Green Gala | Berkeley Botanical Gardens

The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley had their Garden Party Fundraiser the Green Gala on June 28th. The fundraiser highlighted the truly amazing relationship between plants and people by featuring a fashion show of eco-conscious local designers. I loved photographing the beautiful models and all the wonderfully creative designs. It was truly exciting to capture the magic of these talented designers especially in the setting of one of my favorite spots; the spectacular redwood grove amphitheater. Here are some of my favorite pics from the show. (click on the picture if you'd like to view it larger;-)






spectacular gown made from 100% milk...




{All the above designs}: Mr. Larkin

{above} Sasha Duerr: Permacouture
Feathered Jellyfish Ensemble
Driftwood Dune DressTree Ring Tea Dress: all three magical creations above by The Moon






{All sensual and intriguing felt designs above}: Ashley Helvey The extraordinarily imaginative and organic designs above: Ocelot


{above designs}: Heather Howard & Cat Janky

{above designs} Molly De Vries: Ambatalia

above on left: Ambatalia on right: Tierra Del Forte

Sustainable simple, sylish cyclist clothing above: Skye Schuchman

Hoops 4 Hope | Cocktails for Change

Yes,,, cocktails can contribute to the greater good! My beautiful sister-in-law Nisreen with my brother Christian organized this great fundraiser in SF for Hoops 4 Hope a charity that benefits at risk youth in South Africa through basketball/life skills programs. The event was a resounding success. All auctioned items captured higher than expected bids and of course since profits from the sale of cocktails were a big part of the donation we all heartily imbibed. You can read here about the terrific organization and see pictures below of the charity event.

"Since 1995, HOOPS 4 HOPE (H4H), a global not-for-profit organization, has supported youth development throughout southern Africa by providing more than 10,000 school-age children with our Basketball/Life Skills program. Using sport as a vehicle for social and personal change, H4H empowers children to become productive adults, engage in healthy lifestyles, and become leaders within their communities and the world. Our extensive network of partnering schools, children’s shelters, and community groups helps get kids off the street.

Basketball and other team sports provide an infrastructure where social skills can develop. Young people in our programs learn that the skills they will develop playing sports extend well beyond the playing field and are applicable to life’s challenges. Life Skills are any acquired techniques that help an individual deal successfully with his or her own life.

Organized sports encourage more than healthy competition; they help erase racial boundaries. Sports unite adults and children from different backgrounds. Moreover, the trust that develops between coaches and the young people they mentor provides an opportunity for discussion of the crucial issues that affect their lives every day."





Christian and Nisreen looking very pleased with the unfolding event. Congrats and thanks for your great efforts to help others in need!

Both of my brothers helping out with the auction.

Lucky winner of an autographed Sixers jersey!

Music by Acoustic Chain Garden

The Matrix Fillmore hopping.


List of delicious cocktails a couple of which I personally sampled. (Glad not all of my pictures were out of focus.)



Christian sporting this elegant suit custom made by the sponsor Astor and Black.