By Fried Ivett
One of the most common criticisms faced by the fashion industry is its environmental impact, which is hard to ignore considering that this sector accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, on nearly every corner of the globe, the high fashion scene has green counterparts-events and initiatives dedicated to eco-friendly fashion, promoting sustainable practices within the industry. In the following pages, we will gain insight into how sustainability has become a central issue for the future of fashion and how brands are competing in the fight to protect our planet.
In the 1990s, what was known as the Phytoervas Fashion event focused on discovering local talent. Back then, only nine shows showcased Brazil’s cultural heritage to the public, but today it is one of the most significant factors in Latin American fashion. The event is held twice a year, in April and October, thanks to São Paulo Expo.
Many innovative aspects of the event caused mixed reactions at the time. An example is Sam Porto, the first trans man to walk the runway in 2019. Diversity has been a focus early on, with different body types appearing on the runway, thus increasing the event’s inclusivity. This diversity was partly driven by a 2009 quota, which mandated that at least 10% of models must be local.
The event is also strongly committed to sustainability, with many eco-conscious designs emerging. Participating designers have introduced highly innovative solutions, such as Marina Bitu’s banana fiber fringes or sequins made from biomaterials like sunflower oil, coffee grounds, and an indigenous medicinal herb called cajiru. The color palette was inspired by the magic of sunsets.
Fernanda Yamamoto’s work is also noteworthy; over a decade, she collected more than 300 garments, which were repurposed into her showcased collection.
Vancouver Eco Fashion Week
Photo: Vancouver Eco Fashion Week 2015 https://fashionmagazine.com
Vancouver, a major city in Western Canada, hosts its own Eco Fashion Week once a year, either in late March or early April. The event was conceived by local entrepreneur Myriam Laroche in 2009 to create a greener future.
The program begins with a community discussion where stakeholders from the supply chain and fashion industry seek solutions to environmental challenges. The week also includes educational seminars on sustainability, eco-conscious collections, and collaborations with universities and organizations. Designers have showcased their talents through creative competitions such as the Thrift Style Challenge, where only second-hand clothes are used; the Chic Sheet Challenge, where students design outfits from used bedsheets and pillowcases; and the 81-pound Challenge, which highlights North America’s annual textile waste by recycling 36 kg of worn fabric.
Among the Vancouver Eco Fashion Week designers is Arlette Ngung, who has pioneered African vegan textile art. She has collaborated with brands like Victoria’s Secret and Swarovski and conducts workshops on environmental awareness at museums and schools across the U.S.
Eco Fashion Week Africa
Photo: Eco Fashion Week Africa 2026 https://www.instagram.com/ecofashionweekafrica
In Kenya, since 2023, a major fashion event takes place every November, featuring numerous workshops and forums. The “No New Clothes” show presents sustainable solutions and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Past events have focused on circular fashion, development, and the rich cultural influences of Asia and Africa.
Ugandan Lulungi Couture showcased collections featuring iconic corset dresses and party wear. Their pieces are custom-made, often using batik techniques, with materials sourced from local producers. The production often begins in second-hand stores, sometimes using discarded curtains as fabric.
Taipei Fashion Week, Sustainable Collection
Photo: Taipei Fashion Week 2025 https://rain-mag.com
In 2021, Taipei launched one of the region’s most popular initiatives, held in the Xungsan Cultural Park. The event occurs in March and October, emphasizing sustainability and the city’s innovations.
At the 2025 show, materials like oyster shells, used tires, and fish scales were incorporated into designs. Claudia Wang used 3D printing to reduce the ecological footprint, working exclusively with biodegradable materials like banana leaves and dam sediment. Participants included brands like DYCTEAM, JUST IN XX, oqLiq, and WEAVISM, with government support.
Damur, also in 2021, implemented a unique approach by combining fabric lamination with metallic membrane, creating modern and striking designs.
Paris Fashion Week 2026
Photo: Paris Fashion Week 2024, HACOY https://www.hacoy.com
Paris Fashion Week is expected to take even greater steps toward environmental preservation, closely aligned with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative. As part of this effort, the NEB Fashion Adaptor program will support 12 independent, eco-friendly fashion brands. Notable among them are:
Cosmo (Georgia), known for handmade accessories using walnut wood, acrylic paint, and genuine leather.
Hacoy (Germany), which uses vegan silk and offers repair services, as well as clothing rental options for those avoiding fast fashion.
Martan (Netherlands), which repurposes textile waste from luxury hotels.
Green Carpet Fashion Awards
Photo: Zendaya – Green Carpet Fashion Awards 2024 https://fashionmagazine.com
Livia Firth founded the Sustainable Fashion Award in 2017 in Milan, a ceremony initiated by the Sustainable Fashion Innovation and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Livia Firth, founder of Eco-Age, aims to revolutionize the beauty and fashion industries.
The awards feature categories such as Best Emerging Designer, Eco-Stewardship, and Legacy Award. The event’s red carpet has hosted icons like Donatella Versace, John Legend, Zendaya, and Annie Lennox.
Budapest Central European Fashion Week (Conscious category)
Photo: Budapest Central European Fashion Week 2024, Conscious category https://www.hungarianconservative.com
Budapest’s Central European Fashion Week (in the sustainability category) is organized by the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency. In its 14th edition, August saw the debut of a new category called Conscious, aligned with the Conscious Fashion Initiative’s six key principles-focusing on sustainability, equality, and education.
Participating brands must declare their sourcing and recycling methods and demonstrate values preservation. Notable names include BORBALA, known for patchwork from plastic waste; MARKO FEHER, who employs eco-friendly embroidery and printing techniques; as well as PRINTA and SLANGSLANG’S.
The event featured MOHU containers, where textile waste was repurposed.
Global Fashion Summit
The Global Fashion Summit, an international forum held since 2009, supports industry professionals in exploring various approaches to environmental protection. The 2026 theme is “building resilient futures.” Organized by the Danish-based Global Fashion Agenda, the summit hosts high-level speakers and journalists sharing insights and proposals for improving the industry’s sustainability-aiming to promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible material choices worldwide.
Sources:
https://vintageclothingguides.com/fashion-week/the-evolution-of-sao-paulo-fashion-week
The Evolution of São Paulo Fashion Week – VCG
Eco Fashion Week Returns for 12th Season – BC Living
What is Eco Fashion Week (Vancouver)? – Fashion Terms Explained – Faz Fashion
EFWA DESIGNERS – Eco Fashion Week Africa
Taipei Fashion Week SS25: Bold Styles and Vibrant Art Unite! | Fashion Week Online®
Sustainable Fashion and Innovation | Paris Fashion Week 2026 | EIT Culture & Creativity
What is Green Carpet Fashion Awards? – Fashion Terms Explained – Faz Fashion