A Brentwood Bay-based marine group is bringing together two unlikely things: ocean conservation and high fashion.

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, which has worked since 1998 to educate youth about our waters and conserve and restore local waterways, is hosting a fashion show, Seachange in Stilettos — Styling the Gumboots, as a fundraiser for their efforts.

The idea came to SeaChange outreach coordinator Virginia Espinoza when she was considering how to expand the group of people who come to marine conservation events; after all, she thought, they often saw the same people, those who were already in touch with the ocean’s problems and needs. “I was just thinking of ways to bring in more people who could be interested in the ocean, if they were informed about it,” she said. “And I also like fashion ... and from there came the idea of the fashion show.”

Espinoza approached a number of local stores and soon found interest, not just from the fashion industry, but those who were willing to donate appetizers, cocktails, and door prizes for a fashion/ocean event. “It’s being held in a new store called Studio Ryu, which has been open for about a year,” she said, noting that models will sport the newest and hottest looks for fall. Featured designers will include Philip Lim, Rebecca Taylor, Marc Jacobs, Mark & Nicolas, John Patrick, Rick Owens, Organics, and Theory. Ocean conservationists might have a gumboot-sporting reputation, but as the show’s name says, this will be a night for the stiletto. The night will also feature a silent auction and there will be prizes awarded throughout. “We have tons of local businesses supporting us,” said Espinoza.

Espinoza said she hopes that those who attend will not only be wowed by the fashion, but take the opportunity to learn a little about SeaChange’s work. “We want people to get involved with the BC coast, with what’s going on,” she said. Besides running a number of educational programs, the group has put much of their conservation and restoration efforts on bringing eelgrass back to the coastline of the Saanich Inlet. “We’re focussing on that,” Espinoza said, explaining that eelgrass, a flowering sea plant, provides a wonderful habitat for a diverse group of marine life. However, eelgrass meadows in the area have lost ground to pollution, dredging, anchor dragging and other industrial and recreational activities. “Development is taking it down,” she said. “What we’re trying to do is restore and replant, and that brings back all the species that used to live there.” She said that the group has successfully replanted in the Saanich Inlet, particularly in Tod Inlet, as well as in Squamish, Jordan River, and Cowichan. Funds raised by the fashion show will go towards both the education and conservation programs at SeaChange.

The show runs on November 5, at 5:30 p.m., at Studio Ryu (1032 Fort Street.) Tickets are $10 and are available at Studio Ryu as well as at a Buck or Two at the Bay Centre, or by calling SeaChange at 250-652-1662. Espinoza warned that there are only 60 seats at the venue and that tickets may sell fast. “They may have to hurry and get tickets,” she said. More information about SeaChange, including volunteer opportunities, is available at www.seachangelife.net.

editor@peninsulanewsreview.com