Sustainability was a major theme at this year's New York Fashion Week, as seen in the Spring 2020 Gabriela Hearst runway show, which was completely carbon-neutral. Some of the clothing pieces and accessories that made their debut included coats made from remnants of Turkish kilim and hand-knit scarves made with recycled cashmere yarn. Beyond the clothing designs themselves being eco-friendly, the backdrop for the runway was made with recycled paper.
Other notable features of the show include the fact that all of the hairstyles were created without hot tools and any carbon emissions were offset with environmentalist group EcoAct.
Backstage, the runway show embraced a waste-free environment with refillable water stations, reusable cups cutlery and even the bathrooms were stocked with towels in place of single-use choices.
Carbon-Neutral Runway Shows
The Spring 2020 Gabriela Hearst NYFW Show Focused on Sustainability
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunities in developing new environmentally-friendly materials and production methods for clothing.
2. Carbon-neutral Events - Opportunities to create carbon-neutral events across various industries, such as using recycled materials for set designs and offsetting carbon emissions.
3. Zero-waste Practices - Potential for implementing waste-prevention measures in industries, such as using refillable containers, reusable items, and minimizing single-use products.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Opportunities for fashion brands to incorporate sustainable practices in their production, supply chains, and events.
2. Event Planning Industry - Opportunities for event planners and organizers to create carbon-neutral events and incorporate sustainable practices into their operations.
3. Hospitality Industry - Opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses to implement zero-waste practices and reduce their environmental impact.