Changing Hands to Host Green Fashion Show  

By Bridget Kinsella -- Publishers Weekly, 1/9/2008 7:26:00 AM

Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz.  will hold a green fashion show January 19 after the store closes in an attempt to attract younger customers. The idea came from 23-year-old marketing assistant Holly Nelson after she learned that green was the 2008 theme for the store. Nelson has already set up partnerships with local merchants and designers for the event.

Local television personality Carey Pena will emcee the fashion show and reception. Local stores Bunky Boutique, Armour Sans Anguish, Hippy Tree and Preloved will showcase their sustainable, recycled and organic fashions, and if the cars arrive on time, the local Chevy dealership plans to show its line of hybrid cars. Appetizers and something called an “eco-tini” which is part tea and part vodka will be served. The store will highlight its green book selections including Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt by Megan Nicolay (Workman), Cool Green Stuff by Dave Evans (Clarkson Potter) and The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook by David de Rothschild (Rodale).

Changing Hands often hooks up with local establishments when it does events, but Nelson said she was surprised at how many partners responded so quickly to participate in the green fashion show. Even Pena, the local TV anchor who shops at the store, jumped right on board. “I hope it works,” said Nelson.