By ESG Analyst Casey Luk
The recent conclusion of Paris Fashion Week marked the end of another series of events for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. With around 40 fashion weeks taking place each year, synonymous with glamour and extravagance, these events have long been and in the present day, still are shadowed by its climate costs, including for example, thousands of international flights taken by star-studded individuals to attend the shows, and waste generated from decorating the venue. However, amidst growing awareness of sustainability issues, fashion houses and organizers are taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact.
Overview of fashion weeks’ climate costs
What comes with in-person fashion shows is influencers jetting around the globe to attend shows. The environmental toll of these flights, with their associated emissions from fuel, has been a significant concern. A report jointly published by ORDRE and Carbon Trust reveals that during the Spring/Summer season, a total of 241,000 tons of carbon emissions were released into the atmosphere from various activities such as air travel, accommodation, intercity travel, and garment transportation. These emissions would be sufficient to illuminate Times Square in New York City for 58 years.
In addition to more direct environmental costs, fashion weeks also impose hidden expenses on our planet, pushing us closer to the planetary boundary. These events, often transformed into marketing spectacles and media generators, intensify fashion’s negative environmental impact by fueling overconsumption and overproduction.
What is being done?
In response to the pressing issue of climate change and the alarming carbon footprint of fashion events, brands are adopting diverse strategies to reduce their environmental impact during Fashion Week. One notable strategy is the adoption of a hybrid format, combining online and physical presentations, exemplified by London Fashion Week in 2023. Some brands have even foregone hosting fashion shows altogether. Amy Powney, creative director of the sustainability-focused luxury label Mother of Pearl, expressed, “At a time of climate collapse, it felt crass and unnecessary.”
Copenhagen Fashion Week took it to another level by introducing a number of requirements regarding business practices and materials designers must abide by in order to participate in the event. Under the requirements, brands refrain from destroying unsold garments from previous collections, ensure that at least half of their showcased items are made from sustainable materials, and commit to educating consumers about their sustainability efforts. Moreover, the adoption of circular design principles has become mandatory, setting a precedent for other fashion weeks globally. As the event CEO Cecile Thorsmark said after the requirements’ first implementation in the 2023 show: “it has been our ambition to annually amp up the requirements in order to keep pushing the brands and to continue setting the standard for fashion weeks globally,”.
The Future of Fashion Week
The future of Fashion Week lies in its ability to adapt and embrace sustainability as a core value. As consumer awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, fashion brands and event organizers must prioritize sustainability to remain relevant. Moving forward, Fashion Week is poised to become a platform for innovation, creativity, and responsible practices. By continuing to showcase sustainability efforts through its fashion shows, the fashion industry will be helping us to transform into a more sustainable future.
References
Arthur, R. (2023, October 10). Op-Ed | The Climate Cost of Fashion Weeks Is Bigger Than it Seems. The Business of Fashion. https://www.businessoffashion.com/opinions/sustainability/fashion-week-environmental-impact-sustainability-un/
Copenhagen Fashion Week. (n.d.). Sustainability Requirements – Copenhagen Fashion Week. Copenhagenfashionweek.com. https://copenhagenfashionweek.com/sustainability-requirements
Montero, V. (2023, September 26). Carbon footprint and sustainable fashion shows. Thegreensideofpink. https://www.thegreensideofpink.com/style-en/fashion/2023/sustainable-parade/?lang=en