‘Couture for a Cause’ Panache salon does fashion

By Jennifer Ware

Ever think of wearing a skirt made of old ties, or a dress made from shower curtains? Aveda’s network is putting on a fashion show on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, to raise awareness for the Gulf Restoration Network. The network subcontracts people to clean up the Gulf of Mexico, especially after hurricane Katrina.

Panache, a distributor of Aveda products, is putting on the eco-friendly fashion show, with the help of its employees and other local designers. Most of the models are clients or friends of clients who want to be involved with the cause. Amy Kautz, manager at Panache in St. Augustine Beach, is running the show.

“The main purpose of this fashion show is just to raise awareness,” she said. “It’s all about sustainability; [that] each generation can sustain life without taking form the natural resources of the next generation, leave something for them.”

Most of the designers are Panache employees, with some help from outside designers. The deadline to sign up to volunteer is April 16. The show will feature men’s and women’s clothes — all made from recycled material, including shampoo bottles, grocery bags, butcher block paper, packing peanuts, and tissue paper.

“By using the recycled outfits and cleaning up the Gulf, [we] show people how they can take things from around their house and recycle,” Kautz said. “[We raised] $3,300 last year from donations. This year our goal is $5,000.” All ticket sales go to donation, and silent auction [items are] donated by staff and local businesses. There will also be a raffle to raise funds.

The visionary behind the slogan “Love Your Mother: Couture for a Cause,” is Jenna Thorpe. “Mother” refers to Mother Earth. Thorpe did a fashion show with local boutiques last year for Betty Griffin.

Jennifer Hills, the stage manager for last year’s fashion show, has high hopes for the show.

“[It will be] bigger and better than last year. This year we are even considering setting up a live feed in the lobby so people can be there and show support even if the place is packed,” she said.

A booth will be set up at the fashion show where people can donate to the cause. Panache will also auction off a couple of outfits for the benefit.

The Love Your Mother: Couture for a Cause fashion show is April 22, at 7 p.m., at the Warehouse, 218 Riberia St.

Tickets are on sale at Panache downtown and at the beach, $25 for general admission and $35 for VIP. All proceeds benefit the Gulf Restoration Network.