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Brooklyn-based sustainable fashion designer ZeroWasteDaniel creates genderless zero-waste clothes out of fabric scraps.

  • April 24, 2024

New York — Brooklyn-based clothing designer, Daniel Silverstein is a pioneer in the fashion industry with his innovative and genderless zero-waste brand “Zero Waste Daniel” which utilizes textile scraps and pre-consumer, post-production materials to create one-of-a-kind garments. With the growing concerns about mass waste and pollution in the fashion industry, Daniel is proof that the fashion industry can reduce waste, one scrap at a time.

According to Earth.org, in America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste equivalent to 85% of all textiles end up in landfills on a yearly basis. As there is more demand for the latest trends and fast fashion, the industry is producing more garments to keep up, which increases the amount of waste. Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million metric tons end up in landfills.

At the age of 5, Daniel Silverstein was already eco-conscious, recycling and buying fabric scraps for $1 at his local craft store to create doll clothes. After attending fashion school in New York and working in the industry, Daniel realized there were many widespread practices that did not align with his personal values.

“I wanted to bring my ethics into the conversation and make things that I believed in. And I believe in zero-waste. So that’s just what I set out to do,” says Silverstein. Thus, Zero Waste Daniel was born, paving the way for a new generation of designers to create sustainable garments.

His eye-catching signature designs and geometric patchwork are created from a process he dubbed “re-rolling”. Rerolling is described as joining pre-consumer scraps and sewing them together to create brand new fabric. With this process, Daniel creates unique patterns and, after production, reuses the fabric waste.

“Clothing is a powerful form of nonverbal communication and what my clothes say to

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Presenting Denver Fashion Week’s Sustainable Designers

  • April 23, 2024

Sustainable fashion continues to be on the forefront of Colorado fashion and because of that, is a very important part of Denver Fashion Week (DFW). 

The emphasis on eco-friendly style has become a critical yet trendy movement. For another year, Denver Fashion Week’s Sustainability night will once again celebrate the return of eco-conscious fashion. 

Get your Denver Fashion Week Tickets here.

This Fashion Week welcomes 10 sustainable designers who come bearing their latest eco-friendly fashionable collections. With each designer bringing their special touches and distinctive styles out — there truly will be a design for everyone. 

Garms 1 of 1 

Photo Courtesy of Cari Faye Antonovich

Arianne Burback, designer of Garms 1 of 1, challenges the conventional notion that success is solely tied to obtaining a Master’s degree and working tirelessly. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity that stemmed from her early days of sewing for her dolls with her grandmother, Burback is determined to redefine success through alternative paths.

“Designing is what excites me. Inspiration is exhilarating,” Burback said. “Working in fashion design has been so fulfilling in so many ways, from waking up curious to see what I will create that day, to meeting the flourishing community of creatives in the western United States.” 

READ: Introducing Garms 1 of 1, The Upcycled Streetwear Brand Debuting at DFW

Through her commitment to eco-conscious creations, she unveils her latest collection, inspired by the essence of Garms 1 of 1 and the individuality that each person embodies.

“My 16 look collection for Denver Fashion Week’s sustainability night is inspired by the end of my brand name, Garms 1 of 1,” she said. “Fashion is an expression of self, and being ‘1 of 1’ highlights the unique internal and external traits that each of us radiate.”

Her first

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3 local fashion designers talk about SHEIN’s program allowing them to build their own brands – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

  • March 1, 2024

The fashion industry is ever-changing, and the latest styles cost an arm and a leg. What better way to keep up than designing your own threads?

That’s what the fashion site SHEIN is aiming for through its program called SHEIN X. Deco sat down with some local designers to hear all about it.

For the global retail company SHEIN, “empowering creativity” is not just a slogan. It’s a lifestyle.

The fashion site is helping local designers reach their full potential, thanks to its SHEIN X program.

Emily Workman: “We launched the SHEIN X designer incubator program back in 2021, really as a way to empower independent designers to build their own brands and to remove some of the barriers that are typically associated with the fashion industry.”

And these Miami creators are taking full advantage.

Bojana Brown: “I heard about the program last year, so I decided to apply, and I was very happy when they contacted me and offered me to work with them.”

Bojana Brown has been creating her knitwear line, MyWayInStyle, since 1996. Now she does it on a global scale.

But she isn’t the only one.

Lala Beltrán: “When I got my first collection with SHEIN, I had people from Panama texting me like, ‘Hey, this is cute. What is this?’ I’ve been walking around and sometimes see people wearing my clothes, and I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, that’s mine.’”

SHEIN X guides all of its participants through the process of bringing their designs to life, and the support from such a massive fashion outlet is worthwhile, they say.

Dayana Rosario: “It feels really rewarding, Especially when you launch a collection, and then you see the reviews under every style and you see people like it. I think it’s just so rewarding to see people

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AFRO inside look: D.C. Fashion Week 2024

  • February 29, 2024

By Layla Eason,
Special to the AFRO

D.C. Fashion Week (DCFW)  returned for the 20th year during Autumn/Winter fashion season where many emerging designers presented their newest lines. The events were held from Feb. 23-25 in various locations throughout D.C. during the three days of programming. 

Over the years, DCFW has created a platform that focuses on international designs that display diversity throughout the fashion industry that many have never seen before. Displaying artists and brands include Dijré’Ma, Enku Design, FIATI, Papino Creations and many more. 

“This is honestly such a positive moment for D.C. and it always brings a togetherness within the community. There are so many new people to see” said Maleah Johnson, a Saint Yves employee who plans on attending all DCFW events. 

The first event was the Fashion Industry Networking Party, held on February 23rd at 1220 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C. 

The event was a place for people who are trying to break into the fashion world to show their face and make connections with other people within the industry. During this event, people networked amongst bloggers, journalists, designers, photographers, modeling agents, buyers and content creators. 

The Emerging Designers Showcase was the second event of DCFW, as it displayed new designers, their collections and even some emerging performing artists who are just breaking into the music industry. 

“This is one of the most anticipated events in D.C. You see so many people making connections and learning from each other. I think it really just helps people to grow their brands no matter what they do. We should all be very excited for what’s to come,” said Johnson.

The showcase was held on the 24th at the National Housing Center, 120115th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. During this event, new designers from all around the United States

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Winners and losers in Black communities

  • January 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving realm of fashion, the interplay between designer brands and black communities stands at the crossroads of celebration and critique. Navigating the intricacies of this relationship is imperative, offering insights into the triumphs and tribulations experienced within Black communities in the realm of designer fashion. This article endeavors to unravel the multifaceted narrative, shedding light on the dichotomy of winners and losers amid the complex tapestry that intertwines high-end fashion with diverse communities.

From inspirational success stories that empower to the persistent challenges that demand acknowledgment, this exploration delves into the profound impact designer fashion wields on Black communities. By scrutinizing the dynamics at play, we aim to decipher how the fashion landscape shapes — and is shaped by —  the experiences of individuals within these communities.

The rise of Black fashion icons

At the forefront of this narrative are the black fashion icons who have not only conquered the runways but have also become influential figures  who are breaking barriers in the industry. From Naomi Campbell strutting down international catwalks to the late Virgil Abloh revolutionizing luxury streetwear with Off-White and Louis Vuitton, Black designers and models are claiming their space and transforming the narrative.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this success is not uniform across the board. The fashion industry still grapples with issues of diversity and inclusion, with calls for more representation both on and off the runway.

The impact of high-end fashion on Black communities

While the success stories inspire, it’s equally important to address the impact of high-end fashion on everyday lives within Black communities. The lure of luxury brands can create a socioeconomic divide, leaving some individuals feeling excluded or pressured to conform to a certain image of success.

The winners: Empowerment through representation

Representation matters, and the winners in this

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24 Designers on How 2024 Will Shape the Future of Fashion

  • January 1, 2024

With each passing year, the fashion industry shape-shifts to mimic the zeitgeist. In 2020, fortunate designers across the globe transformed their ateliers into production centers for masks and medical supplies, in response to the onset of the COVID pandemic. The following year, Y2K had its glorious revival, as consumers found comfort in the past while practicing social distancing in the turbulent modern-day. 2022 saw the rise of the “-core,” or the widely-popular suffix that allowed TikTok users to turn practically any noun into a niche fashion trend; and thanks to its oversaturation, 2023 was predominantly about paring back, in the wake of quiet luxury.

Now, as 2024 is only days away, fashion’s next chapter is just beginning to write itself, and the industry’s surroundings are uncertain. To say the least, the world’s cultural and sociopolitical climates are tumultuous, and the calls for more sustainable industry practices are louder than ever. Designers know this to be true, and many of their outlooks for next year reflect a unified hunt for authenticity, transparency and necessity. The industry is fatigued by the pursuit of virality, and there’s a yearning for a larger spotlight on the fundamentals of true fashion design. In 2024, designers want to push the creative needle forward with caution — to preserve the environment, to make space for up-and-comers and to maintain their individuality.

Below, Hypebeast sat down with 24 designers to understand what the fashion industry can expect in 2024.

Willy Chavarria

24 Designers on How 2024 Will Shape the Future of Fashion Interview

Taylor Hill/Filmmagic/Getty Images

How do you hope to see the fashion industry evolve over the next year?

I hope to see our values shift a bit and consume less fashion. I love clothing and I sell clothing, but I intend to focus on smaller collections with heirloom quality so that pieces can be worn for years and

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‘You better work’: Boise Fashion Week set to showcase industry’s local creators

  • October 23, 2023

“I am super, super proud to be able to showcase fashion design in my home state.” | The first Boise Fashion Week begins at 7 p.m. Friday and runs through Sunday.

BOISE, Idaho — Calling all fashionistas! This weekend kicks off the first ever Boise Fashion Week. Events like this are often heard about in bigger cities like New York or Los Angeles, but what can people expect in Boise? 

Erica Becker is the producer behind Boise Fashion Week, and as a business owner, she said she saw a need for this.

“Boise Fashion Week is a nonprofit collective of various professionals from the fashion industry ranging from photography, designers, stage crew, that have all come together to really push the needle forward for the fashion industry here in Boise,” Becker said. “I think a lot of people have really been craving something like this.”

The event kicks off on Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., and goes through the Oct. 22. Each night showcases something different and has a different theme.

“So, sustainable night is going to be a lot of collections that are kind of vintage inspired, or designers are really focused on sourcing sustainable products that use like less water, recycled materials, maybe even unique materials. Ready to wear is going to be collections that are almost like production ready,” Becker said. “Special occasion is going to be more of like bridal prom, fundraising opportunity gowns and tuxedos.”

Boise Fashion Week will feature established and local fashion designers, like Cartier Dior Eliasen from Pocatello. Her love of fashion design started when she was just 9 years old.

“I started making dresses out of like paper discarded materials, literally anything I could get my hands on,” Eliasen said. “When I was 16, I was a contestant on

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Plus-Size CEO Of Noir Fashion Week Rethinks New York Fashion Week

  • September 14, 2023

As we head into New York Fashion Week, let’s hope that things are looking better than last season when it comes to body size representation. Back in Spring, NYFW was getting called out for some of the lowest plus-size visibility on the runway in recent history. Meanwhile Noir Fashion Week was highlighting underrepresented designers – and underrepresented bodies – at the very same time in New York.

Nichole M. Bess is the founder of Noir Fashion Week. She sees her brainchild as a response to the lack of diversity in the fashion world broadly and at NYFW specifically. Bess says that NFW is a platform for the “overlooked and what some would deem as underqualified. I see NFW as an opportunity to uncover the diamond in the ruff.” Noir Fashion Week was built on Bess’ love of fashion and her drive to give global visibility to marginalized people.

At 19, Bess was interning with Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons as a fashion designer. They later introduced her to Naomi Campbell, which ultimately led to a pivot into public relations. “I started my own PR firm right before my 20th birthday,” shares Bess. “As I was studying to become a fashion designer, I found a love for making dreams come true through the power of media visibility and storytelling. As a budding publicist I knew this was why I was created. I committed full-time to this newfound passion and went all in. I booked clients like Wolford, Saks Fifth Avenue, Betsey Johnson, Agatha of Paris, Deon and Pilar Sanders and many more.”

Bess says she hopes that NFW will outlive her and become known

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Meet Esther Alo, designer pushing Nigerian fashion narrative on global stage

  • August 30, 2023

Wearing beautiful clothes can improve one’s self-esteem and give that feeling of self-confidence through comfort and elegance, and in Nigeria, Esther Olubusayo Alo, creative director and managing partner of Esther Alo, is helping customers to do just that.

Esther, who is also known as Busayo, is a talented Nigerian fashion designer who makes women’s evening wear and bridal outfits, the brand has its bespoke collections in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and markets across the EU.

She was inspired to venture into the business by family members who are designers, especially her mum. “I come from a family of fashion professionals, from my mom to extended aunts and friends,” she says.

“I want my clients to know exactly who is styling and creating designs for them and when they wear their outfits, they should be able to put a name to the designer,” she notes.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Esther has over 10-year fashion experience and has attended several fashion schools to scale her designing skills.

Esther started trading with Verstyle by Busayo as a business name in 2012 but later registered as Esther Alo. Her start-up capital was from her personal savings and sewing machines she got from her mum.

Since starting, she says her business has grown steadily and its collection is now gaining traction internationally.

Read also: How MBO Highly Stylish Nigeria’s celebrity fashion brand sets trends

“We have gotten great feedback, especially on our latest collection termed ‘Afro-western’ and we have seen that there’s a strong demand for our services internationally,” she says.

“We now have a diverse clientele base, which makes potential business partners and collaborators get in contact with us. We also have had loyal clients over the years who recommend the brand to others, which has been unique and truly remarkable,” she states.

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Material science company Balena partners with fashion designer for biodegradable 3D printed footwear

  • August 9, 2023

Balena, a material science company that says it aims at making advanced biodegradable polymer materials for a more sustainable fashion industry, has announced a partnership with designer Kitty Shukman to create a 3D printed concept slide. The project, named ROOTS, uses Balena’s BioCir, which the company says is the first fully compostable and biodegradable elastomer for the fashion industry.

The design of the slide is based on the characteristics of roots, with the design mimicking branches and stems wrapping the foot. Belana says that with this concept, it is determined to “push the boundaries” of 3D printing to advance the adoption of compostable, biodegradable, and simultaneously durable materials in the fashion industry.

The company says that 3D printing has the potential to “revolutionise” the materials landscape for fashion, which is one of the most polluting industries according to Balena.

“Partnering with Kitty to create a truly remarkable and circular project has underlined the magic that happens when you put the right material in the hands of the right designer,” said David Roubach, Founder and CEO of Balena. “Our combined creative vision has taken the dream of sustainable, scalable 3D printing another step forward, and we hope to see leading fashion brands take a step in the same direction in the near future.”

The BioCir manufacturing process is highly scalable according to the company, which allows for collaborations and integration across industries. Balena says products crafted with BioCir undergo an end-of-life cycle through a biological recycling mechanism. This entails “complete decomposition” and biodegradation in an industrial compost facility.

Designer Kitty Shukman added: “I continually strive to strike a balance between functionality, sustainability, and style, and working with the Balena team to envision this new design has helped me imagine a day when our fashion industry becomes truly circular. I

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