Fashion Week Sustainability: A Handful of Designers vs. Industry Greenwashing
The Fall/Winter 2020 fashion weeks reveal a stark contrast between innovative designers and consumerism. In New York, sustainability was prioritized by Patricia Hearst, Mara Hoffman, and Zero Waste Daniel. London showcased talents like Phoebe English and Richard Malone. Vivienne Westwood, a long-time advocate for environmental awareness, demonstrated this at her presentation at the Serpentine Gallery. In Milan, Francesco Risso for Marni and Gilberto Calzolari embraced sustainable practices, while in Paris, John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Marine Serre explored broader themes. A report from Mediobanca noted a 2.8% increase in renewable energy usage and a 5.5% rise in CO2 emissions. The Louis Vuitton Prize recognized 28 designers, and Kering collaborated with Mara Hoffman at the UN Office for Partnerships, yet fashion weeks remain largely consumer-focused.
Key facts
- Patricia Hearst, Mara Hoffman, and Zero Waste Daniel were notable for sustainability in New York.
- London's progressive designers include Phoebe English, Richard Malone, Charles Jeffrey, Bethany Williams, Per Götteson, Rob Jones, Cat Teatum, Dilara Findikoglu, Patrick McDowell, Sadie Williams, Graeme Raeburn, and Christopher Raeburn.
- Vivienne Westwood presented at the Serpentine Gallery, continuing her decade-long environmental advocacy.
- Francesco Risso for Marni and Gilberto Calzolari engaged with sustainability in Milan.
- John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Marine Serre were progressive in Paris.
- Mediobanca report: CO2 emissions up 5.5%, waste up 5% across 46 European fashion companies.
- Louis Vuitton Prize selected 28 designers as the top scouting initiative.
- UN Office for Partnerships met with Kering and Mara Hoffman at Arcadia Earth in Manhattan.
Entities
Artists
- Patricia Hearst
- Mara Hoffman
- Zero Waste Daniel
- Phoebe English
- Richard Malone
- Charles Jeffrey
- Bethany Williams
- Per Götteson
- Rob Jones
- Cat Teatum
- Dilara Findikoglu
- Patrick McDowell
- Sadie Williams
- Graeme Raeburn
- Christopher Raeburn
- Vivienne Westwood
- Francesco Risso
- Gilberto Calzolari
- John Galliano
- Stella McCartney
- Marine Serre
Institutions
- Serpentine Gallery
- Mediobanca
- Louis Vuitton Prize
- United Nations Office for Partnerships
- Kering
- Gucci
- Saint Laurent
- Alexander McQueen
- Fendi
- LVMH
- Bottega Veneta
- Arcadia Earth
- Fashion Week Copenhagen
- Fashion Week Helsinki
- Artribune
Locations
- New York
- London
- Milan
- Paris
- Manhattan
- Copenhagen
- Helsinki