Opera Carolina Presents a Recycled Runway Show at Paris Fashion Week

Opera Carolina’s Opera Recycles sustainable couture program will show at Paris Fashion Week on March 4.

Opera Carolina will travel over 4,000 miles to Paris to present “Opera Recycles,” an eco-couture fashion show at Paris Fashion Week on March 4 at the InterContinental Paris - Le Grand. This unique opportunity will showcase the art of opera and environmental conservation on an international scale.

Opera Recycles is a program that promotes environmental awareness by creating couture fashion using recycled printed materials. In the four years since it launched, more than 36,000 pieces of marketing materials, such as old playbills and postcards, have been used to create couture gowns and fashionable statement pieces. This program is a part of Opera Carolina’s initiative to encourage sustainability efforts amongst the community. No other for-profit company or non-profit organization uses its printed material to create couture fashion, making Opera Carolina unique in the Carolinas region.

“This has exceeded my expectations,” said Megan Miller, Opera Carolina’s marketing director. “Not only has this initiative help promote the importance of sustainably and environmental conservation but we also showcased our local models and designers to bring a piece of Charlotte to New York.”

Opera Carolina is presenting eight recycled dresses created by six local designers; Lyndsee Hairston, Malou Tabada Cordery, Sarah Danee, Itala Flores, Rocio Llusca and Edelweiss De Guzman. Opera Carolina is representing the city of Charlotte while promoting the importance of environmental conservation.

Oxford Fashion Studio Showcase produces 100+ runway shows across all fashion capitals showing 600+ designers from over 70 countries.

Opera Carolina promotes the Opera Recycles program around the city of Charlotte, and on a national and international stage as a way to introduce opera to new audiences all while promoting sustainability effort.

FASHIONADO

Honor Earth Day with Eco-Friendly Accessories: Alkemie Jewelry Transforms Reclaimed Metal into Wearable Art

The Sage Cuff

  – Inspired by the sage that grows in abundance in the coastal mountains of southern California where husband-and-wife jeweler team Dara Gerson and Ashley Lowengrub live.  Dara and Ashley burn dried sage daily in their Topanga home and named their first-born daughter in honor of this cleansing plant. Available in reclaimed sterling silver and reclaimed bronze. $209

The Moon Ring

– The moon is a powerful reminder of our connection to the earth, especially for women. The phases of the moon connect to the cycles of the tides, the seasons and our bodies. Available in reclaimed sterling silver and reclaimed bronze. $176

The Starfish Cuff

  – On a visit to the beach, Dara and Ashley’s eldest daughter discovered a starfish and was instantly captivated. They left that starfish in its natural home but immediately set to work crafting a piece that would capture the exquisite beauty of this creature. Available in reclaimed sterling silver and reclaimed bronze. $209

Celebrate Earth Day with a bold statement.  Alkemie Jewelry’s striking designs embody the beauty and power of the natural world and are made without harming the planet. Each piece is forged from 100% reclaimed metals that would otherwise be destined for the landfill. True to their name, Alkemie transforms the common into precious.

These signature Alkemie pieces connect the wearer to the earth while helping protect its resources for future generations. All designs are offered for both men and women.

A portion of every sale at www.AlkemieJewelry.com goes to support the Seva Foundation in their efforts to bring eye care to communities in need. (www.seva.org)

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