By Parisa Burton
Opinions Editor
The “Big Four” fashion capitals – New York, London, Milan and Paris – set the tone for upcoming trends by hosting captivating bi-annual fashion weeks every February and September. During these showcases, luxury brands and looming designers from around the world unveil their latest collections to the public in their own bold and eccentric way.
New York Fashion Week 2024 set the stage for the world’s highly anticipated fashion month, hosting a series of shows and special events from Sept. 6 to Sept. 11. However, some of this year’s presentations were more than bold – they epitomized futuristic fashion.
The future of fashion extends past color choices – it embraces diversity and sustainability at the forefront of its values while advancing alongside technological innovations like artificial intelligence.
“Where Technology Meets Fashion” was an immersive experience held in an event venue in Soho, New York, on Sept. 5, the eve of Fashion Week. This event showcased the collaboration of Samsung Galaxy and Vogue, and featured unique designs by a 2023 Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, Colin LoCascio.
Using Samsung Galaxy’s advanced technology, attendees could self-produce designs through movement and touch, which were illuminated on the wall within seconds. This innovative concept emphasizes the evolving intersection between fashion and technology, and foreshadows where fashion is headed.
“We wanted to leverage my brand's playful spirit and aesthetic to inspire creativity, embodying Samsung Galaxy AI's limitless possibilities…,” LoCascio told Vogue.
Aside from technology, sustainability is beginning to dominate the fashion industry as people become increasingly aware of the detrimental impact textile waste has on our planet. According to Earth.org, the clothing industry’s global emissions will likely double by 2030 if no action is taken to reduce clothing waste.
Fortunately, emerging designers like Christian Sirano have introduced eco-friendly fashion alternatives to the prestigious NYFW scene. This is particularly important because influential figures watching the fashion show have the power to sway public opinion and inspire others to champion sustainability.
Sirano is an American fashion designer who has long been revolutionizing the fashion industry by embracing inclusivity in his design choices despite public opinion. In 2010, he dressed actress Christina Hendricks in a strapless peach dress for the Golden Globes. The following day, an unnamed stylist told the New York Times: "You don’t put a big girl in a big dress. That’s rule number one.”
Sirano believes that at the time, his approach of “putting it in people’s face” by dressing a diverse set of bodies was worth it because he knew that one day people would “come around.”
Sirano recently added another innovation to his collection through a partnership with Circ, a fashion technology company. This corporation collects textile waste and uses chemical processes to separate synthetic fibers from cellulose content to create like-new fibers for brands to use.
He showcased two pieces in NYFW – a trench coat and wide-leg pant set, both made from Circ Lyocell, a fabric incorporating recycled textile waste and resembling silk. This creative decision reinforces his commitment to fashion-forward thinking by demonstrating how eco-friendly fabrics can still embody luxury.
Another standout attribute of NYFW this year was its commitment to welcoming diversity of all kinds, both on the runway, in the audience and among crowds outside. “This was not the contrived kind, when brands will nod to inclusivity by inviting certain guests or casting certain models in their shows,” said Times photographer Simbarashe Cha. “It was more natural…they looked as if they were meant to be there.”
Cha reported that NYFW brought a wide array of cultural heritages, age groups and styles, reminding everyone that New York is a diverse setting where “hip-hop meets pop.” Essentially, there is no single definition of fashion in NYC, as everyone brings their own fresh perspective to the table, often reflecting their unique cultural experiences.
The Runway of Dreams Foundation, dedicated to increasing visibility for disability inclusion in the fashion and beauty industry, held its 10th anniversary event during NYFW in Brooklyn. Fashion Revolution showcased over 60 models with a range of disabilities and exhibited pieces from leading accessible design companies including Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret and Target.
Musical artist Austin Halls, born with Moebius syndrome, modeled for Fashion Revolution and told Pride.com: “Being a queer disabled individual with a facial difference, I have never seen anyone like me represented in the media… I'm showing the world that the future of disabilities is having a seat at, or owning, the table.”
Victoria’s Secret was a sponsor of this event and first partnered with founder Mindy Scheir two years ago, and made its first debut on their runway in Sept. 2023. Victoria’s Secret’s chief diversity officer, Lydia Smith, worked with focus groups to perfect their bra designs before showing them on the runway.
Feedback from models proved the mission a success, many stating it was the first bra they wore in years due to sensory issues. “They really went through the process and then listened,” Scheier said. This year, Victoria’s Secret presented its adaptive activewear and intimates, intentionally designed for varying disability needs.
One thing was clear about NYFW 2024: It surpassed expectations, setting the tone for the future of fashion. It felt like a breath of fresh air to witness an industry once marked by exclusivity now promoting diverse voices and showcasing cutting-edge innovation in technology and sustainability.
