6 Vibrant Global Fashion Weeks Shining A Spotlight On Sustainability
@colombofashionweek
During fashion months, our social feeds are flooded with the latest fashion trends from the four big fashion weeks: New York, Paris, London, and Milan. We love to see collections from up-and-coming designers, especially those from BIPOC backgrounds. However, these four fashion weeks aren’t the only ones that happen around the world, and the US and Europe aren’t the only regions that influence the fashion sphere. As the global fashion industry continues to evolve, it's essential to recognize the fashion weeks in the Global South that often go unnoticed by mainstream media.
These events aren’t only essential in showcasing diverse and rich cultural aesthetics but also play a crucial role in advancing sustainability within the fashion landscape. Unlike the big four, many other fashion weeks focus on fusing traditional practices and styles—many of which are inherently sustainable—with innovative techniques. Ahead of fashion month in September, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some of the most inspiring fashion weeks in the Global South and celebrate their contributions to the sustainable fashion narrative.
Colombo Fashion Week, Sri Lanka
@colombofashionweek
Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) has been a trailblazer in driving sustainable fashion initiatives! In 2020, CFW introduced the Responsible Meter, a scoring system that evaluates the accountability and transparency of each garment presented, encouraging designers and consumers to be more environmentally conscious.
Official Instagram: @ColomboFashionWeek
Bogotá Fashion Week, Colombia
@TARPUI ®
Bogotá Fashion Week (BFW) sets itself apart with its use of sustainable materials and preservation of cultural textile techniques. Designers like Tarpui and Leda have presented collections featuring recycled or sustainable materials and ethically produced garments, integrating traditional Colombian textile techniques like natural dyeing and hand-weaving. The event also hosts panels that foster discussions on environmental responsibility in the future of fashion.
Official Instagram: @BogotaFashionWeek
Lagos Fashion Week, Nigeria
@lohjie_ via @lagosfashionweekofficial
While Lagos Fashion Week (LagosFW) deserves more mainstream media attention, it without a doubt remains Africa’s hottest fashion event. Through initiatives like Green Access, the event encourages designers to develop socially and environmentally responsible fashion brands while fostering dialogue on sustainable practices. This year’s “Woven Threads V” showcase highlighted these efforts by emphasizing waste reduction and community-driven design.
Official Instagram: @LagosFashionWeekOfficial
Accra Fashion Week, Ghana
@amoremelofficial
Despite Accra's role as a major destination for international textile waste, Accra Fashion Week (AFW) emphasizes a growing dedication to innovative sustainable solutions that reimagine discarded materials into culturally significant fashion. AFW is a vital force in the capital city’s push toward sustainable fashion, with designers presenting garments inspired by pre-loved fashion and upcycling to promote style and sustainability.
Official Instagram: @accrafashionweek
Jakarta Fashion Week, Indonesia
@bateeqshop
Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) continues to lead the Indonesian fashion industry, integrating sustainability into its core. This year, they collaborated with Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) to feature collections from brands like Aruna Creative and Bateeq, and displayed the use of sustainable viscose-rayon fabrics.
Official Instagram: @JFWOfficial
São Paulo Fashion Week, Brazil
@marinabitu
Following criticism for favoring white models in the 2000s, Latin America's largest fashion event has shifted gears to prioritize ecological awareness and diversity. This year's São Paulo Fashion Week underscored a growing commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, with brands like Vicunha, Repreve, and Marina Bitu using recycled fabrics and bioplastics.
Official Instagram: @SPFW