Fashion Show Celebrates Sustainable Fashion and HBCU Students
Fashionistas and environmentalists came together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Versailles with a groundbreaking sustainable fashion show and fundraiser. Dress for Success Washington, D.C., and Howard University’s Fashion School of Design program collaborated with several sponsors, including HBCU Green Fund, The French Embassy, and NexTiles, to combine social justice, sustainability, and fashion.
HBCU Students Showcase Their Talent
Students from Bowie State University, Virginia State University, North Carolina Central University, Spelman College, and Hampton University joined forces to assist in the production of the show. The event served as a competition for HBCU students to showcase their skills and creativity in sustainable fashion.
Recycled Pieces Take the Center Stage
The upscale fashion show, held on November 10th, featured recycled pieces created by the students based on given themes. The runway showcased a yellow plaid outfit designed by Tracey Pendleton, a senior fashion design major from Philadelphia, PA. Pendleton’s creation was inspired by the Battle of Versailles and took a whimsical campy approach with an asymmetrically draped corset paired with a colorful flowy plaid skirt. The students had four to five weeks to complete their projects.
Sustainability Becomes a Fashion Staple
As fashion enters a new era, sustainability has become a significant focus in clothing production. The industry is estimated to lose $560 billion due to clothing being worn less or not being recycled. Sustainable clothing not only reduces waste but also limits carbon footprint, aligning with environmentalists’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Fashion
Companies like Patagonia are leading the initiative for sustainable fashion. Patagonia states that 91 percent of their fabrics are made with preferred materials, and they actively implement environmental responsibility programs in their manufacturing processes.
Legislation Pushes for Transparency
In 2022, the state of New York proposed the Fashion Act, which would require major apparel retailers with $100 million or more in revenue to report their adverse environmental and social impacts. The act would mandate disclosing materials used, details about energy, water, and chemical use in manufacturing, and impose stiff fines for non-compliance.
HBCU Designers Embrace Sustainability
Jocelyn Parker, a Bowie State student and owner of JRenee Designs, specializes in creating sustainable custom clothing. She prioritizes sustainability in her brand, using materials and techniques that combat pollution and create innovative looks. Prynce Mills, a senior fashion design major at Howard University, also emphasizes sustainability in his work, highlighting the joy of sewing, thrifting, and upcycling.
Celebrating the Winners
The fashion show concluded with Tuki Tucker from NCCU winning first place, Prynce Mills from Howard University securing second place, Jocelyn Parker from Bowie State claiming third place, and Danielle Glace from Howard receiving an honorable mention. The event was sold out on both days and successfully raised awareness for sustainability and fashion.
To learn more about DC Dress for Success and their efforts to empower women through fashion, visit their website.
Copy edited by Alana Matthew.
Original Story at thehilltoponline.com – 2023-11-20 14:18:09
