Michigan Tech’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program hosted its first fashion show last weekend to raise awareness about the environmental issues caused by the fashion industry, alongside bringing attention to local designers. The show themed around “Indigo mood” was a significant success, with the theater at seating capacity on both nights.
The theme of the show was “Indigo Mood”. Designers created pieces made of “denim and other recycled items” to highlight sustainable material choices. The show’s goal was to build awareness of environmental issues concerning the fashion industry. The show featured a gallery of individual pieces and accessories, a 30-minute runway show, and then a meet and greet with the designers.
Sustainable fashion is emerging as a solution to address the negative impacts of the fashion industry on the environment and society. Sustainable fashion promotes eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and minimizing waste to reduce the industry’s harmful effects. The use of natural, non-toxic materials also has a positive impact on people’s health.
Bees Brennan, a model in “An Up-Cycled Show” and seamstress states, “to me the importance of sustainable fashion is reducing consumption of fast fashion to try to keep clothing and fabric out of landfills, and also because fast fashion exploits garment workers, who often get paid for less than what their work is worth. Changing what you already own, either by adding some fabric to a shirt you’ve had since third grade so that it fits, or taking a worn-out pair of jeans and turning it into a teddy bear, does both of those things. Making adjustments to or fixing clothes you already own, or get from a thrift store, isn’t just for people who are ‘good at sewing’, nearly anyone can learn a few quick hand stitches.”
The pieces showcased in “An Up-Cycled Fashion Show” at Michigan Tech’s VPA program included reused denim, sheets, and scrap fabric. By featuring these recycled materials in the show, the designers demonstrated how sustainable fashion can be stylish and innovative while also being environmentally responsible.
Overall, the success of the Indigo Mood fashion show at Michigan Tech highlights the growing interest and importance of sustainable fashion in the industry. By promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about the negative impacts of the fashion industry, events like this can contribute to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
