Charleston Eco Fashion

As everyone (hopefully) knows, Earth Day is April 22.

A year ago, I wrote a column about Green Style and how more designers are becoming involved in eco-friendly fashion, following in the footsteps of people such as Linda Loudermilk and Rogan Gregory, who pioneered the idea.

So, here we are a year later, and the eco movement is continuing to make great strides in the fashion world.

A local example of this is the Charleston Eco Fashion Event taking place 7-9 p.m. April 22 at the Michael Mitchell Gallery on Upper King Street.

Produced by Circa PR and Tout Models and Talent, the event "will showcase independent fashion designers that are making strides to support and embrace responsible philosophies."

The purpose of the event is to highlight current trends in fashion that are eco-friendly and to provide support to the designers who are influencing them.

Featured designers include Caroline Baker (Maude Couture), Rachel Gordon (One Love) and Natasha Shamdasani Madan (Taashki).

Baker, a graduate of F.I.T., worked at LulaKate before launching her own line, which is named after her grandmother who taught her to sew. She uses sustainable fibers such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton and fabrics that are recycled or reclaimed.

Gordon launched One at 478 King, an artist's collaborative workspace, on Earth Day 2010. A monthly event with a rotating mix of jewelry, handbags, clothing designers and artists raises money for local nonprofits.

She describes her ONE LOVE line of dresses as "Bohemian Goddess."

Madan brings an international flair to her handbag designs, having lived and worked in Asia. In a partnership with MUSC, she contributes a portion of sales from her Inside Out Signature clutch for pro bono mental health care for people who can't afford it. Madan also has a vegan line, which retails for under $100, and her designs can be found at Gordon's One on King Street.

In addition to the designers, the event will feature music by DJ Jake B, wine courtesy of Earth Fare and eco-friendly vendors, including Treats for Tresses, SCRAPS Jewelry, Fine Garnish Jewelry by Fernanda Sullivan, Cos Bar and The Good Footprint.

A portion of the ticket sales will go to Fields to Families, a local nonprofit that provides fruits and vegetables to the hungry.

Tickets for the Charleston Eco Fashion Event are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. The Michael Mitchell Gallery is at 438 King Street.

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, go to www.charlestonecofashion.eventbrite.com.