This year’s St. Vincent de Paul Society’s recycled couture fashion show & auction, taking place on April 26, has attracted the likes of such local fashion faves as Colleen Quen, Nice Collective and Jessica McClintock. Stitching throwaway fabrics into their own creative designs that were inspired by artwork from the de Young’s permanent collection, these artists, among others, will join students from around San Francisco for a fashionably green runway show under the tents at the Academy of Art’s Brannan Street building. Here, a preview of our picks that you’ll be seeing at the upcoming 7x7-sponsored event (all available for purchase at the event with proceeds benefiting St. Vincent de Paul Society):


SF fashion designer Cari Borja took her cues from glasswork artist Dale Chihuly's "Seaforms" when creating this "cotton candy kelp" dress, made from assorted recycled materials.



Designer Thomas Haryanto of City College of San Francisco created “The Golden Fairies” dress, which was inspired by origami and made from a gold-brocade dress.



Rebecca Howard of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising interpreted the organic glasswork of Dale Chihuly for her side-lacing corset—using seven pairs of women's chinos and fabric scraps to complete her design.



Fashion design student Brenna Dean, of the Academy of Art University, drew from the photographic work of David Seymour as inspiration for her bustier top (made from a vintage suit jacket) and “waterfall” skirt (made from shirts and pants that were dyed to match).

When: Saturday, April 26, 2008 – 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Academy of Art University, 601 Brannan St.
RSVP: 415-977-1270, www.discardedtodivine.org
General Tickets: $45 advance/$55 door;  VIP Tickets: $75 advance/$90 door

All photography by Teru Yoshida
Models, Hair, Makeup & Styling by Ford Models
Creative Direction by Janice Natchek