US Embassy producing first Green Fashion Show in Vienna

08 Oct '10

3 min read

The United States Embassy in Austria has invited René Geneva to share her experiences in the Green Fashion Industry with a special show debuting her new eco-friendly line on October 14, 2010 in the historic "Marble Room" of the Vienna Völkerkundemuseum. This is the first time the Embassy has decided to put on a show such as this to help "educate" the public in foreign countries regarding the efforts of citizens of the United States to help make our world a better place.

As one of the few fashion designers who “went green” long before it was trendy, long-time Fair Trade advocate Geneva has been on many a fashionista's radar thanks to an exclusive line sold through Whole Foods Market, and multiple appearances at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. She took time away from fashion earlier this year to tour a potential new fair trade project in Guatemala, complete training in solar-electric design and install, and simply 'be a mom.'

In Vienna, Geneva will break her fashion-fast with an artistic collection that fits modern with historic -- with elements ranging from ultra-femme bustles to structured motorcycle jackets. In respect of 'slow fashion', Geneva will show both Spring and Fall seasons for 2011. Fabrics include luxurious peace silks, organic wools, and soft hemp blends such as Hempsilk -- generously donated by Enviro Textiles out of Colorado.

Students of the pristine Schloss Hetzendorf Fashion School will also receive Geneva's motivational presentation “Getting on the Plane,” discussing how in the realm of social responsibility it takes one person with motivation and competence to make a difference -- that has been presented before in other fashion-portant forums such as FGI's Career Day at Dallas Mart.

Karin Czerny, head of press for the Embassy in Austria, says they were "impressed with René's commitment to the environment and thought that René would make a great cultural Ambassador to Austria - to shine a light on what is being done in the fashion realm in the U.S. .... and she shows that you don't have to sacrifice beauty in design to be eco-friendly."

The show is being co-produced and moderated by the fashion guru Mario Soldo, organizer and creator of special fashion events by his company Mother Agency. Models are wearing tights sponsored by Wolford and shoes sponsored by Humanic. Ana Castro, fresh off an impressive show of her own, will both co-produce and create enormous, French Revolution-kissed wigs, and models will wear dazzling jeweled accessories that one would never guess were recycled bits and pieces by Jennifer Ayers of Ayers Design. The heart of the show will be scored by a live, exclusive composition by violinist Shane O'Madden, of the world renowned band Govinda who has worked with popular bands such as Thievery Corporation and Ninja Tunes own DJ Spooky.

Melissa Shea of Fashionably Connected will also join to film the event for those wishing to view remotely online.

With its historic commitment to green policies, and a populace that embraces an environmentally-friendly lifestyle, Vienna is a natural fit for Geneva's fashion philosophy. “We are thrilled the Embassy invited us to put together this show,” says Geneva, “and are honored to give the city the first peek at everything we've been working on this season.”

René Geneva

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