The Redress Raleigh fashion show, part of the Hillsborough Street Renaissance, proved that thinking green can be couture too. Models sashayed down the runway, showing the 20 designers’ 18 collections with inspiration coming from various influences and all designs made from recycled clothing.

The idea for a fashion show featuring eco-friendly and reworked materials was sparked when Mor Aframian, a senior in textile and apparel management and founder of MorLove, met Jamie Powell and Beth Stewart over the summer of 2008. Powell owns American Vintage Clothing & Classics, a vintage apparel store, and Stewart is co-chair for the Triangle Emerging Green Builders.

Stewart said that the New York chapter of the Emerging Green Builders has a fashion show, and that she had previously contacted Aframian about putting one together for the Triangle. Powell got involved through a connection with the Triangle Emerging Green Builders and knew Stewart.

“We wanted to show accessible and affordable fashion, with emphasis on eco-fashion,” Stewart said.

Stewart, Powell and Aframian spent about eight months planning the event, which was to be held outside. But when the inclement weather made an outdoor event unlikely, they spent three days planning for an indoor fashion show, held at Aurora nightclub. 

Stewart said that she was speechless about the number of people that attended the show, and that so many people came that some had to be turned away at the door.

People came from an array of different places to attend the fashion show.

Emily McFarlane came from New York to see Powell’s designs. McFarlane’s older sister had attended college with Powell, and McFarlane is also a friend of Powell.

“She’s worked very hard, and I’m very proud of her,” McFarlane said.

Ginger Wise came from Hickory to attend because her daughter worked behind the scenes at the show. She was particularly impressed with all of the creativity that she saw.

“There are so many talented students here. I see people that really have a future in the fashion industry,” Wise said.

A few collections stood out from the crowd at the show.

Hannah Goff, junior in textile and apparel management, showed separates that would be suitable for a business environment. Her designs were structured and architectural. The simplicity was set off by including details such as a ruffle around the neck and color-blocked panels. One notable piece was an Alice-in-Wonderland-style dress that included an obi sash around the waist.

The collection of Kelly Sambrick and Kristen Martinez, senior and junior both in textile and apparel management, drew inspiration from the 1980s and marine life — themes the designers translated into eveningwear. The looks incorporated black tulle, sequins and bright cool colors to asymmetrical hemlines, halters, and short skirts. The garments would not be out of place for a club kid who wanted to see and, more importantly, to be seen.

Accessories also made their presence known throughout the show, mostly as hair adornments. Grasses and oversized leaves appeared cocked over eyebrows in the collection of Allison Szatek, sophomore in textile and apparel management. Strings of hippie flowers flowed loose as locks from the collection of Claire Stanhope and Jessica Marmor, seniors in textile and apparel management and textile technology respectively.

The clothes weren’t the only things of notice on the runway. Many models strutted their stuff in front of the crowd as well.

Whitney Medlin, junior in textile and apparel management, modeled for Amy Gray’s collection. Medlin is Gray’s friend, and many close friends of Gray modeled for her showing. Medlin said that her strut in the spotlight went well.

“I was really nervous, but everybody was really supportive and there was a great vibe. I just went for it,” Medlin said.

Proceeds from ticket sales went to the Amani Baby Cottage, an orphanage in Jinja, Uganda. The orphanage has been MorLove’s labor of love since the program’s inception in summer 2006.

Stewart said that she might show highlights from the show at the Planet Earth celebration in April, and is planning to do another show soon.

“There will be a show in 2010,” Stewart said.

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Check out the interactive map with photos and video from the event.