Coalition For Clean Air Celebrates Fourth Annual Fashion Show

Over 15 of California’s top public officials are walking the runaway for The Coalition for Clean Air’s fourth annual fashion show, “Clean Air. . . Always in Fashion” at the Wilshire Ebell Club on Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. The event comes on the heels of the new state legislation mandating a 25 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and features representatives modeling the latest eco-friendly garments in support of the Coalition’s programs.

In addition, two dresses from this year’s Project Runway’s Waste Not Want Not episode, designed by L.A. residents Jeffrey Sebelia and Vincent Libretti, were on display and will be auctioned off. A wedding dress, designed by Andrae Gonzalo from last season’s Project Runway, will also be sold.

“Whether you are rich or poor, live in Northern or Southern California, we all deserve to breathe clean air,” said actress/activist Kathy Najimy. “I am honored to help the Coalition for Clean Air in its mission to restore clean, healthful air to our state.”

Patt Morrison, a columnist with the Los Angeles Times, provided fashion commentary and celebrity guests, including Najimy and Ed Begley Jr., introduced the models. Some of the southland officials showed their wares: Hon. John Chiang, State Controller; Hon. Judy Chu, Assembly Member; Hon. Hector De La Torre, Assembly Member; Hon. Carol Liu, Assembly Member; Terry Tamminen, Former Cabinet Secretary to Gov. Schwarzenegger; Hon. Cynthia Verdugo Peralta, Governor’s Air Quality Management District Appointee; Hon. Todd Campbell, Mayor of Burbank and many more. Also environmentally-friendly fashions were for sale at the show, including designs from: Earth Speaks, Edun (a new line by U2’s Bono), Garden Kids, Indigenous Designs, Loomstate, Nomadic Trader, Patagonia, Sahalie and Timberland.

According to recent statistics, California’s air pollution led to about 9,000 premature deaths each year. In comparison, motor vehicle crashes resulted in 3,200 deaths and homicides caused 2,000 deaths.

“The 2006 smog season is officially over and once again the Los Angeles basin is the smog capital of the U.S. with the San Joaquin Valley close behind,” said Tim Carmichael, President of the Coalition for Clean Air. “To change this, and protect the health of all Californians, we need a concerted effort from our government, corporations and residents. The Coalition for Clean Air is developing and promoting solutions but we need your support.”

To learn more about the Coalition for Clean Air, visit www.coalitionforcleanair.org or call (213) 630-1192.