A model walks the runway during a benefit fashion show April 23 at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.

Katie Weltzer, left, and Sierra Falter took part in the fashion show “Art on the Green” at Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Miss., featuring sustainable clothing styles.

Two fashion shows featuring the styling and design of brilliant locals recently took place back-to-back.

“Art on the Green” featured sustainable clothing styled by local companies or created by designers with ties to Kansas University. Models walked through the main gallery at Spencer Museum of Art, wearing sustainable clothing from participants including White Chocolate, Ecoboutiquo and Magic Carpet Traveler, as well as Liz Kowalchuk, KU associate professor of design, and Meghan Arthur, from Columbia, Mo.

“At least one portion from each of the outfits included organic fabric or vintage, recycled, secondhand clothing,” says Sierra Falter, Spencer student advisory board president. “We wanted to visually show students the dressing possibilities a partially green wardrobe can lend, not just lecture.”

The style was everything from casual, everyday to tailored chic, and outfits were dressed up with accessories like scarves and hats. The show rang true to me: I love thrifting and promote it. Purchasing vintage clothing is an easy way to maintain individual style and support local businesses by thinking globally, going green.

The other high-energy show April 23 was “The Drunken Sailor’s Tailor.” It featured 15 acts, each capturing unique trends that can easily be worn on a daily basis. Some highlights:

• “Uptown Monkey,” styled by Tricia Rock, was edgy, sexy, rock ‘n’ roll. Think corsets, ripped tights and big hair.

• For a sweeter look, “So Quaint,” clothing by Monica Gundelfinger, featured a gorgeous neutral palette. Bernadette Peters, the jewelry expert at Goldmakers, said, “The mustard mix on (one) red-headed model was spot-on. Kylie’s hair was fabulous and larger than life in a way that offset the neutrals nicely. Big hair is where it’s at right now!”

• Pangaea Artspace and Gallery showed off a creative line of clothing. Gregory Thomas — the artist known as Rex — described the event as “corn fed and fabulous!” Their models walked out in drunken undies and tank tops complete with anchor stencils and audacious spray-paint colors that truly complied with the show’s motif.

• Another favorite group dolled up feathers and fringe for a “Buffalo Goddess” look. Incorporating beads and moccasins with a simple skirt or pair of cut-offs can instantly change your look from average to standout.

• The very last set by Jeremy Rockwell was standout. In recessions, every aspect of life seems to turn to fantasy and escapism. This fantastical group followed that very sentiment.