An outdoor shopping experience this Sunday in San Francisco.

Discovering the hidden gems of the fashion universe, brands that are small, regional, or simply up-and-coming, is the favorite part of the job for fashion editors. And while the style rummager gene may well be in our DNA, this weekend’s Urban Air Market in San Francisco might be just the ticket for those looking to find a truly unique piece of jewelry, or a great under-the-radar brand in just one fun and sun-filled Sunday afternoon.

Bringing together the best in independent design in an outdoor marketplace setting, the expertly curated mix of designs suggests it’s time to forget everything you thought you  knew about fashion from street fairs and festivals and embrace what may prove the fashion shopping experience of the future. The event’s producer, Danielle Cohen, believes the goods available from more than 150 participating designers will surprise you.

“I do my best to curate the show to make the event about design, not discount brand-name shopping or hippy craft browsing, but about independent design. I am especially inspired by designers who are pushing fashion design in the direction it should be going, toward sustainability.”

We couldn’t agree more. Here’s a sneak peek at some of our favorite sustainable designers participating this weekend:

Adina Mills Designhouse

Jewelry designer, Adina Mills‘ beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces feature natural minerals and found objects. Mills says, “my designs are funky yet sophisticated, and they transgress the limits of art while encouraging their wearers to redefine beauty and freedom for themselves.”

Sarah Lillier

Sarah Lillier specializes in reworking vintage textiles into feminine dresses and separates. Her repurposed line, called Romantic Repurposing, takes vintage home linens like tablecloths and curtains and makes them into something new and modern. “The work, hours, and love that went into making, using, and cherishing these textiles is what inspires me to craft my own creations out of them.”

April Hansen’s line of delicate pieces in recycled gold and silver are designed to be layered over other jewelry and clothing for a unique and romantic look.

Daily San Franciscan

Specializing in hand cut gemstone jewelry and high end, upcycled  jewelry designs by Julia Szendrei,  Daily San Franciscan‘s goal is to always use what is available and to minimize material waste. “We are creating a free artist network for artists and boutiques alike to help better inform the world about what the artist community is doing here in California.”

Montree

Monica Zaidman’s handmade and sustainably sourced garments made from eco-jersey, up-cycled lace, and indigenous embroidery are inspired by her work with women in need in Mexico, Ghana, Peru, and shelters in Brooklyn. “Montree is comfortable, wearable, versatile, and above all beautiful.”

The Urban Air festival takes place this Sunday, May 6th 2012 11am-6pm in Hayes Valley, San Francisco

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Sustainable style news from EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor.

En Plein Air – This fall’s CAPSULE Urban Air Market takes place on Sunday, September 18^th and previews the fashion shopping of the future. You’ll find locally produced, artisanally made clothing and accessories close to the source – free of corporate retail mentality and overhead markup – in a farmers market like setting. The bi-annual, free event spanning 4 city blocks will feature over 130 independent designers of men’s, women’s, and kid’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, paper goods, glassware, and unique home décor. The designers are selected based on their quality, originality and sustainability of design. Some EcoSalon fav’s representing are Earthlust, Mission Thread Clothing and LINQUIST jewelry. We’re liking the forward thinking vision so much, we’re sponsoring it. Come down, check out some cutting-edge sustainable style and don’t forget to say hi when you see us at the scene.

Cause Connect – According to Etsy‘s new European Director, Matthew Stinchcomb, “the prevalent corporate mentality has left us ever more disconnected from nature, our communities, and the people and processes behind the objects in our lives.” The first step in his plan to create a more sustainable future is to create healthy micro-economies by supporting small businesses. Taking place in Berlin, Germany, and partner locations across the world this weekend is “Hello Etsy: A Summit on Small Business and Sustainability” a hands-on gathering for entrepreneurs, which will include training, a talk by Environmentalist Bill McKibben (350.org) and the chance to win five small business grants. West Coast hosts include GOOD in Los Angeles, CA; California College of the Arts in San Francisco, CA; and the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon. Each of these locations will feature their own live speakers, panels, and workshops.

Seattle Strut – Sashay on down to Seattle’s Showbox Sodo for Fashion First’s 8th annual fashion show this Thursday, the 15^th of September. Sponsored by Seattle Magazine, the long-running charitable event will showcase leading-edge local designers and retailers, featuring the latest looks from La Ree Boutique, Baby & Co., Lizzie Parker, REPORT footwear, The Finerie, Sway and Cake, Ragamoffyn’s, Chez Chic, Mercer, the Art Institute of Seattle and Seattle magazine’s own 2011 Seamless in Seattle winners. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rise n’ Shine, a local nonprofit providing advocacy, mentors, summer camps and more to children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS.

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