By: Victoria Huntley

When I think eco-friendly, I usually think of hairy hippies eating gorp and clothes that go well with Tori Amos and tea – apparently that is a horrible stereotype that was clarified in this mega fashion extravaganza that bowed down to Mother Earth. Clocking the coveted Friday eve slot, I made my way to Collin Campbell’s fancy carpet kingdom ready to get my hemp on.

While in queu for the big event, a pushy saleswoman from a swank 4th Avenue retailer started to wind bamboo around my neck:

“This is has 14 different styles in one item!!”

Wanting to snag my seat, I first had to figure out how to break free from the high fashion bamboo noose thing-a-ma-jig.

The lights dimmed, and people scrambled from the bar to their seats. Entertainment kicked off when a prissy fashionista nearly wiped out on the cement spiral staircase. Though her hairspray chapeau could have easily saved her, and doubled for a bike helmet – you wouldn’t catch her peddling to work in the Burrard Bridge bike lane. The attendees made it clear: this was no Burning Man gathering.

Did you know eco-friendly could be edgy? Hawks Ave and Lave and Kush stormed out with sultry looks to rock-star tunes andexuded a bold and playful style that would appeal to any Gastown gadabout.

The sexy prize goes to Vancouver College of Art and Design (VCAD) instructor Jenny Sandberg’s, line Hawks Ave. Using primarily bamboo (apparently the hot textile!) her designs feature asymmetrical skirts and racy-lacy streetwear.

We were over the hipster trucker hat trend…like two years ago…until Nate Organics revitalized it with a bunch of male models strutting in their undies. Turns out one of the more breathtaking dudes was Adam Kreek, world class rower and gold medal Olympian. Shwing!

Red Jade went Jackie O. as designer Margarita Angelatos brought iconic pieces to BC’s growing enviro-vogue stage. A combination of earth-friendly locally produced textiles and impressive tailoring give Red Jade its classic, upscale trademark.

BC designers are spearheading the eco-friendly movement, which has caught on in New York and LA, thus giving eco fashion its ‘chic legs’ in Canada.