The Designers You Should be Wearing: Report from the Greenshows at New York Fashion Week

I apologize for all the fashion talk lately, but it’s that time of year–it’s New York Fashion Week and anorexia and glamour are in the air.

I’m not very much into that scene, but with a little bit of savvy networking, I managed to score a ticket to the Greenshows on Friday morning at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. (This little blogger is growing up!) That’s how I found myself waiting in line outside the Box, a room in the tents at Lincoln Center, where contemporary ethical designers were showing their autumn/winter 2012 ready-to-wear lines.

The Box is not for runway shows, as my friend warned me. It’s just models standing around on podiums, looking bored, until a photographer stops in front of them. They they perk up and give a good fierce face. It’s sort of fun.

While we waited to get in, a fashion consultant popped by to talk to my friend, and it was clear she wasn’t really familiar with the sustainable design scene. “Oh, I’m here for the Concept Korea show. Wait, what’s this? Oh, the Greenshows. Cool, yeah. That’s what I’m here for.”

I got the impression everyone there was just killing time before the big names, seeing what was around. And that’s cool, because I guess that’s what Greenshows is for: to show all the cool stuff that sustainable designers do to people who have no idea. But for me? No way man, I know this shit.

Rewind to Friday morning, as I pawed through my closet looking for an appropriate outfit. I wanted to wear something eco-friendly, yet good enough for NYFW. So I pulled out my favorite pair of The Battalion pocket leggings, a Study NY cropped, cotton sleeveless top, a Theory cropped jacket (not eco-friendly, but a classic), wrapped a Peace Treaty scarf around my neck, and topped it off with an H. Fredrikkson upcycled gray tweed cape. All my gear–the camera, pen, card carrying case, phone, etc.–went into my new, made-in-NYC, upcycled leather and tapestry purse with fair trade ikat lining. Satisfied that I was repping the eco community and didn’t look completely embarrassing, I gave myself a cat eye with tarte eyeliner, applied Afterglow lipstick, and headed out the door.

As soon as I walked inside the box, I found myself in front of an H. Fredrikkson model who was wearing my cape, but in a brown wool. Here’s what I’m wondering: Are fashion shows kind of like marathons? As in, it’s such a faux pas to wear the race shirt the day of the race. So is it a a similar faux pas to stand in front of a model and take her picture, to realize you are wearing the exact same pants? I mean, not that anyone could tell. They look a wee bit different on a professional model. I’m 5’2. On a good day. I’ll just, you know, take it as a sign of my impeccable taste.

But it left me scratching my head a bit. Are these designers not turning out anything new for this fall? Some of it looked really familiar, especially the plaid Study NY cape. I was worried someone would look at my stuff and realize it was so last season. Nope, looks like it’s next season too! Well, that’s sustainable right? Not running out to buy something new every season is fine by me.

As far as wearability, I think the prize goes to The Battalion for the smart separates, and Ajna, for a very pretty sweater dress. I’ll be looking forward to owning both come fall.

Alright, let’s get to the goodies. Here are the the pictures from the show:

Not pictured: Ajna, Luis Valenzuela, Victoria Simes jewelry, Natalie Frigo jewelry, Nettie Kent jewelry, Ursa Major Collection jewelry, East Fourth Street jewelry, Shannon South Remade in the USA handbags, Collina Strada handbags.