Finally an Intersection of Sustainability, Fashion and Policy (SPF)

I’ve come to realize that my passion lies at the intersection of sustainable fashion and policies and regulations.  It is my belief that one of the most effective ways to truly achieve sustainability in fashion is by stakeholders (consumers, NGO, government bodies, etc.) demanding transparency and accountability from industry leaders and supply chain drivers.

The US is a bit behind the EU and Scandinavian countries in its efforts to ensure brands and designers are establishing actionable plans for long-term sustainability measures within the fashion industry.  However, I want to share that fashion retailers and manufacturers in the US, specifically NYC, may be subjected to a new policy. 

This groundbreaking law start in NYC simply because it is one of the fashion and business capitals of the world.  Therefore, NYC has responsibility to “mitigate environmental and social impact of the fashion industry”.  The New York Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act is a law that, if passed, will place sustainability requirements on large fashion companies.  The proposed act will apply to those that 1) do business in New York; and 2) have revenues in excess of $100 million.

The act was initiated in October 2021 and slated to be voted on in 2022.  If passed, fashion retailers and manufacturers should be prepared to disclose their environmental and social policies, processes, and outcomes.  More specifically suppliers with high social and environmental risk will be required to map at least 50% of their supply chains.  These companies will also be required to publish reports identifying any potentially adverse impact and remediation efforts.  The reports are expected to show compliance with global principles and guidelines set by the UN, ILO and OECD.   

Another interesting component of this proposed act are the consequential enforcements.  Failure to comply could lead to penalties in the form of injunctions, monetary damages and civil performance duties brought by the NY Atty. General.  Additionally, citizens will have the right to compel the AG to investigate a company believed to be in violation of compliance with the Act.

Feel free to follow the link to read proposed bill in its entirety A8352/S7428

Copenhagen Fashion Week SS21

Designers from left to right: Rodebjer, Baum und Pferdgarten, Stine Goya, Henrik Vibskov, Baum und Pferdgarten, Ganni

Nobody does it quite like the Danes.  The fashion scene in Copenhagen is the embodiment of MAXIMALISM…bold colors, quirky prints and patterns, lots of textures and unconventional silhouettes.  It’s the opposite of monochrome, muted dark colors and neutrals you would associate with hygge or Scandi style and design.  Despite its cultural and geographical proximity to the other Scandinavian countries, Copenhagen’s fashion aesthetic is a far cry from the simple and minimal styling approach of its counterparts.

Copenhagen Fashion Week offered a hybrid of a few live shows, fashion films and presentations.  Some of our favorite designers provided live and pre-recorded content that managed to give the viewer a strong sensorial equivalent to viewing the collections in-person.  I highlighted a few of my favorite brands and looks in the collage.  These looks fully encapsulated the CFW SS21 shows.

And always as an added bonus with Copenhagen’s fashion brands, sustainability is at the forefront of its operations.  Designers know that their buyers are conscious, sustainability-focused shoppers who would purchase a unique, sturdy vintage piece over fast fashion any day.       

NYFW SS21 Recap

left to right: Cynthia Rowley, The Row, Christian Siriano, Chocheng, Christian Siriano, Jason Wu, Rodarte, Laquan Smith

So yea…fashion month happened, and if you blinked you probably missed it. (raises hand….I missed it). Well technically I didn’t miss the entire month, I only missed New York Fashion Week. In my defense, I honestly thought they cancelled the season. Thankfully I was reminded by social media, but when I went over to peruse the show schedules several of my favorite designer’s name were missing. Upon further investigation, I realized that some of my favorite American designers seemed undecided on whether they were showing or not, and if it had been determined that they were show, it was unclear whether or not there would be an in person show, presentation or fashion film.

Above is a collage of some of my favorite looks from the week. And no, there is no oversight, some of our favorite American designers are missing. There is no Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs or Vera Wang. So let’s get into what we have here. Jason Wu, Cynthia Rowley and Rodarte kept things true to Spring/Summer collections of the past. Providing tons of tropical wanderlust, loads of pink and fun patterns and prints. The Row is one of my favorite brands, my personal style is closest to the ethos of the brand. I am a stickler for minimal design and color palettes with a luxury flair, so they can really do no wrong in my eyes. I really loved the oversized silhouettes. Christian Siriano created his collection while in lockdown drawing inspiration from the fashion of films shot during 1980s/1990s; as well as current events. Models donned face mask, and one model even wore a floor length gown with the word VOTE printed over the entire dress. LaQuan Smith’s high gloss mini dresses, jewel toned neck plunging blouses and skin tight leather pants are my cup of tea, but I loved the color combinations, and I know we were see several celebs who aren’t afraid of the sexy blazing red carpets.

Lastly, I want to direct everyone’s attention to the center of the collage. The beautiful model in the kelly green dress is wearing designs from Chocheng. Designer Cho Cho Cheng is my honorable mention of the season. Honestly, I had never heard of the Parsons School of Design graduate before this season, but I can say it was love at first sight. The clean lines and tailoring caught my eye, but when I found out the brand was sustainable and all materials were 100% natural I was sold. Keep your eyes open for Chocheng, Cho Cho is creating classics that will transcend style and taste.