The New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 (NYFW SS25) has garnered significant attention for its focus on sustainability. The fashion industry’s increasing emphasis on sustainability has been evident in various major events this year, including the Met Gala and the Olympics.
It’s clear that people are becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of their choices and are recognizing the crucial importance of sustainability in today’s world.
Here are some of the Key highlights from this fall New York Fashion Week SS25:
Alaïa’s American debut: The collection showcased sporty, streamlined silhouettes inspired by the Guggenheim Museum’s architecture, featuring innovative closures and a modern American fashion ethos.
Christian Siriano promoted sustainability with lyocell fabric made from recycled textile waste and presented a whimsical, fairy-tale-inspired collection, while also advocating for size inclusivity.
Off-White made a strong return to NYFW with its “Duty-Free” collection under new creative direction, featuring sporty, edgy designs that honored the brand’s legacy.
Sustainability in fashion takes many forms, such as using recycled materials, organic fabrics, and ensuring ethical treatment of workers. Let’s explore the designers involved this year and how they integrate sustainability into their brand.
Lost Pattern
Lost Pattern is a designer accessory brand that has its roots in the vibrant energy of New York City. The brand is dedicated to transforming silk into a contemporary and playful material, all while embracing and celebrating the diversity of self-expression and identity. By carefully sourcing their materials and employing sustainable handcrafting techniques, Lost Pattern pays homage to traditional craftsmanship while also prioritizing environmental responsibility. The brand’s ultimate goal is to not only offer stylish accessories, but also to inspire a shift towards a conscious and sustainable fashion lifestyle.
Source: LOST PATTERN
Melke
Melke is deeply committed to creating a brand that prioritizes all-natural, eco-friendly, and plastic-free products. Melke firmly believes that true sustainability encompasses environmental, social, and economic considerations. Founder, Emma, has a personal connection to the fight against human trafficking, which has driven their mission to uplift and value the workforce within the apparel industry. The material used is sourced from nature and can be returned to it without causing any harm. All dyes are natural, and each material we use is carefully chosen for its sustainability. Melke’s ultimate goal is to achieve 100% plastic-free production, which includes avoiding the use of recycled plastic.
Source: Sustainability – Melke NYC
PatBO
Patricia Bonaldi seamlessly intertwines the expertise and heritage of handcrafted clothing with contemporary, innovative design. PatBO is dedicated to fashioning garments that not only exude confidence and inspire adventure but also offer a harmonious blend of glamour and comfort. Every meticulous detail in Patricia Bonaldi’s vision comes to fruition through the skilled hands of artisans in her hometown of Uberlândia, Brazil, a city renowned as the embroidery capital of the country. Each stitch represents a testament to the rich tradition and artistry ingrained in every PatBO creation.
Patricia Bonaldi founded Projeto Costurando Sonhos in Uberlândia, Brazil in 2015. The atelier, established in 2002, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with 200 women artisans. The school offers free classes in embroidery, sewing, hand-beading techniques, and garment construction with the goal of empowering women and girls with valuable skills and employment opportunities.
Source: PatBO
Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Madrid-born designer Alejandra Alonso Rojas learned her craft from the women on both sides of her family. This tradition has been enriched and passed down for generations. To uphold sustainable practices, the designer crafts cashmere from recycled fibers and works solely with artisans of small-scale factories. Rojas’s naturally dyed garments, all hand-finished in the United States, reveal a distinctive tactile quality, from rolled petals onto silks to a watercolor painting print inspired by her mother’s artwork. The designer often draws from her memories of the women in her family and a Spanish upbringing, infusing rich personal references into each collection. For Rojas, each piece is an investment item intended to be passed on.
“Women are the reason and inspiration for everything I do. I want to empower women to feel and look their best and to build a strong emotional bond with them based on lasting fashion, craftsmanship, and quality through positive impact.” – Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Source: Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Bad Binch TONGTONG
Bad Binch TONGTONG, designed by Terrence Zhou, is a fashion brand based in New York City. It challenges industry norms and sets new standards for sustainable fashion. The brand’s daring and imaginative designs redefine contemporary fashion and reflect Zhou’s visionary approach. By using sustainable materials and practices, Bad Binch TONGTONG has gained acclaim from industry publications such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Hypebae, Dazed, and Fashionista.
Source: Bad Binch TONGTONG
Collina Strada
Collina Strada serves as a platform dedicated to raising awareness about social issues. It was founded by Hillary Taymour, who is deeply committed to upholding the integrity of her craft while striving to make the brand fully sustainable and transparent in the near future. Operating from New York, the brand’s distinctive style goes beyond fleeting trends. Taymour offers effortlessly wearable clothing imbued with a bold and adaptable attitude, reimagining timeless pieces with unexpected details.
This was an overview of the sustainability initiatives showcased during New York Fashion Week. It is encouraging to witness the growing presence of sustainable brands, and I am hopeful that this trend will continue in the future.
Comment down your favorite sustainable moments from NYFW SS 25.
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