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From Designers to Décor, everything that will make you Green with Envy

Los Angeles, Calif. (October 9, 2007) – From tents to tables and shipping to staging, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios is getting a complete makeover this season and it’s all green. As the emphasis on the environment has taken hold, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios is proud to put its green foot forward being among the first in the industry to make this commitment. This season’s eco-friendly initiatives include a series of eco-conscious designers and fashion shows, a greening of the overall production elements and a partnership with The CarbonNeutral Company to measure, reduce and offset the entire fashion event!

Eco-Chic takes on a new meaning with our environmentally conscious line up of shows from Ecoganik, The Gallery and Evidence of Evolution.  These socially responsible designers have taken fashion to the next level by providing consumers with stylish, comfortable and organically-based clothing.  Ecoganik’s clothing is made only with certified organic or eco-friendly fabrics.  The Gallery is a philanthropic PR and marketing company committed to promoting organic apparel lines through green branding. Their green initiative fashion show will feature six collections from Peligrosa, Vintage China, Rene Geneva Design, Roshi Salim, Wet Cement and M the Movement.

“We are happy to bring these talented eco-designers to the runways of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios,” said Smashbox Studios co-founder Davis Factor. “We hope that this commitment to the environment sets an example for the rest of the fashion community that it is possible to be profitable while using sustainable materials and designs.”

The greening will start before any of the designers, buyers, celebrities or VIPs even arrive as all major equipment will make its way across the United States aboard a fuel-efficient locomotive. Over the course of seven days, many will gather to build the tents at Smashbox Studios. These tents and staging structures will be rented, and be reused for another event in the future. Many forklifts needed to build these gigantic tents as well as other heavy machinery will all run on LPG (Liquid Propane), a far cleaner alternative to gasoline.

As the guests arrive, they will be greeted by signage printed on biodegradable plastic materials, carpeting made from recycled PET plastics installed using an environmentally responsible product – ATC Turf and Carpet Grip (which will be collected after the event to be recycled once again) and furniture covered with sustainable eco-fabrics and will pick up the official program, printed on 100% recycled stock of course.

Fashionistas will have the opportunity to purchase a piece of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios through the “William Good” collection. The “William Good” brand was created by Joe Boxer founder Nick Graham in conjunction with Goodwill Industries of San Francisco with the aim of generating an alternative green solution by creating the ultimate carbon neutral brand. Vinyl signage materials from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios will be donated and reused to create fashionable accessories with all sale proceeds going to the Goodwill.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios has partnered with The CarbonNeutral Company to measure and reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the event, and then helping us offset the remainder. The carbon credits totaled up for the event will go towards an Indian wind farm (which replaces electricity from fossil fuel power stations) and a Mexican forestry project (which soaks up carbon dioxide and preserves the rainforests ecosystem).  By matching CO2 emissions with CO2 savings from verified projects, the result is that the event has a net zero carbon footprint.

On the afternoon of October 17th, IMG Fashion will announce some exciting news for ecoStyle Kuala Lumpur (November 1-11, 2007). ecoStyle invites the world’s leading designers to showcase their innovations with a focus on style in relation to eco-consciousness and sustainable textile and design. The concept was born out of global movement toward environmental friendliness, ethical shopping, a shift towards renewable resources and efforts being made toward sustainability on a local and global level. All funds generated from ecoStyle Kuala Lumpur will benefit Earth Pledge.

Over the course of five days, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, will also includes runway shows by Sue Wong, Chick by Nicky Hilton, Yves Castaldi, Randolph Duke, Coco Johnsen, Kevan Hall, Elsie Katz Couture, Joseph Domingo, Heatherette, Juan Carlos Obando*, Gregory Parkinson, Jenny Han, Christian Audigier, Dina Bar-El, Grey Ant, Whitley Kros, Tart, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Voom by Joy Han, Jeremy Scott, Bird of Prey, Candice Held, Monarchy Collection, Samora, Oligo Tissew and Petro Zillia.

The sponsors and partners of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios will be getting in on green with a series of individual initiatives discussed below.

Mercedes-Benz will be highlighting the World Green Car of the Year 2007 – the E320 BLUETEC – as the world’s cleanest diesel.  Appealing to the most fashionable crowd in the environmentally conscious city of Los Angeles, Mercedes-Benz will be highlighting the long-term objective of fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible premium automobiles that do not compromise on safety, comfort or supreme driving pleasure.

“We’re excited to be able to highlight our BLUETEC technology and show how Mercedes-Benz is committed to providing our customers with the safest, most enjoyable, luxurious and eco-friendly vehicles possible,” says Lisa Holladay, National Event Manager, Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios is the perfect venue to display our environmental technology messaging in a fun and fashionable manner.”

DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company, will highlight its environmentally friendly reusable envelope for guests who ship and return legal-size documents. The new envelope provides businesses with a quick, simple and eco-friendly return solution. Additionally, DHL will be supplying thousands of recyclable plastic bags, the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios schedule cards printed on recycled paper, and everyone’s favorite butter cream cookie will come packaged in a biodegradable cellophane bag.

Smashbox Cosmetics will be turning over a new leaf with the ¬GREEN ROOM SPRING 2008 COLOR COLLECTION. With the purchase of every GREEN ROOM product, a Moringa tree will be planted in a developing country by Trees for the Future. The Moringa or “Miracle Tree” is a powerhouse of nutritional value and provides a self-renewing food source for people in need. More trees also mean less soil erosion and cleaner air and water for a greener future. All GREEN ROOM packaging is biodegradable or recyclable and all products are made with environmentally-friendly formulas so it’s beauty you can feel good about!

Judith Ripka will be hosting a week-long fashion exhibit onsite in the VIP Green room with fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky entitled Bubbles and Baubles.  In support of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios’ “green friendly” theme, both a Sokolsky photograph and a piece of Judith Ripka jewelry will be auctioned on Ebay – all proceeds will benefit Earth Pledge.
The Whole Foods Market motto, Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet. At Whole Foods Market, they take their commitment to the environment to heart as one of the core values of their company. Supporting sustainable and organic agriculture and wise environmental practices means more than offering the highest quality products; it also means making decisions for their stores that positively impact the health of the planet and local communities. To put these initiatives into action during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, Whole Foods Market will be providing reusable green bags for many show attendees; will be showcasing a delicious array of natural foods with a menu especially created for the event, with items packaged in the same type of recyclable containers that are used in the stores; and will be providing compostable utensils made from potato starch.
At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, Gateway will be featuring their new all-in-one PC, the Gateway One. This eco-friendly PC is almost completely silent when running and uses much less power than a typical desktop PC thanks to low-power components, an external power module and smart power management.

Be green in style while enjoying a refreshing Peroni onsite at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. Made from all natural ingredients – Peroni, “Tutti Ingredienti Naturali.”

The Los Angeles Times is proud to be a part of the green initiatives that is taking place within the LA Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios.  This Los Angeles Times, Image branded poly tote is made of polypropylene, which is 100% recyclable plastic material.  It is a see-thru translucent but very strong material.  It features a large inside clear pocket, bottom support board, strong binding construction and long shoulder straps.  Perfect for shopping and any outdoor activities.

For those who enjoy good taste and high quality products, FAGE (pronounced ”fah-yeh”) Total is a premium daily indulgence with a rich, luxurious taste. FAGE is proud to participate in this green effort as it shares the philosophy to celebrate a commitment to natural living, as FAGE is made of only two ingredients, live cultures and milk, its all-natural, free of any additives, sweeteners and preservatives. FAGE will be providing a healthy treat to all attendees, models and designers.

Havaianas, the eco-conscious flip-flop and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios gift bag participant, is all about how they make you feel! Since 1962 they have focused on the joy that comes from living!! From the production process, where 98% of any scraps are recycled off of the factory floor, to the support for the quality-of-life in the villages and communities that surround these Brazilian factories, they strive to feel good inside and out! They call it the “Legacy of Legao” - cool, comfortable, colorful and chic!

In addition to the lineup of designers showing at Smashbox Studios are a fashionable roster of design suites’ participants. The list of companies includes Andrew Lauren, Anna Kostruurova, Blue Tatoo, Boulevard, DanSara, La Chica Chic, Smooch Jeans, Privacy Wear and many more!

The Exotic Erotic Ball is proud to announce its 7th Annual Blood Drive for FREE Tickets, October 11, 2007 at the Blood Center of the Pacific’s Irwin Center office, in San Francisco. Donors giving blood according to the instructions provided at this link will receive one FREE General Admission ticket to the Exotic Erotic Ball, Saturday, October 27, 2007, a value of $69.00. http://em.exoeroball.com/100807/

The Exotic Erotic Ball has long fostered strong ties to the San Francisco Bay Area community. Over the years, the Ball has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities supporting causes such as helping the victims of homelessness, AIDS, domestic violence, child abuse, and has always supported freedom of expression and First Amendment Rights. The Ball hosts an annual blood drive with Blood Centers of the Pacific and in 2006, 50 donors gave 50 pints of blood and each received a ticket to the Ball. For 2007, legendary rap artist, Snoop Dogg, will perform in a charity concert at the Cow Palace Arena on Friday, October 26, 2007, as part of the Exotic Erotic Expo and Ball Weekend, with all funds being donated to the Healing Circle and other San Francisco Bay Area Charities. Thus far, the Ball has donated $45,000.00 to The Healing Circle through Snoop Dogg in July 2007. Snoop will return the next night, Saturday, October 27, 2007, as a special guest at the Ball, where he will join Tera Patrick and Danny Bonaduce as judges of the Ball’s world famous costume contests.

(Los Angeles) - JOSEPH DOMINGO unveils his Spring Summer 2008 collection “Goddess” on October 15, 7PM at Smashbox Studios during Mercedes Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week. The thirty-piece collection that will come down the runway is a study in feminine grace, breathtakingly flawless in execution and meticulously precise in its elegance. Taking a cue from the poise and bearing of goddesses past, present and future, Joseph has designed a line-up of glamorous column gowns for those statement entrances on the red carpet. With a base palette of pink, white and gold there are also a range of exquisitely hand-made pieces, fringed cocktail numbers, cropped jackets, sleek knit separates and swim wear. Silhouettes are clean and linear with no middle grounds - they have structure and fluidity with hems either short or long.

Always a must-see during Los Angeles Fashion Week, the collection demonstrates Joseph Domingo’s consistent mastery with sophisticated women’s wear. Joseph delivers a carefully evolving line that clearly understands how a woman of means dresses. According to Joseph, “This is about a living, breathing goddess. She’s smart, she’s chic, she’s well-versed in fashion, politics, art and culture. She’s someone who inspires everyone with a little help from fashion.”

Blessed with an eye for style, San Francisco-based Joseph Domingo worked closely early in his career with a French designer who helped him sharpen his skills in draping and construction before he started his own label. Since the line’s inception, Joseph has been creating glamorous separates and full wardrobes for a diverse clientele who call on him for the incomparable fit of made-to-measure pieces and the inimitable style of anything custom-made. His gradual move into creating ready-to-wear has been met with positive response after having shown his collections on the runway at LA Fashion Week. The “Goddess” collection - presented in cooperation with Elite Progressive Cosmetology and Goldwell - is another step in making Joseph Domingo a fully realized fashion brand. He says, “With this collection, I want to show women the beauty within and the potential of their style.”

My dear friend Collen Quen will be featured on America’s Next Top Model on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 as a guess designer. Catch it if you can. I’ve known Colleen and her husband Rick Lee for several years and they are one of San Francisco’s most dynamic creative forces combining high fashion and industrial furniture design. It’s been a pleasure watching them grow the last few years and I look forward to what they will create next.

Colleen Quen at a fashion show in San Francisco

Folsom Street Fair Interaction

This is a short series I shot of a young couple interacting at the Folsom Street Fair. I like it because at first glance it appears he is dominating her. But as the series progresses, it becomes obvious they are interacting quite passionately.