"Embracing The Green at New York Fashion Week"

"NEW YORK -- New York Fashion Week has a green buzz this year that's wilder, more diverse and more compelling than ever.

As part of Fashion Week, The GreenShows is presenting 10 designers who are committed to eco-friendly, ethically sound, fair-trade fashion.

The three-day event opened Sunday night with a show by Venezuelan designer Luis Valenzuela, who lives and works in Miami. Inspired by his grandfather, Valenzuela transforms ordinary things such as lampshades into elegant dresses.

In Valenzuela's hands men's pants are upcycled into alluring tops, recycled soda-tabs become purses and chandelier crystals glitter on a pleated cream gown."

Environment News Service had the story September 13, 2010.