Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week (HVSFW) is on a mission to reframe the fashion industry, proving that sustainability is not only attainable but also on-trend. This conscientious fashion event aims to inspire mindful consumerism and showcase the talent of local sustainable designers.

Redefining the Runway: Sustainable Fashion Comes to Life in the Hudson Valley

Embracing the Slow Fashion Movement

The Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week (HVSFW) is a trailblazing initiative that challenges the traditional fashion industry. Driven by a desire to promote sustainable practices, the organization is hosting its annual conscientious fashion show on Friday, September 27th at Rose Hill Farm in Red Hook. This event features a collective of local sustainable-fashion designers showcasing their creations on an "organic runway" nestled within the farm's picturesque orchard."HVSFW aims to inspire people to rethink their relationships with clothing," explains Annie McCurdy, COO and board member of HVSFW. "We're trying to encourage residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond to consider their options when buying and open their minds to shopping vintage, upcycled, or even renting." This mission aligns with the growing slow fashion movement, which emphasizes quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility in the production and consumption of clothing.

Sustainable Designers Shine on the Runway

The fashion show will feature nine designers, each committed to sustainable practices. Attendees can expect to see vintage and upcycled lingerie by Clare Herron of Clare Bare in Hudson, children's clothing and lifestyle wear by Faith Delozier of Faithfully Yours in Port Ewen, and a special sustainable collection by Sergio Guadarrama of Made X Hudson. Additionally, a small collective of recent Marist College graduates will showcase their sustainable designs."The first goal of the fashion show is to help promote the work of sustainable designers right here in the Hudson Valley—there's so much talent, and so many ways one can express style and design," says Kaitlyn Murray, the owner of Kingston-based upcycled clothing brand La Vie Après L'amour and shop Maison Après, as well as the CEO and founding member of HVSFW. "Second, I hope that making it open to the community helps to inspire individuals to think about how they can be part of the slow-fashion, locally focused movement."

Connecting with Nature and Community

The fashion show is set against the stunning backdrop of Rose Hill Farm, offering panoramic sunset views of the Catskills. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and connect with nature by picking apples, as the event aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the environment."Come early and pick apples—we really want people to connect with nature, it's all part of the event," McCurdy says. "Our signature organic runway show is breathtaking, we have a great lineup of talented designers, and we're excited to share that when it comes to fashion, your choice matters, your spending power matters, and how you buy does make a difference."

Expanding the Sustainable Fashion Movement

Beyond the annual fashion show, HVSFW hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including documentary movie screenings, clothing swaps, and mending nights. The organization's goal is to eventually expand the event into a weeklong celebration, with sustainable fashion designers showcasing their work in different neighborhoods across the Hudson Valley."I wanted to be sure that HVSFW had its own identity," Murray explains. "I don't feel like it's my 'brand' or 'company,' just an idea that dropped in my spirit, and I ran with it alongside those who believed in it, but it's so much bigger than me. Incorporating as a nonprofit is a way to bring other people in to support the vision and bring it beyond what we can do on our own."With a growing community of sustainable fashion enthusiasts and a commitment to inspiring change, the Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry and the region.