Consciously Curated:

Gorgeous & Green Gala 2011 - The Highlights

Contributed By: Heidi Atwal

Tuesday night marked my 7^th and final year co-chairing the annual Gorgeous & Green Gala, benefitting Global Green USA. Nadine Weil and I were thrilled to bring the beloved event back to the Bently Reserve. Not only is it the most extraordinary event space in San Francisco, it is LEED Certified and owned by two of Global Green’s most passionate supporters.

This year’s theme was “dinner theatre,” and Blueprint Studios transformed the Bently Reserve into an absolutely stunning Moulin Rouge-reminiscent venue. The local/organic dinner was prepared by three famed chefs: Michael Mina, Bill Corbett and Joseph Humphrey (who is opening a new SF eatery this month, DixieSF). The delectable meal was paired with wines by Rutz Cellars, though I was happily sipping Mateveza organic ale (which also happens to be naturally caffeinated and was necessary to make it ’till the wee hours of the morn, as it turns out the after-party at Rickhouse went until).

Between courses we were treated to an unforgettable series of songs by chanteuse Michelle Branch (who mentioned my love of the brew). Armed only with a guitar and crystal clear voice, her performance was hauntingly magical. Equally magical was the announcement of Global Green’s Green School Makeover contest winner: The Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, Texas. Rosario Dawson skyped in from London au natural (rather than burn fuel to get back) to help Global Green share wonderful news of the $130,000 prize.

A live auction of incredible experiences got some serious paddle-raising. One sought after package was a trip to Big Sur’s coveted Post Ranch Inn, which included a garden cooking class and shaman reading. New to the evening, we added “eco-accolades,” which we awarded to two big companies that have taken big strides to rethink apparel. Levi’s received recognition for their Water<Less Campaign and eBay was recognized for their Common Threads Initiative.

The accolades preceded a stellar fashion show, produced by Lily Achatz and Clarissa Nicosia. The stage was graced with shimmering gowns from four brilliant designers who are committed to making more sustainable material choices. Minolya, Karen Caldwell, Sara Shepherd and Oliver Tolentino rocked the runway with glistening beaded pineapple fiber, peace silk, organic cotton, recycled leather, reworked materials and locally-produced detailing. They proved that eco-fashion has stepped onto a very different stage and belongs on the same runway as Prada, Celine, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent. Let’s raise a flute of organic Korbel champagne or 360 Vodka and soda to a truly sublime finale.

The funds raised will benefit Global Green’s Green School work, creating healthy environments for affordable housing, rebuilding a sustainable New Orleans and so much more! Thank you to everyone who supported the event and the work GG does.

—Zem Joaquin

View a glittering and green photo gallery from the event on DrewAltizer.com.