Fashion is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. It is responsible for 20% of global wastewater, 10% of carbon emissions and uses more energy than the aviation and shipping sectors combined. Less than 1% of clothes are recycled and 53 million metric tons of discarded clothing are incinerated or go to landfills each year. The emergence of “fast fashion” has only exacerbated these harmful statistics. But a new crop of designers is emerging. They use progressive production methods, innovative inventions (3-D) and natural fibers to create long-lasting clothes.
Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week, moderated a conversation with local designers about their approach to sustainable fashion.
Designers
Ganit Goldstein — MIT-trained designer
Queen Allotey-Pappoe — founder, sustainable fashion brand Queen Adeline
Henry Hawk — designs entirely from secondhand, vintage, and deadstock fabric