Eco-Conscious Brands at New York Fashion Week 2023

By: Tajiya Holland

Now more than ever, designers are innovating their creative processes to create a better impact on the environment. From shifting to made-to-order production to sourcing pre-owned or organic materials, many fashion brands are beginning to ask themselves, “How do we grow our company while prioritizing our environmental and social impact?”

Below are a few brands that put eco-consciousness at the forefront of their designs during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023.

Collina Strada 

There is no shortage of fun and fabulous with Collina Strada. Designer Hillary Taymour’s signature playfulness was on full display for this collection titled “Got Milkweed?” Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat, and the show fittingly took place at a monarch butterfly preserve. 

Y2K-inspired t-shirts, cargo pants, slip dresses, and organza evening gowns came down the runway in vibrant shapes and hues. Apart from creating unique, bohemian designs, Collina Strada advocates for climate awareness.

Their ready-to-wear collections are predominantly made from upcycled and eco-friendly materials, with everything produced in New York City to reduce its carbon footprint. Most importantly, Taymour remains transparent about the brand’s areas for improvement, always striving to design more sustainably.

Rentrayage

Rentrayage is a french word meaning to make whole again. The brand’s motto is vintage and deadstock, so each piece is one-of-a-kind or limited edition.

Designer Erin Beatty’s mission is to create beauty and value from discarded materials and garments. Their production method of upcycling allows new and improved clothing to be made without adding waste to the world. In addition, customers are allowed to bring back items for repurposing.

Their ready-to-wear pieces have a lot of personality thanks to a compelling combination of dainty florals, denim, and frills.

ZANKOV

ZANKOV is a New York knitwear-focused brand that works with small family-owned mills to source organic and recycled materials.

They take pride in their supply chain, acquiring natural fibers and wool from vendors who protect the land, animal, and social welfare. Their unique prototyping system also produces significantly less waste during development.

This colorful spring collection is exciting for lovers of sweaters and graphics alike. Geometric patterns and gestural paintings complete these easy silhouettes and lightweight knit pieces.

Melke

Melke is known for creating artistic expression and economic empowerment.

Designer Emma Gage works to combat the exploitation of factory workers through economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Sustainability is instilled in Melke with naturally sourced materials, including colorful dyes. Each piece is made-to-order, eliminating overproduction.

Food, but make it fashion. The collection titled “How to Act Like a Man” was inspired by the Czech film Daises, where the food and chaos references come into play. This vibrant collection presents whimsical aspects such as corn print, egg embroidery, and long-extended beading.

Angel Chang

Angel Chang is womenswear that is an epitome of sustainability and innovation.

A product of their environment, the beautifully simplistic collection is a true testament to being eco-conscious. It took ten years to create from seed to garment, with each garment taking approximately five to six months to develop. The process included planting seeds, growing cotton, harvesting, hand-weaving, dyeing, foot-pedal sewing, and repeating until finished. It is all handmade by indigenous tribes of Guizhou, with no fossil fuels, zero carbon, and no electricity.

Effortless and timeless silhouettes and drapes. Neutral in the color palette, but eye-catching details and the story behind the clothing push them to stand out.