"Fashion Week's sustainable turn: towards a greener and more ethical future"

In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a significant transformation, with an increasing focus directed towards sustainability. One of the platforms where this change is most evident is Fashion Week, which is increasingly embracing green and ethical practices to reduce environmental impact and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

In spite of easily recognizable greenwashing strategies, there are numerous institutional events sponsored by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion (Cnmi) and private initiatives that offer opportunities to connect with emerging green realities that focus on reusing waste materials and through fashion promote positive social change.

1. Sustainable materials on the runways:

One of the first steps toward sustainability in Fashion Week has been the adoption of more eco-friendly materials. Designers and fashion brands are choosing recycled fabrics, organic cotton, hemp, and materials from waste recycling for their collections. This choice not only reduces the environmental impact of clothing production, but also promotes innovation in the textile industry. Thus, being sustainable in fashion means being constantly up-to-date on new fabrics and materials with zero environmental impact. Goal and hope for the future? To achieve greater awareness regarding the choice of fabrics that can reduce atmospheric gas emissions. 

Many startups are springing up in recent years that study and design on how to make new textiles ready to tread the catwalks of the world in a sustainable way from waste materials. One tangible example is Regenstech, an innovative startup and benefit company founded by Maria Silvia Pazzi that combines mechanical recycling, industrial automation, and green chemistry to transform post-consumer and post-industrial textile waste into a thermoplastic second raw material called Respetto® Mix. Using patented technology, this raw material offers different properties depending on the formulation used. Regenstech is not only committed to reducing textile waste, but also supports other companies by providing them with concrete solutions to make them autonomous in the transition to a circular production process.

2. Events with an eye toward sustainability:

The Designers For The Planet project, now in its 8th edition this year, is dedicated to emerging brands that have made sustainability a key component in the creation of their collections, presented again for this edition in a space within the Fashion Hub of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. The challenge is to rethink the future of fashion through a path that leads to the achievement of the highest standards of sustainability, taking into account production, environmental and social factors and supporting the new generations that are increasingly attentive and sensitive to the issue.

3. Runway models for diversity and inclusiveness:

Sustainability in fashion is not only about the environmental aspect, but also about social impact. Fashion Weeks are becoming increasingly aware of the need to represent diversity and inclusivity. From choosing models of different ethnicities and body types to promoting brands that embrace diversity, there is a growing commitment to a more equitable and inclusive industry.

4. Recycling and waste reduction initiatives:

Many Fashion Weeks are introducing initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling. This includes donating clothes worn at events to charitable organizations, adopting low-waste production practices, and encouraging attendees to reduce their use of disposable materials.

5. The Importance of Transparency:

"Transparency" has become a key word in the sustainable fashion industry. Fashion Weeks are taking a more transparent approach, making their sustainable initiatives public and committing to openly communicate about their progress and goals.

In conclusion, in the near future, we can imagine a fashion where innovation and creativity are married with sustainability and where the concept of beauty embraces diversity and inclusiveness in all its forms. This trend not only reflects a growing awareness of the fashion industry but also, and more importantly, of consumers who, increasingly informed, will prefer brands that share their values and are actively committed to a better future.