Scientist, author and sustainable model

BY CAROLYN ENTING

From studying sewage to storming the catwalks of the world, Summer Rayne Oakes, 25, is not your ordinary fashion model or tree hugger.

The author, model, environmental scientist and entomologist from New York is in Wellington touching base with contacts that helped her launch her eco-friendly fashion career.

Since 2005 she has been editor at large of the Wellington-based fashion magazine Lucire.

New Zealand fashion brands Untouched World and Wellington's Starfish also feature in her book Style Naturally, a sustainable fashion shopping bible.

Oakes was guest speaker at Brisbane's GreenFest on Friday and said it made sense to visit New Zealand.

Since first writing for Lucire, she has modelled for companies whose ethics match hers, and promoted them meaning companies not only get a face to front their products, but also a spokeswoman and environmental consultant.

It hasn't all been jet-setting. Her career started out studying sewage sludge and the Cornell University graduate and Udall Foundation environmental scholar realised early on that to make a difference, she had to step outside traditional science circles. "The idea for working in sustainable fashion came about through my struggle to communicate environmental issues to a wider audience.

"It's great to get published in a scientific journal but a lot more needs to happen to inspire action."

Her most recent collaboration is with Payless Shoes as the face, spokeswoman and environmental strategist. She is also a resident expert on Discovery Network's Planet Green channel and Treehugger.com.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

* Clothing and accessories made from ethically produced and environmentally friendly fibres such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics and materials.

* Locally designed and made garments, which cuts down on air miles and reduces CO2 emissions.

* Fabrics printed or coloured with low-toxicity dyes.

* Garment designs that transcend fashion fads and are made from quality fibres so they last.

* Reusing garments by buying second-hand, or swapping.

* Fibres that are biodegradable.

- © Fairfax NZ News