Dancing for Earth Day at ECO=CHIC: Vintage

Vintage-clad swing danced and green-conscious fashionistas swapped goods at this month's ECO=CHIC benefiting Friends of Nature. Honoring Earth Day's 40th anniversary, Greening the Beige toasted the eco-appeal of vintage fashion at Lantern.

Swing Beijing's instructors Adam and Leru along with their dancers kicked off the night with lively performances and retro dance lessons [photo courtesy of Peter Carney].

They modeled items collected over 40 years from Hong Kong, Tokyo and Los Angeles by Mega Mega Vintage. Inspired by fabrics from the past, Willow Willow’s designer Alicia Lee previewed her new line which featured vintage kimono pieces.

Volunteering at the Green Garage Sale, I sadly missed my chance to learn that classic 1970s dance, the hustle, from Swing Beijing. Swap of donated clothes was brisk. There was much more giving than there was taking. Clothing sales were donated to Friends of Nature and the warmest of the remaining items and shoes were donated to the Charity Distribution Store - Yushu Earthquake Relief drop center.

Li Bo, Friends of Nature's Director, unveiled their "Zero Waste" management plan for Beijing. Lantern donated 5% of all drink profits from ECO=CHIC to support FON's advocacy and work promoting re-ducing, re-using and re-cycling within the community. If you missed this month’s ECO=CHIC, you can still support China's 1st environmental NGO with a direct donation:

Account Name: Friends of Nature
Bank of Communications
Beijing Branch, Dongdan Office
Bank Account: 110060194010149258067
Bank Swift Code: CMMCNSHBJG

Mark your calendar NOW for May 20! Next month Eco=Chic returns with Re-Loved showcasing re-designed clothes by Brandnu and benefiting Hua Dan's Sichuan Earthquake Programme. Scenesters, prepare to transform your old threads into new looks.