Do fashion weeks drive real sustainable change?
08/13/25 6:24pm
View hidden comment
This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff.
wikiHow forums are moderated for quality. Learn more about our moderation policy here.
Share your thoughts and see what other wikiHow readers think:
Do you believe fashion weeks like Copenhagen Fashion Week are effectively driving change towards a more sustainable industry, or are they just for showcasing trends?
The foundational idea of Fashion Weeks is inherently consumerist, but from my perspective, when a fashion label talks about sustainability, I can tell when it's BS and when it's not. When some brands say they're going to be more sustainable, it's the definition of greenwashing. But then there are some brands that are really dedicated to sustainability, using ethical business practices, sustainable fabrics, shipping operations that offset emissions, and other positive moves.
There are also a lot of small designers who get a platform and recognition from events at Fashion Weeks, so I think that is great, and it does have a lot of cultural significance. At the end of the day, fashion does exist in a globalized capitalist economy, so it's up to us as consumers to give those brands our money and our attention, instead of the brands that are greenwashing or aren't doing anything whatsoever.
View hidden comment
There are also a lot of small designers who get a platform and recognition from events at Fashion Weeks, so I think that is great, and it does have a lot of cultural significance. At the end of the day, fashion does exist in a globalized capitalist economy, so it's up to us as consumers to give those brands our money and our attention, instead of the brands that are greenwashing or aren't doing anything whatsoever.
I have seen a rise even in the past couple of years in more marketed sustainable fashion shows. Not only because I think it looks good for a brand, but I am also hoping that there is genuine intent behind creating more sustainable fashion. So, at least efforts are being made. The way that these fashion shows are going, and fashion is evolving, it's a little more imaginative. For example, there'll be items of clothes down the runway that could be a scrap of fabric, and I could take the scrap of fabric I have lying around and imitate something similar. So, I think it helps you reinvent some things from your own closet, or incorporate reused garments. I was seeing a lot of flowy garments, or lacy things, or smaller pieces of fabric that are just additions to the outfit. So, I think it pushes creativity in terms of reinventing your process and what you have.
But I also think for the people that aren't looking at fashion through a thrifting lens or a sustainable lens, maybe they would be pushed to go buy something new. So, I don't know. I can only come from my perspective, and that's what I come away thinking, but I guess it could also have the opposite effect of having someone feel pressure to buy things that keep up with that. But I know there are plenty of people who go out and buy new outfits for New York Fashion Week, which I'm not necessarily in favor of. I think it's kind of split down the middle to answer your question.
View hidden comment
But I also think for the people that aren't looking at fashion through a thrifting lens or a sustainable lens, maybe they would be pushed to go buy something new. So, I don't know. I can only come from my perspective, and that's what I come away thinking, but I guess it could also have the opposite effect of having someone feel pressure to buy things that keep up with that. But I know there are plenty of people who go out and buy new outfits for New York Fashion Week, which I'm not necessarily in favor of. I think it's kind of split down the middle to answer your question.
I think it is really cool when designers use Copenhagen Fashion Week or New York Fashion Week as a way to showcase sustainable fashion, which some of them are doing, with either recycled pieces or deadstock fabrics. And I think that is what will fuel change in this industry because people look to fashion weeks for inspiration and ideas of what they’re supposed to wear. And if you see these designers who are creating pieces that are mindful and sustainable and eco-friendly, I think the consumer will then say, "Oh, I can incorporate this into my life too, and I can buy pieces that are recycled or secondhand."
I also think that fashion week is the main stage for fashion, and a lot of people's introduction to the different technologies of fashion. And in those fashion weeks, new technologies are often revealed, so I think it is really a great platform to promote sustainability.
View hidden comment
I also think that fashion week is the main stage for fashion, and a lot of people's introduction to the different technologies of fashion. And in those fashion weeks, new technologies are often revealed, so I think it is really a great platform to promote sustainability.
I am impressed with Copenhagen Fashion Week because they have implemented requirements for fashion labels to adhere to strict sustainability standards in order to be featured. They're one of the only Fashion Weeks that's doing that.
Until the industry meaningfully addresses overconsumption, however, I don't think we'll see much change. If people consume sustainable fashion at the same rate that they consume fast fashion, we will actually end up being in a worse situation.
We really need policies in place to hold fashion corporations accountable and stop them from relentlessly producing new clothing lines.
View hidden comment
Until the industry meaningfully addresses overconsumption, however, I don't think we'll see much change. If people consume sustainable fashion at the same rate that they consume fast fashion, we will actually end up being in a worse situation.
We really need policies in place to hold fashion corporations accountable and stop them from relentlessly producing new clothing lines.
What’s on your mind? Ask anything.
Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.
Ask a Question
More Forum Discussions
Related wikiHows
Expert
5
How to
Live a Greener Life
