The GreenShows runway scene in NYC kicked off with a fabulous Valentine’s Eve eco couture collection by Creative Director Gary Harvey.

This London-based designer captures the essence of eco + couture — and the hearts of many.

Ecofashioned from existing materials — product packaging, trench coats, tee shirts, denim, newspaper, reusable bags and other such down to earth matter — his beautiful ball gowns literally rocked the house.  They were masterfully engineered and visually captivating.

The first green piece to hit the stage sparkled like an emerald — a stunning creation made from Weleda product packaging – now transformed into sweet fashion candy.  Looking back, in addition to the Weleda work, my personal faves ranged from the Black T Shirt and Trench Coat gowns to Funeral gown and the show’s finale, Newspaper gown, a real show stopper.  Although a NYC debut, many of the works made of recycled materials appeared as a retrospective of sorts.

I’m no Anna Wintour, but in my book, Gary Harvey is the ‘it guy’ in eco couture.  As he told me after the show, “What can I say?  The girls were terrific, the venue was fantastic; it all worked, I’m so happy.”

We’re looking forward to more eco fashion innovation at this week’s The GreenShows.