Sol Inspirations eco-fashion show finalists announced

Designer finalists for the Sol Inspirations Eco-Fashion Gala & Fundraiser have been announced, and there apart from a mix of known and unknown designers, there is one major surprise - Project Runway contestants Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub are among the finalists. While Straub has been a regular fixture around the Twin Cities since he was on the show back in Fall 2009, Coleman took a job with Kohl's in Milwaukee following the show and most recently has made the move to New York, showing Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 collections of his namesake line in between. We covered both contestants for an August 2009 cover story after the two were announced as contestants on the reality show. It will be exciting to see the two reunite in their first official capacity since the show ended.

[Christopher Straub & Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman photographed by Carlos Gonazalaz for Vita.mn, styling by Eclecticoiffeur]

Other designers include Niki English (a recent U of M grad who has been showing on Cliche runways for a few years now); Jenn Bratvold, a recent St. Kate's grad who showed at SCENEaSOTA this past fall; Allison Helliwell of Allilamodie Designs, who appeared at Envision: Artopia last fall; and Atom Pechman and Tara Latour, both unknowns to my eyes. The designers will create three eco-friendly looks using non-traditional fabrics, recycled materials, and sustainable fabrics, and the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. The show will be concurrent with a fashion show produced by Ignite Models at The Depot on Saturday, April 23.

Here is a video from Niki English detailing her commitment to eco-design: