewelry are also available. For women.

Show Sponsors:

Cruelty-Free Face is the site of makeup artist Melisser Elliott. It’s definitely worth a visit just for the list of companies and products that are cruelty-free. Be on the lookout for her upcoming book, The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life. She also runs cupcake company Sugar Beet Treats, a Bay Area favorite.

Pureology has been around since 2001. Salon forerunner Jim Markham created a line of hair care products that are 100% vegan and made from botanicals. Choose from a variety of products such as Super Smooth and Pure Volume. Take the test to find out which one is best for you.

Pushcart Designs is small design shop for graphic design and a member of Designer’s Accord. Specialties are website, packaging, invitation and poster design along with photography. Clients are mainly small businesses, non-profits, arts and social justice organizations.

Saturn Café in Berkeley is an old-fashioned diner. It’s basic American fare, hamburgers, fries, club sandwiches and so forth but all vegetarian with some vegan options. I’ve been a few times and the food is tasty with good prices. A fun gathering place for families and friends, Saturn Café also has speakers and other special events.

Colorcraft is the duo of veteran makeup artists Patrick Eichler and Andrew Martin. Both have over 20 years experience with top designers and celebrity clientele. Colorcraft masterclasses are also offered.

Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, Authors of Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bastard. Most likely you are familiar with the “Skinny” series. The authors share a love of eating – healthy eating that is with a focus on exercise and environmental awareness. Rory Freedman is a former talent agent and Kim Barnouin is a former model. So, both know how to look good while making healthy vegan choices.

Obessessive Compulsive Cosmetics aka OCC combines the talents of makeup artists David Klasfeld and Katie Pellegrino. All cosmetics are 100% vegan and PETA approved. Do you want body makeup? Nail lacquer? Eye makeup? Then you’ve come to the right place. OCC has some very innovative products such as OCC Skin an airbrush product that is water-based and 100% oil-free. Lip Tar is a hybrid cross between lip stick and lip gloss with a matte finish.

Animal Friendly Shopping was founded by Ciara in 2009 for those who want to find animal-free and cruelty-free products. This blog takes the guess work out of ethical shopping by doing the research for you. I also recommend her Amazon shop for vegan shoes.

Grasshopper Salon in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco was kind enough to volunteer styling services for the models. The Salon focuses on a thorough up-to-date education and classic cuts done in a contemporary manner.

Media Sponsors:

San Francisco Fashion Merchants Alliance is a social network and non-profit organization for the San Francisco Fashion Industry. As a progressive voice, SFFMA unites creativity and business.

Ecorazzi. Get the latest in Green Gossip on the environment, animal rights and humanitarian issues celebrity style. Pressing issues are handled in a lighthearted and lively manner. Since 2006.

Stephanie Redcross recently started Vegan Mainstream as a business incubator and gathering place for those interesting in marketing Vegan products and services. This is the place to go for “strategic planning, market intelligence, social media, design, search engine optimization and public relations.”

And finally,
Special thanks to SFVS for the video and making this fashion show possible.

Thanks to Studio Leroux for these videos.

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Wish I could have several pieces from this collection, don’t you? Well, wouldn’t you like to see Stella’s new resort line for 2010? Okay. Go here. Since I can’t get enough fashion how about two more slide shows both from treehugger – Stewart & Brown Fall 2009 and 20 Under-the-Radar Green Designers.