Sustainable Fashion at NYFW 2024

Spotlight on Sustainable Brands at Spring NYFW 2025

As New York Fashion Week (NYFW) kicks off its Spring 2025 season this September, the emphasis on sustainability has never been more prominent. Designers and brands are stepping up to showcase collections that not only captivate with their creativity but also prioritize environmental responsibility. Here’s a look at some of the sustainable brands leading the charge this season.

1. Gabriela Hearst

Gabriela Hearst continues to be a vanguard of sustainable luxury, and her Spring 2025 collection is no exception. Debuting at NYFW, Hearst’s designs feature natural fibers like organic cotton and ethically sourced silk, with a focus on deadstock materials to reduce waste. Her collection is a study in how timeless elegance can go hand in hand with a commitment to sustainability, offering pieces that are as durable as they are chic.

2. Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney, a pioneer in sustainable fashion, has once again raised the bar with her Spring 2025 collection. This season, McCartney showcased garments made from innovative materials such as plant-based leathers and recycled textiles. Her continued use of sustainable practices, like zero-waste cutting techniques and eco-friendly dyes, highlights her dedication to creating fashion that is both luxurious and kind to the planet.

3. Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman’s Spring 2025 collection, unveiled this September, is a celebration of vibrant color and sustainable materials. Hoffman has long been committed to ethical production, and this season’s designs are crafted from organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics. Her collection emphasizes versatility and seasonless wear, proving that sustainable fashion can be both practical and stunningly beautiful.

4. Eckhaus Latta

Eckhaus Latta, known for their cutting-edge designs, brought their unique perspective on sustainability to Spring NYFW 2025. Designers Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta experimented with upcycled materials and local production processes, resulting in a collection that pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion. Their use of unconventional fabrics and commitment to reducing waste make them standout innovators in the sustainable fashion space.

5. Collina Strada

Collina Strada, under the creative direction of Hillary Taymour, remains a frontrunner in merging sustainability with bold, statement-making fashion. The Spring 2025 collection, presented this September, features a mix of upcycled clothing, hand-dyed pieces, and biodegradable materials. Taymour’s designs are as much about activism as they are about aesthetics, encouraging consumers to think critically about their clothing choices and the impact they have on the environment.

6. Raeburn

British brand Raeburn made a strong impact at Spring NYFW 2025 with a collection centered on circular fashion principles. Designer Christopher Raeburn’s focus on remade, reduced, and recycled materials was evident in garments crafted from surplus fabrics and repurposed textiles. His utilitarian designs are not only functional but also a testament to the potential of sustainable fashion to be both durable and stylish.

7. eBay’s Circular Fashion Initiative

Adding to the sustainability narrative at NYFW this season is eBay’s Circular Fashion initiative. eBay is making its presence felt with a dedicated showcase that highlights the importance of circularity in fashion. This initiative encourages the reuse and resale of clothing to extend the life cycle of garments, thereby reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption. The eBay display at NYFW includes curated pieces from top designers, second-hand luxury items, and exclusive collaborations, all reinforcing the value of buying pre-owned and vintage fashion. This showcase not only underscores eBay’s commitment to sustainability but also aligns with the growing consumer interest in circular fashion practices.

Rent the Runway fixes your back to the office woes (deal)!

While going back to the office feels like the first day of school! I am happy to say work wear is the least of my worries. Having the ability to refresh my closet 3 times a month not only helps me be stylish, but also helps reduce the consumption of fast fashion.
Check out my Instagram (@yuliguli) for some of my favorite finds.

use my code RTRCUR008532 for 30% the first TWO months!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds

The biggest sale of the year is here and I thought I would highlight some of the finds making it to my shopping cart!

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Tees: This summer I have been living in breezy tees … nothing says casual and chic like the perfect tee.

Homeware: While clothing always goes on sale homeware rarely does! This is the perfect time to score some home accessories

Beauty: It’s always a steal when cult faves are on sale.

Sustainable Fashion Brands to Support this Winter

As many of you know sustainable fashion is a huge thing for me, so when I find great alternatives I want to make sure I share it! I wanted to shout out some small businesses that put out great products which I know would love the support right now!

Sarah Flint - Shoes: The Duchess of Cambridge is a huge fan of this brand and so am I! The shoes are so well made and comfortable as well, which as we know is very rare for heels.

Girlfriend Collection - Workout Gear: Not only are they a sustainable brand but they are also size inclusive XXS-6XL

Cuyana - Clothing Basics: The motto at Cuyana is “less is more” they believe in people owning fewer better quality pieces instead of fast fashion. They source materials from amazing places and have factories in local communities to help support the economy of where they source.


Favorite Rent the Runway Dresses

Rent the Runway has changed my life! It has helped me end the endless cycle of constantly shopping. Since joining I have started wearing dresses again, and let me tell you something I love DRESSSES. Who wants to buy a dress they will only wear once and never touch again .

If you are interested in getting a membership from RTR use my code for 100 dollars off for the first 2 months. RTRFAM10DC2F6

Best Clothing Pieces of 2016

Jacket

Viktor&Rolf Jacket 

Viktor&Rolf Jacket 

This photo doesn't do the jacket justice but, I have never been stopped so much on the street as I have with this jacket. It really is the perfect jacket to either dress down or dress up. It is really warm which is perfect for walking the NYC streets. I got this amazing find at T.J. Maxx it was on sale for around 150. Being a Viktor&Rolf jacket it is very high end. They only sell their clothing in limited batches at their boutiques so this was really a find! 

Shoes 

Steve Madden 

Steve Madden 

I got these shoes on a whim because I had a nice coupon to DSW. These Steve Madden shoes were the best thing that I've ever happened to my life. I wore them every day as both casual and dressy. They were sooo comfortable and had a nice little heel. I walked hundreds of miles in New York in these babies and got so many compliments! Best 30 dollars I have ever spent. 

Vince 

Vince 

When I first got these shoes it took me some time to break in the stiff leather but, I am so glad I did. I have worn them every day in the fall and winter because the color is perfect for the season. Also because the leather is so nice it doesn't let water through. When I was traveling a New York Mets player came up to me in his 3 piece suit and complimented my shoes. Being ignorant of sports I didn't realize who it was until people around me started asking to take pictures with him. Anyways, we ended up having a lovely conversation about his socks and how he was gifted a monthly socks box. Moral of the story... THESE SHOES ARE LUCKY!

Dresses

Forever 21 

Forever 21 

This is an amazing piece I bought it at Forever 21 for around 20 dollars. But this dress looks like a million bucks. It is so flattering from the color to the cut. Honestly, every photo I took in this dress made me look like I was a Kardashian. When it comes to nice fancy dresses I really hate spending a lot just because you never wear them twice because people remember the dress. I really recomend going to Forever 21 and H&M for great finds. 

Nordstrom Rack 

Nordstrom Rack 

This dress, on the other hand, I spent a pretty penny. I had to though because for the event I wore this it was a very specific and I had to dress to impress. This dress was a major winner! I learned a great trick if you are going into an event where you are an outsider really look put together. People will end up giving you compliments and asking about your outfit which is a great way to start a conversation. I love this dress because its right at the knee so it is conservative and is covered in the front. But then the back gives you a nice playful touch. I love dressing in a way that appears to be conservative but then has an edge to it which makes it fun and sexy!

Bathing Suit 

Victoria's Secret 

Victoria's Secret 

When Victoria's Secret announced they would stop with their swim line I was completely devastated. I would always buy my bathing suits from there. I loved this suit because it doesn't scream cleveage but it is flattering for my body. Also on the sides of the bottom it has rope which holds it together. It gives it a nice peak a boo style without being overall exposing. 

Fast Fashion... the Curse

First, let us break down what modern slavery is. Modern slavery is when your employer controls you through either mental or physical abuse. It is estimated that there are around 29.8 million slaves in the world. In a variety of industries.

This hits close to home for me because I am from Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan was ranked by the US as a tier 3 country for human rights. In fact, the Global Slavery Index ranks Uzbekistan second after North Korea. Where they stated around 3.97% of the population is in modern slavery. The major violation happening in Uzbekistan is the forcing of citizens as young as 7 to pick cotton during the harvest time.

This is mandatory, during the USSR my parents participated in this while they were growing up. I never knew it was slavery. When they talked about it, they obviously complained about the conditions and quotas, but always made it seem like a summer camp where you hung out with friends. Since the fall of the USSR the conditions have gotten worse in the country, thus the country has become even more dependent on cotton.

Uzbekistan is the 5th largest exporter of cotton in the world. Last year they signed a 1 billion dollar contract to export cotton all over the world. The major consumer of Uzbek cotton is Daewoo. Daewoo is a South Korean company who produces a variety of products ranging from refrigerators to textile. Prior to signing a petition to stop using this cotton major brands like Macy’s, Target, and Zara all sourced their cotton from Uzbekistan.

What has been done in order to end this. 

From the international community putting pressure on the Uzbek government, rules have been in place to limit the amount of children who are forced to work. Unfortunately, not much has happened since. This topic isn’t presented in the media because Uzbekistan is a closed off country. Plus, no one knows where this place is. In fact, when I say I am from Uzbekistan people say Pakistan to which I say no it’s the country next to Kazakhstan or Borat.

The fashion industry has been taking responsibility. They pledged to not only stop using Uzbek cotton but other resources from around the world that were sourced from slave labor. I would ask all of you to think twice before buying something. There are lists online which show companies that source their products from places that use slavery.