Gold glitter sparkled on the skin of a young woman dressed in peacock feathers made out of cardboard, tissue paper and old CDs as she glided down the catwalk. This display was part of The Kootenai Environmental Alliance’s 8th annual “Junk 2 Funk” eco fashion show, held Saturday night, at Coeur d’Alene Eagles Lodge located downtown.
Upon stepping out of the drizzling rain, guests were welcomed warmly into the venue with a schedule for the evening, and a place to hang their coats. There was a stage at the front of the room illuminated by lights and colorful decorations, and on the other side was a full bar surrounded by mingling people.
Immediately following a live auction of artistically embellished mirrors, were 35 models who took their turn on the catwalk, sporting creations made out of everyday “junk,” “trash,” and recycled materials.
Brightly colored designs created by local artists shined under the lights and disco balls while the crowd cheered, clapped, and danced along to the thumping, upbeat music. Every model had time to shine and showcase outfits that ranged from dark and mysterious to loud and flamboyant. Some artists modeled their own creations while others were worn by other models. They performed with confidence and poise, as they carried out their routines in front of an excited and supportive crowd. The best part– it was all for the good of the environment.
“It’s just awesome that the art community comes to really support the environmental aspect here,” KEA Executive Director, Adrienne Cronebaugh said. “We’re really closely tied, and it’s amazing.”
According to Cronebaugh, the maximum capacity was reached with over 300 people attending the auction and fashion show, raising $15,000-$20,000.
“It’s huge for our little group, and it just goes such a long way,” Cronebaugh said of their fund raising. “It’s a lot for us, and it’s just so big to have that kind of help.”
The KEA, which is the oldest non-profit conservation group in the state of Idaho, prides itself in engaging the public in hands-on solution oriented projects that conserve, protect, and restore the environment. Some of their projects include fighting for responsible land use, ensuring healthy forests, and ensuring water quality and conservation.
“Environmentalism isn’t always talked about here,” said KEA’s Executive Director, Adrienne Cronebaugh. “So, it’s really exciting to see people standing up for the cause.”
