11 Sustainable Brands To Look Out For At New York Fashion Week 2023
Sound the alarms NYC Baddies! New York Fashion Week is upon us! Prepare to see extremely hot people running down the streets of New York City in iconic outfits. Maybe you’ll spot a celebrity in disguise trying to catch a cab. Maybe you yourself will be walking or attending a show this week. Or like me, maybe you’ll be partaking in NYFW from your couch through your phone screen… @fashiontroll777 says that outfit is hideous and unethical!
Speaking of unethical fashion, the high fashion world has long been infamous for its indifference to ethics and sustainability practices. But there are a number of brands cultivating an ethos of sustainable design, ethical production systems, innovative textiles, and inclusivity.
OMG, look up there! Is it a pigeon? A news helicopter? *Heart eyes!* It’s Sustainable Baddie, bringing you a list of sustainable brands to look out for this Fashion Week.
SHOW TIME: Sun., Sept 10, 2023 at 11 AM
Studio One Eighty Nine, co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, is an African-made brand that creates content and clothing in collaboration with artisan communities that have mastered their craft. Studio One Eighty Nine uses various dyes derived from local plants and herbs, sustainable natural fibers such as organic cotton, dried grass from Ghana, and silk from Italy and the USA. They incorporate recycled fabrics into their designs like recycled cotton and glass or new sustainable fabrics such as Piñatex® leather made out of pineapple fibers, and TENCEL™ fabric
2. Rentrayage
SHOW TIME: Mon., Sept 11, 2023 at 9 AM
Rentrayage was founded by Erin Beatty in 2019. Rentrayage is a French word that means “to mend and make whole again,’” a practice that is central to Rentrayage’s ethos. They are committed to the circular economy and use old clothes, vintage fabrics, and dead-stock materials to create classic pieces. If sourcing new materials, Rentrayage uses recycled materials, and as a last resort, uses virgin cotton, linen, silk, or wool which must be traceable to the raw material level. All waste created by Rentrayage that cannot be used goes to Fabscrap, and any items returned by customers are also repurposed.
SHOW TIME: Fri., Sept 8, 2023 at 6 PM
Collina Strada was founded in 2008 by designer Hillary Taymour. Based in New York, the brand considers itself a platform for social issues, including sustainability. Taymour aims to never sacrifice the character and craft of the brand while still becoming fully sustainable and transparent. Collina Strada’s powerfully colorful and easy-to-wear clothing is manufactured in New York. As part of their sustainability practices, they use rose sylk, an organic fiber made from rose bushes and stems, deadstock fabric, and recycled cotton in the making of their clothes.
4. Dauphinette
SHOW TIME: Sat, Sept 9, 2023 at 5 PM
Founded in 2018 by Olivia Cheng, Dauphinette takes vintage and repurposed materials to create romantic and daring pieces. The brand's sustainability practices include meshing the use of recycled fur and leather with vintage and artisanal elements, thus pioneering a new sustainable use of fur and leather in fashion.
5. Melke
SHOW TIME: Mon. Sept 11, 2023 at 5 PM
Founded by Emma Gage in 2020, Melke defends the workers who make our clothing and ensures that their ethical standards combat the exploitation of factory workers. Melke works to ensure that all of the material they use comes from the Earth and can exist on Earth without causing any harm. Their garments are made-to-order, use natural dyes, and only sustainable materials. Melke’s goal is to be 100% plastic-free, including recycled plastic.
6. Zankov
SHOW TIME: Mon. Sept 11, 2023 at 12 PM
ZANKOV, founded by Henry Zankov in 2019, is a knitwear collection that explores a genderless way to wear knitwear. They work only with small family-owned mills and suppliers to help support intergenerational businesses. They use certified responsibly sourced materials and organic materials like organic cotton, recycled yarn, and responsibly sourced wool. All of the paper they use for their marketing is made from recycled materials and their shipping bags are biodegradable and can be repurposed.
SHOW TIME: Wed. Sept 13, 2023 at 1 PM
Puppets & Puppets was founded in 2018 by Carly Mark and Ayla Argentina. Minimalism is the name of the game when it comes to sourcing their materials; they use what they have, repurpose pre-loved materials, and recycle yarns and organic materials. They value product care and work to teach their customers how to maintain their hand-crafted garments. Puppets & Puppets prioritizes working with women-led businesses that fairly employ and promote artisans and craftswomen. Their materials are sourced to geographically match their factories and have established relationships in Peru, Bolivia, and Italy.
8. PH5
SHOW TIME: Wed. Sept 13, 2023 at 3 PM
PH5, founded in 2014 by designer Wei Lin, is an advanced contemporary women’s knitwear brand empowered by functionality, color, and style. Their name is inspired by the Ph scale, “If 7 represented androgynous unisex labels and 1 represented the extreme feminine or sexy brands, PH5 would be a brand that's leaning more towards the edgier side while keeping a touch of femininity.” Their 2022 Sustainability Report details their practices and goals for the matters of transparency, emissions, water & chemicals, materials, workers' rights, and waste.
SHOW TIME: Fri. Sept 8, 2023 at 5 PM
Nepalese-born Prabal Gurung founded his eponymous label in 2009 as the “antithesis to the fast fashion trend.” Over 90% of his collections are manufactured in New York to support local employment and uphold quality standards. The brand's commitment extends to Nepal, where they collaborate with local artisans to create sustainable cashmere knits and ensure that at least 50 percent of employees are women.
SHOW TIME: Fri. Sept 8, 2023 at 12 PM
Founded by designer Terrence Zhou, Bad Binch TONGTONG is an NYC-based sustainable fashion brand. Zhou's vision is evident in his prioritization of emotion over conventional notions of functionality (an inherently anti-capitalist mode of thinking!). The brand's bold and daring designs are reshaping modern fashion, setting a sustainable standard at events like New York Fashion Week.
11. RP New York
SHOW TIME: Mon. Sept 11, 2023 at 4 PM
RP New York celebrates India's rich craftsmanship and textile traditions while prioritizing the well-being of its artisans. They create heirloom-quality clothing and strive to ensure India's cultural traditions thrive. In response to the fashion industry's environmental impact, RP New York minimizes its footprint by using natural fibers, recycled materials, and sustainable techniques. Each garment is thoughtfully designed for durability, embracing timeless silhouettes. Inspired by global cultures, RP New York's signature prints mirror India's vibrant gardens, gracing luxurious silks and breathable cotton.