On Tuesday, May 11th at Herban Feast in Sodo Park, more than 30 vendors and 13 sponsors gathered together for a sustainable "zero waste party" called CRAVEgreen. The venue itself is a feast for the eyes (pardon the pun)... Sunlit high ceilings, exposed mill work,tinted glass and years of rich character on display at this 1907 refurbished venue. They incorporated reclaimed lighting and recycled furniture and created a charming, rustic, spacious event location. My friend is getting married there this year. What a beautiful venue for a wedding.
The event itself was a larger scaled version of the Eco-Chic Expo, with green vendors all around. Even Seattle City Light came out, offering up tips for reducing your carbon footprint and donating climate kits to the raffle. The hosts for the evening were Elise and Jill of the Sisters of Sizzle Talk Radio. If you're not familiar with them, click on this interview on the CRAVE blog. They kept the party moving, roaming from table to table throughout the evening, and then hosting the raffles and emcee'ing the fashion show.
Although I was technically a "vendor" I have to admit I took just a few bites of the "nibbles" that were set out for the guests. I need to report on these things after all. Needless to say, the food was visually beautiful, certified organic, gourmet and mighty tasty. The wine was also organic, and there were drink specials incorporating the local company, Dry Soda. (My favorite flavor is lavender. It's nice straight out of the bottle or over ice with a splash of vodka.) Even the flower arrangements were earthy and vibrant.
For my part the highlight of the evening was the fashion show! I showed up with my 3 new looks for the model fitting at 2:30. As time wore on there appeared to be fewer total looks than was anticipated, so the producer of the show, the fabulous Neenah Funk, asked me if I had more items available... I ran back to The Green Chair Project booth and grabbed my two avante garde pieces to throw on two of the models. It's always a thrill to see my work on the runway, but this was also a really fun show focused on eco-friendly fashion!
Links to the vendors who provided clothing: Monster Art and Clothing, Nube Green, The Green Chair Project, SPU Design Students; and accessories for the fashion show: Treadlight Gifts and Alchemy Goods.
below are 4 looks from glam.spoon!
Personally, I think it's just fine to get a group of women together to have fun and promote an eco lifestyle, but in addition to the entertainment and education, a portion of the ticket and raffle sales were donated to the non-profit group Women's Funding Alliance, the leading foundation in Washington state that invests in and advocates for women and girls.
You'd think that was enough, but there were also brow sugaring treatments, mini-manicures & mini-facials, aromatherapy, express-acupuncture, and dance rhythms all night long by Bamboo Beats, the eco-friendly DJ. To get in on the next CRAVE event, like 'em on Facebook or follow them on Twitter, but do what cha gotta do in order not to miss the next one!
