PERSPECTIVES

Title: ORGANIK BEAUTY: Summer Rayne Oakes

Words: Malie Moran

Images: Aaron K. Yoshino 

Summer Rayne Oakes has taken the fashion industry by storm. Her enthusiastic passion for the environment inspires change from the top down. Her brilliant way of speaking demands attention to the issues close to her heart. Her captivating eyes draw you in to a world of good.

During a meeting in Kona, I had the opportunity to interview the intelligent and beautiful Summer Rayne.

 It’s really sexy when someone stands for something. – Summer Rayne Oakes

Why Fashion?

I turned to fashion to make a difference. After I graduated from Cornell University in Environmental Sciences, I began publishing industry papers on waste management. Unfulfilled by this, I realized I wanted to reach a broader audience. Fashion, an industry based on consumption, was the communication route I went after.

I’m really trying to change a paradigm in the fashion industry by using my expertise to assist companies like Tommy Hilfiger as a partner not just a face.

I’ve been labeled as an eco-model, or model with a conscience. Its very simple, I don’t work with brands that don’t have the same ideals.

Recent Projects?

One recent project I’m involved in, “Don’t Bag the Indonesian Rainforest” focuses on educating companies about the shopping bag industry. We are trying to stop companies like Asian Pulp and Paper from converting rainforests into paper plantations.

We’ve contacted a lot of the fashion companies, who are unknowingly buying their shopping bags from rainforests in Indonesia. Brands like Tiffany & Co. were quick to make the switch. I think the fashion companies have a great platform, and even though it’s a small component of paper pulping, it is a first effort.

Tell us about your book.

Style, Naturally is a book I wrote for women who love style, but may not have ‘environment’ or ‘green’ in their lexicon. Part of my idea of creating Style, Naturally was to show how ethical fashion and beauty products can fit your way of living.

Hawaii Favorites?

I love the ocean. I plan to do some snorkeling and sea kayaking while I’m here. Exploring Hawaii that way is such a beautiful experience. A few years ago, I took the road to Hana (Maui) and it was so therapeutic.

The resources of Hawaii are so beautiful and rich. The fruit is so fantastic and full of flavor here.

How can others make change?

No matter what you do, build environmental ethos into your line of work. The environment connects us as people. We are entering into these new spaces and coming out better on the other side. 


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