On Luxury's Fashion Events

September has arrived, and in the luxury fashion world, that can only mean one thing: Fashion Weeks are upon us! With Dubai Fashion Week already in full swing, the spotlight is turning toward New York, London, and Paris for their own dazzling displays. It's the time of year when the runway lights up with extravagance, and we're all here for it! As always, we’re ready to be wowed by the stunning creations that define these iconic events.

But while the glamour is undeniable, there's also a growing conversation around how these spectacular events can incorporate sustainability. How can the luxury sector continue to mesmerize audiences while embracing eco-conscious practices?

In our article, Luxury’s Fashion Events and Sustainability: Compatible or Not? , we asked whether the breathtaking opulence is at odds with sustainability. The short answer? No! While no one solution is perfect, incremental change will eventually lead to a more significant positive impact. There are many ways in which brands can and have been addressing this issue. Here are 5 of them:

1. Choosing sustainable venues, energy sources, and materials: this includes picking platforms that prioritize energy efficiency, are LEED certified, have eco-friendly event spaces and selecting locations easily accessible on foot or by public transport. This also includes replacing energy and resource-intensive materials and energy sources with more sustainable ones like solar and wind power, both behind the scenes and center stage. Holding events outdoors whenever possible is a no-brainer.
2. Using sustainable stage sets, decorations, and props: this includes using and reusing recyclable, reusable, and sustainable materials related to stage sets, decorations, art, and props. The Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FCHM) released a tool for measuring the ESG impact of fashion events in 2020, including 120 performance metrics that brands can use. For instance, FHCM and its partners, including LVMH, Kering, Chanel, and Hermès, have pledged to reuse and recycle props and stage sets.
3. Implementing Carbon Offset programs: this would include calculating the event’s carbon footprint and investing in carbon offset programs to neutralize emissions, including planting trees, supporting sustainable projects, or buying carbon credits.
4. Collaborating with sustainable vendors: this includes anyone from caterers to service providers. The point is to support sustainably-minded businesses, thus promoting the event’s sustainability and perpetuating a culture of circularity. Gucci has been certifying its shows as carbon neutral since SS2020. This includes initiatives such as using sustainable vendors, reusable materials, and local vendor partners.
5. Reducing/collapsing the number of events: designers introduced the cruise collections several years ago to showcase more of their products and drive sales. One option is to collapse cruise collection shows with spring/summer or fall-winter shows or eliminate those showings. Another option would be to alternate between live performances and virtual shows every year.

Read "Luxury’s Fashion Events and Sustainability: Compatible or Not? " by Silvia Coleman

Thank you for reading! We'll be back in two weeks with another edition of CXG Perspectives.