Solar panels sure aren't cheap. I wonder if his inspiration came before or after SolarWorld agreed to lend them out? Think this is a genuine effort, or paid product placement?

He came on board after SolarWorld. From a July press release:

"The theme of the three-way partnership is “Solar Is the New Black.” Portland Fashion Week (PFW) and SolarWorld, the show’s renewable-energy sponsor, previously announced they would assemble the show’s fashion runway from the company’s new, black photovoltaic panels."

Do I get a deal on a used runway ? Those new 8" cells look hot.

Product placement is what it's about for Solarworld. Seht Aaron must be an afterthought because it's the runway with their panels they want to show. Placing their product at PFW isn't very good exposure but it's very cheap and they have little to lose.