Where Sustainability Meets the Runway: Highlights from NYFW

Sustainable Fashion at NYFW

This season’s New York Fashion Week took a major leap toward a more sustainable future, blending high fashion with eco-consciousness in the most fabulous way possible. The week was filled with runway moments that didn’t just wow us aesthetically but also made us rethink fashion’s impact on the planet.

Pre-loved Fashion Takes Center Stage

This season saw chic, repurposed ensembles take center stage at one of the most glamorous events of the year. eBay stepped up as a fashion force by spotlighting pre-loved pieces on the runway. Styled by TikTok sensation Wisdom Kaye, the collection made it clear that secondhand doesn’t mean second best. Remake, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable fashion, also celebrated pre-loved clothing with its runway featuring upcycled, vintage, and secondhand garments. Sizzle Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability and innovation within the arts community, brought together talented designers, each tasked with creating a unique garment using pre-existing fabrics to walk the runway. These shows were a love letter to the idea that fashion doesn't need to be new to be breathtaking, bringing circular fashion to the forefront.

#SpeakVolumes

Meanwhile, The Or Foundation’s #SpeakVolumes campaign made a bold statement in Times Square, demanding that brands reveal just how much they produce annually. The campaign tackled the issue of overproduction head-on, with massive screens reminding us that the fashion industry’s obsession with "more" is fueling a global crisis of waste. It was impossible to ignore, sending a clear message to the industry: transparency is the new luxury.

Fighting for Fashion Workers

Models took a stand during NYFW, hand-delivering over 100 letters to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to sign the Fashion Workers Act into law. This bill promises protections for models who have long been left vulnerable to exploitation, and its passage would be a game-changer for creatives in the industry. It’s a powerful reminder that true sustainability must include ethical treatment of the people behind the garments.

NYFW Designers Showcasing Sustainable Fashion

From established to new and upcoming designers, so many of the NYFW designers showcased an impressive commitment to sustainability. Notable highlights include:

Collina Strada: Known for its dedication to using deadstock and recycled materials, Collina Strada once again embraced sustainability with its SS25 collection titled “Touch Grass.” Set against the natural backdrop of Marble Cemetery, the show was a playful yet poignant reminder to reconnect with nature. The inclusion of sustainable designer Mara Hoffman and the Green Lady of Brooklyn added further eco-conscious appeal.
Sami Miro Vintage: Sami Miro Vintage continued its zero-waste ethos by creating pieces from deadstock fabrics and recycled materials. The collection was a standout for its sustainable approach, demonstrating that eco-friendly design can be both innovative and effortlessly chic.
Grace Ling: Pioneering the future of sustainable design, Grace Ling used 3D printing techniques to create garments with minimal waste. By leveraging technology to reduce material usage, her collection highlights how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a new standard for eco-friendly fashion production.
Rentrayage: At Rentrayage, sustainability is all about transformation. The brand showcased its mastery of upcycling, turning vintage fabrics and discarded clothing into fresh, modern pieces. This approach breathes new life into materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Melke: Melke’s SS25 collection, “The Book Fair,” was a nostalgic, playful nod to the Scholastic book fairs of the ’90s and early 2000s, crafted with biodegradable fabrics and a commitment to ethical production. Upcycled school supplies were reimagined as chandelier eraser necklaces and pencil dresses, bringing sustainability to the forefront through whimsical, clever designs.
Eckhaus Latta: Eckhaus Latta stands out for its transparent production processes and use of recycled materials. The brand continues to set an example in sustainable fashion, prioritizing both ethics and aesthetics.
Ronald van der Kemp: Pushing the boundaries of upcycled couture, Ronald van der Kemp transformed discarded textiles and vintage materials into luxurious, one-of-a-kind pieces. His work proves that sustainability and high fashion can coexist beautifully, offering a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious couture.
Mila Sullivan: Known for her unique take on upcycling, Mila Sullivan’s SS25 collection, “Dirtbag Dream Beach,” used a mix of vintage, thrifted, and discarded fabrics. The collection transported us to a dreamy, neon-infused beach world, showcasing how unconventional materials can be repurposed to create fashion that is both artistic and sustainable.
LoveShackFancy: With its “Power to the Pretty” collection, LoveShackFancy embraced upcycled vintage accessories and remnant fabrics, demonstrating that timeless elegance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Caroline Zimbalist: As a leader in biomaterial innovation, Caroline Zimbalist’s SS25 collection featured sculptural pieces made from her patent-pending bioplastic. Inspired by nature, her creations are not only visually stunning but also biodegradable.
JRAT: Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, JRAT’s collection highlighted intricate bead and button details, many of which were lovingly collected by the designer’s grandmother and aunt.
Abacaxi: Drawing from her Indian heritage, designer Sheena Sood infused traditional techniques like handloom weaving into her “Mystic” collection. The use of Peruvian openwork hand-machine knits showcased a commitment to sustainability through artisanal craftsmanship and a continued exploration of texture and color.
Christian Siriano: Bringing recycled fabrics into the luxury sphere, Christian Siriano incorporated Circ Lyocell, a recycled textile with the feel of silk, into his SS25 collection. This marked the first time this innovative material was used at NYFW.
Presley Oldham: Making his NYFW debut, Presley Oldham stayed true to his sustainable ethos with a collection of handcrafted pearl and glass bead jewelry. He also honored his grandmother by repurposing intricate beaded flowers into statement tops, blending family heritage with eco-conscious design.

About the Author

Grace Olyphant is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, dedicated to helping people embrace eco-conscious living without sacrificing style. With a background in personal styling and red carpet fashion, Grace combines her expertise with a commitment to sustainability, inspiring others to make thoughtful choices in their wardrobe. Follow her journey on Instagram @graceolyphant, and explore her insights on sustainable fashion and lifestyle on her blog at graceolyphant.com.