Go "Green" or Go Home!

'Eco-chic' designers to be honored in Washington

From the National Jeweler Network

April 07, 2010

Alberto Parada necklace in recycled Harmony 18-karat gold with conflict-free diamonds, and Monique Pean rings in recycled 18-karat gold with conflict-free diamonds and fossilized walrus and woolly mammoth ivory. Monique Pean photo by Doug Rosa



Washington--On the eve of Earth Day 2010, Washingtonians will be busy celebrating pioneers of the "Eco chic" movement, including ecologically and ethically minded architects, fashion designers and jewelry makers, among others.

"Eco Chic: Night of Stars and Rising Stars," an event produced by the Fashion Group International of Greater Washington D.C., in collaboration with the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Corcoran College of Art and Design, is set to take place Wednesday, April 21, and has been officially registered as an Earth Day recognition event.

The gala will kick off with a cocktail reception and fashion presentation featuring apparel from eco-friendly clothing brand TranquiliT, as well as jewelry from designers Alberto Parada, Calamarie and Monique Pean.

Each of the above brands will also be honorees in the Eco Chic awards ceremony, which will take place immediately following the fashion presentation.

The ceremony will feature video clips of the latest Eco-chic designs and products from "Stars" and "Rising Stars" in the categories of architecture, art, fashion, beauty and interior design.


Monique Pean
Ecco Domani



In the fashion category, jewelry designer Monique Pean, a winner of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund award, will be recognized as the "Fashion Star." The Washington-born designer, now based in New York, is known for her sustainable fine jewelry inspired by indigenous cultures and crafted from fossilized ivory, conflict-free diamonds and 100 percent recycled gold. Among Pean's collections is "Charity:Water," a grouping of recycled gold and conflict-free diamond jewelry that helps raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit Charity:Water, which helps provide clean drinking water to people in developing nations.


Also in the fashion category, two jewelry brands have been nominated as "Fashion Rising Stars": Alberto Parada and Calamarie, as well as apparel brand TranquiliT.

A panel of Washington-area design experts will jury the nominations for the Rising Stars, with Lynda Erkiletian, founder and president of The Artist Agency, set to select the Fashion Rising Star winner.

Of the two jewelry brands nominated, both based in Washington, Alberto Parada is known for his conflict-free diamond and fair-trade gemstone designs set into 100 percent recycled Harmony 18-karat gold, while Calamarie is known for its use of organic and recycled materials, such as seeds, palm and silk cocoon crafted into bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Tickets to the April 21 gala are $120 for members of the Corcoran and Fashion Group International, and $150 for non-members. Proceeds will benefit the Eleni Epstein Scholarship given by The Fashion Group International of Greater Washington to a student pursuing a career in fashion.

To purchase tickets, visit WashingtonDCFGI.tix.com.