Sack It to Me! Models Show Off Fibrous Fashion

Has an entire season—several major holidays, a snowfall or two—really passed since we did this last?

‘Twas the night before Fashion Week began, and a crowd in artfully tied scarves and low-slung berets had gathered at Gotham Hall in midtown to acknowledge the larger issues, like global warming. The non-profit organization Earth Pledge was staging an eco-friendly fashion show, with the help of Barneys.

Milling about beforehand to the sounds of a vaguely apocalyptic concerto were cutely coupled Ralph Lauren scion David and Bush scion Lauren. From their seats in the front row, they were besieged by no less than six cameras.

Earth Pledge had asked marquee designers to contribute “one of a kind creations experimenting with sustainable materials,” and participants included Michael Kors and Stella McCarntey. Forty-one minutes after the start time, the runway was overtaken by eco-looks. They were very… beige. Notable exceptions included a shiny purple floor-length gown by Ralph Lauren and blue dresses by Derek Lam and Maison Martin Margiela.

Actually, most of the outfits could have been plucked from a runway with a higher carbon footprint, but what shocked were the models: glistening, with tiny, exposed backs. You couldn’t decide if they repulsed you or made you want to skip dinner.

Afterwards, Ms. Bush, a pretty girl in pearl earrings and a black pencil skirt, talked earnestly to reporters. “Definitely no fur,” she said of her own personal eco-shopping directives. “I try… if it’s a choice, to choose the eco-friendly laundry detergent or t-shirt. The products are getting there.”

Ms. Bush had a large burlap “FEED” bag--which she designed for the United Nations’ World Food Program, sells for $34 and has been wearing to stylish events ever since—slung over one shoulder. “She has it sewn onto her,” Mr. Lauren said. “I had this idea four years ago, and it took awhile to take off,” said Ms. Bush. Now, of course, everyone is making eco-friendly, reusable grocery bags. “The more the better,” said Ms. Bush with a shrug. Actually, we think people should try to go totally bagless! Just tie up their things up with a piece of string!