2009 Green Awards honorees at reception

Chicago magazine is accepting nominations for its 2010 Green Awards now through January 5! If you’ve been out and about and participating in the “eco scene” in the Chicago area, I’m sure you have more than a couple people you’d like to nominate. Editors are looking for groundbreakers in conservation and sustainability. Think about the people you know who are doing something really unique or especially forward-looking in the “green” realm.

I was honored to be included last year with five other amazing individuals. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the honorees to share the work they are doing and potentially reach new audiences that are key in helping them achieve success. I applaud Chicago magazine for developing this tradition and making it a priority to their publication. We need to recognize, celebrate and foster innovative leaders in sustainability in Chicago, and the magazine offers a great platform to do so.

Get going and nominate!

After an amazing two years, I closed Pivot’s Chicago storefront on October 31, 2009. I opened Pivot in September 2007 to create a place in Chicago where people could realize you don’t need to sacrifice style in order to have a more conscious and responsible wardrobe. I wanted to showcase eco-fashion in Chicago and bring people together to explore all aspects of sustainable lifestyles. To create a turning point for the community. For two years I, with the help of many wonderful people and supporters, did just that.

It was a difficult decision to close, but one that I felt was best for Pivot and myself. And it’s just the beginning of a new phase. I will be maintaining an online presence and you can look for the first Pivot event “post-storefront” to come this winter! Meanwhile, I’ll be starting a new series of posts on the blog to stay in touch with you online.

But first, I’d like to share some of the highlights of Pivot’s two years in Chicago’s West Loop. Maybe just for my own “scrapbooking” purposes. There will be plenty more new Pivot milestones and events to share in the years to come!

Most unique product: I was the first U.S. buyer of Singgih Kartono’s magno wooden radio. Kartono’s products have recieved several design awards and are now sold across the U.S. and Europe.

Biggest event: In October 2008, I created a four-day exhibit titled MoSS: Museum of Sustainable Style during Fashion Focus Chicago. I featured fashion and furniture designers in a museum-like setting, held a panel discussion and helped create a short animated film discussing sustainable style.

Awesome honors: In April 2009, I was chosen as one of six Chicagoland inviduals to receive a Green Award from Chicago magazine. In September 2009, Pivot was chosen as Fashion Group International Chicago’s rising star in retail. And in 2007, I won Daily Candy’s Sweetest Things award.

Exciting moment: I was invited to speak at a press conference with Mayor Daley and Pete Wentz to announce Fashion Focus Chicago events in June 2008.

Maybe my favorite press mention: NYLON magazine covered Pivot’s store opening in the January 2008 issue. NYLON was one of my favorite magazines for a long time, so it was really amazing to see Pivot in the issue.

Most fun memory of shop: I have a ton of fun memories of the shop from events to hanging out with friends and designers. But if I had to pick one time, it would probably be when Bill Murray came to shop!