September 2024
Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here, your one and only source for all things climate and environmental justice for Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals.
I have the biggest news ever! New York Fashion Week kicks off this Friday, and it’s clear that the future of fashion is all about ethical sourcing and sustainable practices! Designers are bringing their A-game with creative, eco-chic designs that are redefining the fashion industry. From reducing carbon footprints to upcycling, this season promises to showcase how sustainability and style can seamlessly go hand in hand.
However this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, the fashion industry has a troubling track record with the environment. Don’t believe me? See for yourselves. Lucky for us, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) sent proof. Thanks for the photo! In a study on the
environmental impact of New York Fashion Week, CFDA and Boston Consulting Group revealed that the fashion industry currently releases about 1.2 BILLION tons of greenhouse gases every year. While NYFW contributes to a small portion of these emissions, 40,000 to 48,000 tons of CO2 is still a crazy amount, in my opinion. So, a big shoutout to their research for informing the creation of the Playbook for Positive Change! This strategic initiative focuses on reducing NYFW’s environmental footprint in collaboration with stakeholders across sectors, setting targeted goals and fostering a cultural shift towards sustainability that could set an international standard for the fashion industry worldwide.
Looks like some designers are already taking the hint 👀 In the most recent Fall 2023 season, NYFW included 35 sustainably-focused brands out of 71, the most they’ve ever had.
And of course, I have the inside scoop on the top designers and must-see events that are breaking new ground in sustainability. As if I’d ever steer you wrong!
Fall 2024 NYFW Designers and Events to Keep on Your Radar 🤳🏾
The Green Show will make its highly anticipated second premiere at NYFW this Friday, September 6, 2024. The runaway experience, brought to you by the dynamic mother and daughter design duo Dur Doux, promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Last year, their collection captivated audiences with an oceanic theme, featuring Italian eco-friendly knits, recycled materials, and OEKO TEX standard fabrics. For those who don’t know, OEKO-TEX is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances, ensuring textile safety, from yarn to finished product. But that’s not all! The Green Show also hosts a panel discussion with a diverse group of sustainability and fashion experts, discussing everything from the role of fashion in mitigating climate change to consumer lifestyle changes. The event concludes with an after party you don’t want to miss!
Walk Your Values: NYFW Runway Show + Exclusive Happy Hour
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 10, because Remake and NYC’s ethical fashion community are throwing the most sustainable Runway Show of NYFW! All the pieces will be 100% preloved and upcycled with proceeds benefiting Remake, a leading advocacy for human rights and climate justice in the fashion industry. Dress in your fav preloved outfit and enjoy a drink or two at The Delancey, the place to be!
Agbobly, the knitwear brand, has certainly caught my attention. At just 26 years old, designer Jacques Agbobly is turning heads with his vibrant colors and designs that honor his Togolese heritage and queerness. He showcases a deep commitment to West African craftsmanship, using a hand operated knitting machine to create custom-made pieces from natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly fibers. It’s no wonder his designs are the talk of the city!
Collina Strada, the iconic New York-based fashion brand founded by Hillary Taymour, serves as a “platform for climate awareness, social awareness, change and self expression”. The brand advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, disability inclusion, and climate crisis awareness while emphasizing local manufacturing and the use of natural materials. Their latest jaw dropping collection made an entire line of deadstock. Deadstock is fabric that’s been left behind by the original designer, destined for the landfill—until Collina Strada swooped in to save it.
Nigel Xavier, the breakout star of Netflix’s Next in Fashion has become an overnight sensation with his unique upcycled designs. Coined a "sustainable streetwear visionary," Xavier transforms preloved items and upcycled garments into his one-of-a-kind pieces. His work has even been worn by Atlanta rappers Migos and 2 Chainz. Watch out, Upper East Side; this is one designer who’s about to make a serious impact.
These designers provide a glimpse into the future of fashion, where "out-of-the-box and innovative thinking lead to collections that reflect inclusivity and conservation efforts." But let’s be real: it’s going to take more than a few standout collections to shift the needle. We need a full-on revolution.
Sustainability isn’t just a flashy trend—it's a must-have for the planet and the future of fashion. NYFW is definitely heading in the right direction, but don’t think they’re off the hook just yet. There’s still plenty of work to be done. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for GPE’s next big reveal in the Big Apple real soon…🤫 Stay tuned for more!
you know you love me.
xo xo, GOSSIP GIRL
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