The Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round organic urban oasis that attracts local butterflies and wildlife. It's purpose is to teach effective ways ro restore, conserve and preserve nature in the urban environment through the use of native and adapted plants. And what better way to raise awareness than with an organic fashion show. The two featured designers for the night were Lindsay Weatheread and Ross Bennet.There was a small auction before the show. The items were donated from various local businesses and designers. They included everything from dinner packages to gift baskets to custom clothing. I took the hour to do some fashion snap of the guests:
... And talk to some of the volunteers behind the scenes. My friend Noel spent various all-nighters working on these headpieces for the show. I think he's got a knack for it.
Weatheread showed her "Origami for Your Body" while Bennet featured his Green Label Collection. Here's a some pics I caught from a few rows back.
And some quick video. It's mostly Ross Bennet but the ending has some pieces from the El Centro College fashion design students.
And speaking of El Centro College students, they spent the past weeks learning about organic cloth and enviromentally-friendly options for design. At the close of the class, they made some hand-painted pieces that resembled butterlfy wings that went for up to $200 on a runway live auction! Wow! At one point, I was really wishing I had taken a bid number.
The proceeds from the show will go towards developing some new outdoor spaces into educational and interactive native habitats and butterfly gardens as well as help local schools and centers develop their own butterfly gardens. This school year alone, the Texas Discovery Gardens will reach over 7,000 students, teaching them about sustainable living and appreciating nature.
The bit of swag at the end wasn't so bad either. There was a very useful shopping bag that folds out of a zip-pouch from Whole Foods and butterfly patch that holds sunflower seeds. I'm giving it to my dad for his garden.
Big thanks to Whit for helping me with the pictures when my camera died. Now I charge that thing every night!
