She’s more than a model with a cause
Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Jasmin Lill
June 2009 - Courier Times - “She’s more than a model with a cause”
She’s been dubbed “The Eco-Model” but Summer Rayne Oakes is much more than just a pretty face.
Oakes has been compared to environmental activist Al Gore, and will speak at the second annual Greenfest this weekend at Brisbane’s City Botanic Garderns. “I don’t necessarily just call myself a model, because it diminishes the point of what I’m trying to bring across,” she said.
“I hated the term [Eco-Model] first because you want people to take you seriously and my background is in environmental science and sustainable development.
Oakes will only work with environmentally- and socially-relevant companies, designers and programs, which often use her [not only as a model/spokesperson] but also as a sustainability strategist.
“I didn’t want people to reduce it to ‘Oh she just wears eco-clothes,’ because that’s not what it is all about,” Oakes said.
The American model also hosts shows on Discovery Channel’s, Planet Green network, and is now the sustainability strategist and face of a U.S. shoe brand that launched a line of more sustainable shoes [zoe&zac].
“It’s not as if I’m going on casting calls like most girls do,” she said.
“It’s oftentimes speaking with the CEOs, Presidents or founders of companies on a business level.”
Oakes says the environment is her passion.
“The environment defines my work and is who I am,” she said. “I’m happy I’ve been able to trailblaze a new career.”
