Is sustainability in style at New York & London Fashion Week?

The 2024 fall season of fashion has arrived, first with the iconic New York Fashion Week (9/6-11) and then celebrating the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week (9/12-17).  Legacy brands and new designers are bringing their best to the runways to set the tone for the spring and summer of 2025.

Fashion is very important in our culture– and for good reason. It’s how we visually communicate who we are to others, and it’s a common way to express ourselves and our creativity. But unfortunately, sustainability is not a standard practice in the fashion industry these days. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and it is the fastest growing waste stream in the US. That’s why the next big trend we want to see on the catwalk is fashion that prioritizes the planet.  

Are there sustainable designers at New York/London Fashion Week?

Luxury and fast fashion typically dominates the runways, promoting overproduction and overconsumption of clothing that’s bad for the environment. But there is good news: awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry has been increasing slowly. Designers are starting to prioritize the materials they use and their production methods. Even the Council of Fashion Designers of America has encouraged designers to adapt eco-friendly practices. In 2023, over 30 sustainable-focused brands hit the runway at NYFW, and there are multiple designers entering the spotlight with their sustainable designs in 2024.

There are also multiple shows in New York and London that highlight sustainable and ethical designs. The Green Show is making its second appearance at NYFW, where eco-conscious brands are able to showcase their innovative use of sustainable production methods and technologies. 

Another exciting win for circular fashion is Ebay’s runway show, Endless Runway, which will be seen in both New York and London. This is the first ever show that highlights pre-loved designer looks. All of the items seen on the runway are made available for purchase on Ebay each day.

So what makes fashion more “sustainable”?

Here are a few ways that brands have adapted their business model to be more sustainable:

• Producing less! Some brands make small batches of their seasonal lines in order to avoid being left with large amounts of overstock.
• Minimize their water consumption and limit the use of toxic dyes that end up polluting our water.
• Using recycled fabric and upcycling materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
• Using eco-friendly materials/fibers like organic cotton instead of synthetic fibers (which come from fossil fuels).

If we want to see even more sustainable designers, we need to show companies that we prioritize sustainability in our clothing. That’s why we’re asking fast fashion companies like Forever 21 to publicly commit to not trash or burn their unsold clothing, and you can add your name to our petition below.

And, if you make or interact with any social media posts connected to fashion week, we’re calling on people to use that as an opportunity to highlight these destructive practices and the need for a greener, cleaner clothes industry. One way you can do that is by sharing our guide What’s the Problem with Fast Fashion? that includes practical tips for reusing, repairing, recycling and reselling clothes, as well as how to research to find out more about the problem and solutions.