Watch Sustainable Designers Commit to the Bit at NYFW SS25

One thing about me is that I love a bit, and this year’s NYFW was full of them. Multiple sustainable designers leaned into shock, awe, and tongue-in-cheek. From the looks to thematic elements on the runway, here are the standout moments that made me chuckle or double-take that you all need to know about. 

1. Collina Strada invited the Green Lady of Brooklyn and fellow sustainable designer Mara Hoffman to walk the runway. 

2. Allina Liu welcomed guests with an intentionally disturbing smile–inspired by women-led cults—demonstrating her vision of female empowerment. 

3. Mila Sulivan made a thong from upcycled buttons. 

4. Presely Oldham joined the thong trend with a knit, pearl-embellished piece of his own. 

5. Sam Finger held his presentation, “GOOD MORNING AMERICA,” in a gentlemen’s club with a surprise performance from a Marilyn Monroe impersonator singing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”

6. Melke took us to the book fair, where they showcased a dress figuratively made of pencils, and another one literally made of pencils.

7. JRAT romanticized childhood memories of cable television on a sick day by sampling the theme from The Price Is Right in the background music. The designer herself wore an upcycled shirt featuring the show’s logo as well.  

8. PH5 advocated for ugly animals through their SS25 collection, “Save the Ugly Animals,” featuring several Love Island cast members.