In case you haven’t heard, there are a new “four Rs” in our culture: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Respect.
    

This is the theme of an innovative new fashion event, previewing April 4 and with a gala on April 26 at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. The event will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
    

Bay Area fashion designers such as  Jessica McClintock, Colleen Quen, Nice Collective, Cari Borja, Verrieres & Sako, Michael Boris and Sara Shepherd join students from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), City College of San Francisco and Academy of Art University in designing one-of-a-kind fashions in “real” sizes made from recycled materials. It’s inspired by the de Young Museum’s permanent collection.    

“Respect for the poor is sewn into each design, as every designer trekked down to the Help Desk to pick their materials from our discard box and witness how we serve the Bay Area’s most needy,” said Sally Rosen, Director of the Vincentian Help Desk and co-chair of Discarded to Divine.
    

Wilkes Bashford, who needs no recycling, is the honorary chair. “Not only is our community leading the green movement, but it is incredibly rich in design talent and creative thinking,” he says. “This exciting event sheds light on some serious topics in a very fun way.” 
    

Bette McKenzie, vice president of public relations for Macy’s West (presenting sponsor of Discarded to Divine) adds, “Fashion is how we express our individual style and values every day – those of us in the fashion business are in a unique position to promote the message of sustainability.”   

They’re serious about this.   

The April 26 Gala Evening features a “green” cocktail reception with wine provided by French Rabbit (for every four wines sold, one tree is planted), hors d’oeuvres from local green restaurants such as Roots and Daffodil, compostable SpudWare plates and cutlery made of potatoes and vegetable starch, and 100 percent natural GuS soda. 

Radio personality Miranda Wilson of KKSF-FM (103.7) will be master of ceremonies. Ford models will be wearing the goods.   

Don’t be green with envy – attend the preview on April 4 or the gala on April 26.
    

Discarded to Divine: Preview, April 4, 5-8:45 p.m., de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea
Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park; Gala, April 26, 7-9:30 p.m., Academy of Art University, 601 Brannan St. (at 6th). General tickets: $45/advance, $55/door; VIP tickets (limited): $75/adance, $90/door. Space is limited; RSVP to 415-977-1270 or online at www.discardedtodivine.org