because this model's on a mission.
Summer Rayne Oakes was researching toxins in sewage sludge, identifying aquatic insects, rocking n’ rolling in rainforests, and mapping invasive species when she was struck with the idea that the fashion industry might be a good venue to disseminate environmental awareness. Little did she know that her initial bus ride to New York City as a freshmen in college to learn about the fashion industry would change the course of her career forever…
Summer Rayne is considered The World’s First Eco-Model for seamlessly combining her environmental expertise and vision with her modeling career. As brand ambassador and sustainability strategist for Portico Home + Spa, Payless ShoeSource’s zoe&zac line, MODO eco by Summer Rayne Oakes eyewear, Aveeno’s Be An Active Natural Campaign, and others – Summer Rayne’s work keeps her busy on and off camera, advising and consulting on various aspects of design, production and practice.
Considered by CNBC as one of the “Top 10 Green Entrepreneurs” and a “Game Changer” by NY Enterprise Report, Oakes has successfully founded SRO, LLC , a sustainability innovation firm – and co-founded Source4Style – a trends-driven B2B online marketplace that allows designers to source and discover more sustainable materials from around the world.
Summer Rayne writes, hosts and produces for a number of media outlets. She is a former correspondent on Discovery Network’s Planet Green and producer of the first sustainable fashion editorial in a magazine – Behind the Label for Lucire. As creator of Source4style’s web channel, The Cutting Edge; author of bestselling style guide Style, Naturally; Editor-at-Large and feature writer for ABOVE Magazine; and producer of a number of environmental art films, Oakes expertly explores the intersection of responsible design, environmental issues, international sustainable development, cultural exploration, and more conscious living.
Vanity Fair has named Oakes a “Global Citizen,” Outside called her one of the “Top Environmental Activists,” CNN hailed her as a “Young Person Who Rocks,” Glamour anointed her “70 Women of Green,” Cosmopolitan awarded her the “Fun, Fearless Female” Award, and AMICA named her one of the “Top 20 Trendsetters under 40.”
Summer Rayne is a graduate of Cornell University with degrees in Environmental Science and Entomology and is a PCCW Women’s Research Scholar, Udall environmental scholar, National Wildlife Federation Fellow, and PERC Environmental Fellow. She works internationally on a range of environmental programs, mainly related to sustainable development and design, reforestation and youth action. She currently resides in Brooklyn and San Francisco with her troop of exotic insects.
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