Monday, April 26, 2010 at 1:28PM Model citizen
Former model and eco-activist Maria SnyderOne of the most prominent models of the 1980’s, who could often be found gracing the runway for Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, Gianni Versace and Calvin Klein, Maria Snyder has spent the last 20+ years reinventing herself through various artistic endeavors. Throughout this eclectic career that has included designing a successful eco-conscious clothing line (long before it was a trendy), sculpting, jewelry design, and creating works of art with a message, her personal passion for environmental awareness has always been clear.
Her latest project, The Eco Boys and Girls, continues on the environmental activism path, but takes Snyder to an entirely different stage; the playground. It is here that she is reaching out to children, with help from the Friends of the United Nations in hopes of inspiring the next generation to take action towards protecting the environment and working towards world peace.
After a launch party for The Eco Boys and Girls at the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, which was attended by Snyder's supermodel pals and reality TV stars alike, Style Wylde caught up with Maria to discuss this latest project, and her plans for future.
SW: What are the Eco Boys and Girls?
MS: My ECO BOYS AND GIRLS brand are 5 fun loving earth characters with simple and direct messages of love, peace and environmental awareness. The Liberty Science Center unveiled on Saturday an art installation and short film to introduce my characters. Each character, Ernie Earth, Lulu Love, Patsy Peace, Ray Recycle and Sammy Sun were individually shown on screens. The short film was projected on the walls and in the big movie theater. The children loved it! We are also working with the National Education Association to create curriculum for classrooms across the nation and into the hearts of children everywhere!
Maria' Snyder's Lulu Love from The Eco Boys and Girls
SW: After a successful career in modeling, and then fashion design, and then in the art world, what lead you to embarking on this latest project?
MS: My love of creating and innovating combined with my love of science and the environment and of course, my belief that our children are our greatest hope for our future. My family is a great influence. My background was as an artist first and the love of creating has always been with me. My father was one of the pioneers of the revitalization of Portland Maine. He was a businessman who also cared for the surrounding environment and it's people. My brother studied environmental sciences at Harvard, so when we started my fashion business we wanted to use recycled materials but they were not as readily available as they are today. I think all of those interests and exposure created the Eco Boys and Girls brand.
Maria Snyder's Ernie Earth is part of the Eco Boys and Girls
How will the Friends of the United Nations be involved in your project?
MS: Dr. Noel J. Brown, Founder and CEO, Friends of the United Nations, has endorsed the Eco Boys and Girls as the Millennium Kids. As the youngest members of the United Nations we will work together to share our common goals by reaching out across the world and into the hearts of children everywhere. In the fall we plan to do an event for the children of the world.
Maria Snyder and Supermodel Alex Wek at the Eco Boys and Girls launch/Image: AMBER De VOS/PatrickMcMullan.com
SW: How do you see The Eco Boys and Girls developing over time?
MS: Through our partnerships with the Friends of the United Nations and the National Education Association we are developing awareness that will inspire and promote the United Nations Millennium Goals and are developing educational curriculum to go into classrooms across the nation. I am also working on a children's book and some products to go with it.
SW: Any plans for the Eco Boys and Girls to visit other US Cities
?
MS: Yes. We have several exciting projects in the works. I will be happy to share that when the time is right!
Maria Snyder with Dr. Noel J Brown (left) Dr Emlyn Koster(center right) and pal Kelly Killoren Bensimon of The Real Housewives of New York/Image: AMBER De VOS/PatrickMcMullan.com
For more on Maria Snyder, and her Eco Boys and Girls please visit her official site.
Reader Comments (1)
So great to hear about industry people who are actually giving back to the community. Go Maria!