When I got an email from Bahar Shahpar that she’d be styling singer Jason Mraz at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, I didn’t realize how little I knew about the singer, though I’ve heard his catchy songs many a time.
Some of you might be better-informed fans of this Grammy winner, but did you know he’s a committed sustainable activist?
Like, ridiculously so. Maybe we’re soul mates.
Here’s a quick rundown of Mr. Mraz:
1. Co-founder of Blend Apparel, a line of bamboo T-shirts.
2. He recently published his first book titled a thousand things, printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper that’s 20 percent recycled and wood-free. The book also happens to be word-free: it’s a collection of Polaroids.
3. His tour bus is an 80/20 biodiesel bus.
4. Information at his concert’s merch table lets you know how you can get Jason Mraz organic merchandise, how he makes conscious choices on the road, how you can participate in greening your community or select brands that are doing something to help the environment.
5. Thanks to living in San Diego and dealing with water pollution, he’s an active member of the Surfrider Foundation.
6. He also owns an organic avocado farm in Northern San Diego County.
Next thing you’re going to tell me, Jason, is that you were immaculately conceived from a tree. I’m on to you.
While his third album release with lead single from We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, “Make It Mine,” won Best male Pop Vocal performance and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “Lucky,” his duet with Colbie Caillatalso, Mraz didn’t shirk from putting importance on what he wore when he accepted.
Here is Shahpar’s rundown of his duds at the event:
EcoGir Suit by Simon Carter
· Made from recycled polyester/wool
· About 25 plastic bottles are used to make one suit
· Machine washable
Organic cotton Shirt by Culturata
· Made in Italy using no pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, fragrances or dyes
Tie by Sonic Fabric
· Made from recycled cassette tapes
Handmade Shoes by Osborn Design
· Handmade by local artisans in Guatemala
· Made using local and vintage materials
How did she get the gig styling Mraz?
Shahpar says she met him at the EMAs (Environmental Media Awards) in October 2009 when he received the 2009 Missions in Music Award.
Having been a stylist since the beginning of her career in fashion over a decade ago, she’s found many opportunities to work with clients who share her passion for promoting beautiful, responsibly produced pieces.
“Clothing is such an intimate part of our lives, and dressing someone can be a telling window into who someone is,” says Shahpar, “So it is often a very personal experience – and incredibly rewarding when you’re able to help them be a better version of themselves.”
A better version, Bahar? In the case of Jason, we’re already talking sainthood!