by Nik Tyler
.
I recently visited my hometown, NYC, to attend a special presentation of Bold Native , a rad feature film I’m in about the Animal Liberation Front & The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. The screening was hosted by the incomparable Russell Simmons, who gave a very eloquent introduction before the movie began. The sold out audience was filled with remarkable activists, actors, artists, musicians, friends and fam; it was an inspiring room of truth seekers!
.
A few days prior to the premiere, I met up with my friend, Andy, at Atlas Cafe, and was introduced to the lovely eco-vegan fashion designer, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart. Leanne is the founder of Vaute Couture , and was named 1 of 7 Best Emerging Green Designers of 2009 by Ecouterre. Her fashion line is the ultimate gear for ethical guys and gals; high-style, chic, sexy, comfortable, eco, “upcycled” and drumroll, please…. 100% cruelty-free, with no animal derived materials!
.
When I visited the Vaute Couture website and perused Leanne’s apparel, I remembered seeing one of her message tees rocked on the red carpet by Twilight actor, BooBoo Stewart.
.
.
“Woa! That’s one helluva’ awesome tee!” I thought at the time, but I didn’t know who had created it or where I could score one for myself. Apparently I had my head under a rock, cause Leanne’s styles had already been praised by a ton of celebs and sites, including
Alicia Silverstone ,
Oprah.com and right here on the
Discerning Brute!
.
When I arrived at the screening of Bold Native I was met by Leanne in the lobby of the theater; you can imagine my joy when she gifted me with that exact message tee, which I proudly sported in this pic with Moby.
.
.
So to all you stylish and compassionate gents, I highly recommend you check out the VC site immediately. It’s full of unique, trend-setting and thoughtful designs (coats, tees, jewelry, even art!) for men and women that are sure to make you stand out in a crowd (while taking a stand). You’ll def be the cool, conscious, compassionate cat in the room, rockin’ some serious rock-steady eco-fashion that will make you a fashion icon in no time flat! And stay tuned – Leanne is about to release the men’s line of eco-jackets that is sure to make everyone take note! Men’s fashions are up for preorders this month (preorder specials start at 40% off and go down as it gets closer to ship date).  Leanne will also be having pop-up shops by appointment to view the new pieces (and purchase current/last season stuff too) SF and NYC… tentatively scheduled for NYC first week of September.
.
SAN FRANCISCO: Saturday 8/28 Noon-5pm & Sunday 8/29 1:30-6pm
Vaute Pop-up Shop- Tea & Cupcakes at A. Muse Gallery
614 Alabama Street, San Francisco.
You can make your reservation by emailing Leanne@VauteCouture.com, and find more details here.
The Launch of Gracious Gourmand on Friday August 28th was a huge success! Tucked in the cozy, candle-lit Second Stop Cafe, 30 foodies gathered to dine on the meticulous, visually stunning and delicious creations of Chef Lagusta Yearwood, featuring produce from Taliaferro Farms and Second Wind CSA . Our sponsor was Kanon Organic Vodka, and we created some delicious, freshly-juiced watermelon-mint and apple-beet libations.
