How Fashion Week Made Environmental Sustainability "Trendy"
The topic of climate change and environmental sustainability was a major topic this Fashion Month. Gabriela Hearst, Burberry and then Gucci all staged "carbon neutral" runway shows.
Kering, a multinational fashion conglomerate (responsible for Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Venetta, and many more) announced that its entire group would make a change to become more environmentally conscious and reduce carbon emissions. While this is an appreciated effort, fashion weeks have a major carbon footprint that needs to be addressed. The wholesale buying market and the sheer amount of luxury travel that takes place along each fashion week is incomprehensible. Analyzed from the 2018 fashion year, it was reported that "the travel undertaken by buyers and brands resulted in about 241,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year".
Balenciaga's FW20 show put the topic of climate change at the forefront of its ready-to-wear fashion show. The set was striking and beautiful, from the ceiling display to the flooded runway, each played a piece in representing the impending threats of environmental detriment. Balenciaga has worked toward being more sustainable and does not use any animal skins or furs in its products.
The public has spoken out against the rich and their frivolous attitude toward environmental detriment thus causing the industry to change. We as consumers have to take a stand and raise our voices concerning these topics. From what I have noticed at least, is the public calling out celebrities on their careless damage, caused us to see more celebs on commercial flights (or at least not posting about their #PJ), wearing faux furs, and even re-wearing garments to combat the 1-time-wear nature of fashion on the internet.
xoxo
Alysha Autumn