Vivanista recently sat down with eco-friendly fashion designer, and event producer Amber Marie Bently to discuss her upcoming fashion show/fundraiser- Spring into Fall, and the cause it supports, The Coral Reef Alliance.

Describe your upcoming Spring into Fall fashion show/fundraiser… What makes the event unique?

In my 12 years of being in San Francisco,  I have not encountered  a purely Eco-Couture Fashion show of this Magnitude. People are constantly asking “Where did you get that (Dress, Outfit etc)?” So I begun selecting some of my favorite designer pieces out of my closet, and decided to create a fashion show! We then begun creating what I hope to be the start of bringing REAL FASHION to San Francisco, by way of local and sustainable designers.

Why did you choose The Coral Reef Alliance as your benefactor?How does the event align with CRA’s overall mission and contribution to the community?

I really became ,what I call with great pride, a “Greenie” when I began to Scuba Dive with my husband. So when I created ‘Spring into Fall, it seemed only natural to choose CRA as our benefactor. Also, The Coral Reef Alliance is the only International Organization seeking to protect one of our most prized possessions on the planet, Coral Reefs.

Will there be any surprise guests? Celebrities?

We  have sold a few Front Row seats to Stylists, looking for new talent. As it is my first year with this production, so I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes too high, but I have a feeling it is going to be talked about for quite some time, in fact we already have several designers interested in next years show, I am amazed!

Who are some of the designers who will showcase?

Not in any order of favoritism,  you can expect fabulous designs from Dolliemop, or a Miss G Design for any occasion, some intracately, and emotionally, designed Rebbecca Bruce for that next Gala, or so every chic California designed New York look from Sequoia & Gita, and who doesn’t want an itty bitty waist and some curvy hips by the decadent Dark Garden Corsetry, or if you are in the mood to impress try some amazing Wearable Art by Gelereh Alam, or if a Sleek Rega lookl, is what you are after, then be ready for Sarah Sheppard when you are strolling around at some fundraiser. And, maybe a tie in with our Charity The Coral Reef Alliance, you’ll have a peek a some Sexy Swimmer for the next time your at Fiji at the Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort diving on one of CORALS protected Reefs.

Will items be available for purchase after the show’s conclusion?

Before the show, you can  find some beautiful Vintage items at the Coral Reef Boutique,. Nearby, make sure to stop off for some some signature cocktails by our Sponsor Skinny Bob Sleek Chic’s Coctail, or some of our Eco.Love wine the first Certified Carbon Neutral Wines.  You  can  also wander through each designer’s store to sift through past seasons looks including ready wear for all occasions.  After the show if you saw something you just couldn’t live with out, our lovely Models will be showcasing the designs up close. All artists are available to discuss the Garments shown to you on the runway.

Is this an open event? If so, how much are tickets, and what percentage of proceeds will go to the Coral Reef Alliance.?

This is an open event, however tickets are going faster than predicted. When I sent out the Invite, Clauda Ross our Eco-Chic PR Agent sent out the Press Release, and our Media Sponsor mentioned it on Red Carpet Bay Area. Tickets range from $20.00 to $150.00 with two in between priced seats. I am donating a set amount to the Coral Reef Alliance, or CORAL for short, all artist are donating 5% of their sales, and viewers have the option to donate, if so moved, with an envelope provided in the Program.

What types of items will be incorporated into your live auction?

Well, as I mentioned before, we are setting up Boutiques with the Foremost being CORAL’s Botique. So expect some Fabulous Vintage From Our Sponsor Ricky’s Fabulous Treasures, and anything from past seasons that designers what to show so you can see their diversity.

Who are your event sponsors? How will they add value to the event?

We are still seeking sponsors ALWAYS but our support has been wonderful we have had Donations from our fellow Lovely Greenie Zem Joaquin with ecofabulous.com when she promotes this event, Eco.Love wines, Epi-Center Med Spa, the Red Box, Red Carpet Bay Area, Vivanista, and Ricky’s Exceptional Treasures. Hopefully, there will be more to come for Goodie Bags for ALL 303 attendees.

 

Will there be a social component before/after the fundraiser?

Absolutely our Red Carpet entrance will have Social Photographer Drew Altizer shooting pictures of our guests. Also, Red Carpet Bay Area will be doing Social Interviews for a “Sizzile” on KRON 4 so look for the event if you can’t make it there.

Why do you think Sustainable Fashion and Fundraising go together so well?

I think Global Green started the Movement a few years back at The Bently Reserve, with their Eco-Chic Fashion Shows. And I would like to continue the effort with my events in the future. This is just what we have to do! One step at a time to help save and protect and revive our Planet for Future Generations to come!

What’s your favorite current fashion trends?

I am at a loss, I wouldn’t call my self Trendy, perhaps but Classic, in my tastes I always buy with the future in mind always conscious to Reuse (Vintage is a great start!) Reduce (sharing fashion with other Charities like Dress For Success) and of course Recycle (I like to have a Taylor or one of my Designer friends re purpose a garment).

What are some of the inspirations behind your current jewelry line?

Well what really inspires me and often my clients are the properties of the elements used in my work. What the elements of the Earth can do to help you or inspire you. For example, how a certain stone worn every day can balance the Chakras, or just dress up your look with the beauty of all natural ethically sourced gem stones and 100% recycled 18kt Gold.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in planning this event so far?

Communication! Boy in our world of technology, we should be able to Communicate, Communicate, Communicate, that has been our biggest challenge with over 100 people working on this Show! But as it rolls closer to the event it starts running like a locomotive. I really could not have done this Show with out my amazing Staff I want to thank them for all their hard work and putting up with me when I’m a stress case!!!

Chair Name: Amber Marie Bently

Event Name: Spring into Fall

Date of Event: 3/11/2011

Charity/Nonprofit beneficiary: Coral Reef Alliance