http://www.consciouslivingtv.com/ A list of the blog postings by tag name en-us http://www.consciouslivingtv.com/ Domanus Interactive info@domanusinteractive.com info@domanusinteractive.com ]]> With a rising crop of designers around the world creating high-end, environmentally-friendly garments, gone are the days of choosing between high fashion and sustainability. Helping to bridge the gap between both worlds, last week, green TV production company Conscious Planet Media wrapped Chicago Fashion Focus Week with its second-annual Vert Couture eco-fashion show and benefit. With a theme of “Sexy & Sustainable”, this year's show debuted some of the top up and coming eco-friendly, fair trade designers in Chicago and beyond.  Profits from this charitable event benefited Chicago Gateway Green, an environmental non-profit dedicated to planting 15,000 trees by the year 2015.
 
Vert Couture was held at the tri-level, 80,000 square foot Mercedes Benz of Chicago, one of the largest L.E.E.D. certified buildings in the city and the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. True to its name, the event showcased the sexier side of sustainability.  First, guest were treated to a vegan V.I.P. cocktail reception catered by Karyn’s on Green, and enjoyed eco-art work while sipping on gluten free organic Blueberry Rush Martinis from Organic Apple Rush and Krome Vodka, and wine by Wild Blossom  Meadery &Winery and Evaton Wine & Spirits.
 
After introductory remarks by Conscious Planet Media co-founders Michael & Bianca Alexander and Chicago Gateway Green Executive Director Claire Woolley, the Ayodele Drum & Dance Group kicked off a glamorous runway show featuring the Spring/Summer 2011 lines of several designers, including: fair trade African print couture by Modahnik, 71 Jules’ polymorphic Multifaceted Dress made from renewable modal fabric, Crescendo Apparel’s body-tailored vegan ensembles, and colorful vintage gowns painted anew by Silkutopia. Also featured were sustainable accessories from Hard Wear, RFRM, Sophia Forero, Five Accessories, Manny B, Fanta Celah and The Earth Ring, and vegan pumps, boots and platforms by Kailia Footwear and Mohop. The show finale garnered cheers from the crowd with U.K.-based Enamore’s organic cotton and bamboo eco-lingerie and Junk Drawers’ recycled men’s undies, all sported by Factor models styled by eco-friendly Aveda Roots and Karen Marie Salons.  After the show, guests jammed to the sexy sounds of DJ-stylist Niena Drake while noshing on organic vegan treats by Great Taste Cafe, Delicious Vegan Café, Soul Vegetarian, Raw Creations, Gyood Ice Cream, Doodles Cookies and Apple Rush.  They also snagged discounted SS 2011 looks from the runway at the Vert Couture pop-up boutique, which also included vintage inventory from Axis of Evelyn and the You Are Loved jewelry collective.
 
Best known for its award-winning TV shows, Conscious Living, Triple Bottom Line, and Soul of Green (now airing on Fox), Conscious Planet Media’s mission is to inspire consumers to live more eco-friendly, sustainable lives through mainstream media and events.  In order to walk its talk and make the show as sustainable as possible, Conscious Planet Media incorporated sustainable lighting, décor and programs from event sponsors PRG, Kehoe Designs, Eccentric Luxuries, Moving Pictures and Consolidated Printing, and partnered with Native Energy to offset all of the carbon emissions generated from the event. In addition, the majority of the waste generated from the show was recycled and/or composted with help from Collective Resource.
 
After an evening of fun, frolic and green for a great cause, guests went home with one of a kind eco-fab swag bags made by Axis of Evelyn filled with conscious goodies like earth friendly EcoTools make-up brushes, Distant Village Packaging plant-able, fair trade stationery, Bean & Body beverages, Divine Chocolate from Chicago Fair Trade, and recycled, conscious jewelry by Steampunk and Tao.  Most importantly, they went home with a tangible experience of how sexy—and sustainable--conscious living can be.
 
For more highlights and photos from Vert Couture 2010, check out the style page of www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.
 
Bianca Alexander is an Emmy-nominated correspondent and producer for Conscious Living TV and Soul of Green, now airing locally in Chicago on Fox/my 50.  To learn more about her and her partner Michael’s work in green TV production, visit www.ConsciousPlanetMedia.com. ]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 07:36:50 ]]> Mercedes Benz of Chicago Presents: Vert Couture, Sexy & Sustainable Eco-Conscious Fashion Show and Benefit

WHAT: As part of Chicago’s commitment to becoming the greenest city in the U.S., Conscious Living TV, Mercedes Benz of Chicago and Chicago Gateway Green are pleased to present the second annual eco-fashion experience, Vert Couture, as a culmination to Chicago Fashion Focus 2010. Vert Couture is an eco-conscious runway show and charity event benefiting Chicago Gateway Green.

The catwalk will feature the SS2011 lines of some of Chicago’s top sustainable and fair trade designers, including: Modahnik, 71Jules, Crescendo Apparel, Vintage Style by Bryant McLemore Smith and sustainable jewelry and accessories by Choosy Jewels by Manny B. & Susan Pool, Fanta Celah, and Sophia Forero. Mohop Shoes and Kailia Footwear will equip the runway with conscious, fabulous footwear. Karyn’s on Green, Chicago’s pre-eminent luxury vegan restaurant, will provide the cuisine for the VIP Reception, with sustainable, gluten-free, ultra premium cocktails by Krome Vodka. Kehoe Designs will provide sustainable and fabulous decor. Native Energy will offset all carbon generated from the event. Invited celebrities include: Oprah, Cindy Crawford, Christie Hefner, Anna Getty, Alicia Silverstone, Amy Smart, Vince Vaughn, Ginger Zee (confirmed), Joffrey Ballet's Fabrice, IL Governor Pat Quinn & Chicago Mayor Daley.

WHEN: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 3pm. Doors open at 3pm for celebrity VIP reception, delicious vegan cuisine, conscious cocktails, and step and repeat. The show will begin at 4:30pm with an after party, SS2011 exclusive pre-sale pop-up boutique, and sustainable art show, curated by Three Peas Art Lounge, immediately following. Tickets on sale at www.VertCouture.com

WHERE: Mercedes Benz of Chicago L.E.E.D.-certified showroom, 1520 West North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

WHY: By showcasing the hottest fair trade, sustainable, eco-conscious fashion and accessories, Vert Couture celebrates fashion that sustains both people and the planet, giving fashionistas worldwide a tangible way to make a more conscious choice—while still looking and feeling fabulous. To watch highlights from Vert Couture 2009.

WHO: Conscious Planet Media is a socially responsible TV, video and event production company dedicated to promoting sustainability, social justice and healthy living. Through its green lifestyle events, multi-platform original series-- including Conscious Living TV and The Soul of Green, now airing on Fox & my50, and broadcast TV news segments, Conscious Planet Media is helping to shape a more just and sustainable world. To learn more about Conscious Planet Media, visit www.ConsciousPlanetMedia.com or contact President, Michael Alexander at (312) 618-1779, Michael@ConsciousPlanetMedia.com. ]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 07:36:50