The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has made a significant move towards sustainable practices by teaming up with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to analyze the environmental impact of New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The result of their collaboration is a detailed study titled ‘Sustainability by Design: Rethinking New York Fashion Week,’ which not only includes an executive summary but also provides a comprehensive report on how NYFW contributes to environmental issues. This research delves into various aspects of the event, such as logistics, transportation, and the overall publicity surrounding it, offering valuable insights on how the format of fashion shows and presentations can be transformed for the better.
Originally set to be released in April, the study was delayed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a profound impact on the fashion industry worldwide. BCG estimates that the industry has suffered losses totaling between $480 billion and $640 billion as a result of the pandemic. The findings of the study highlight that a typical NYFW season generates an alarming 48,000 tons of carbon dioxide, with air travel to the event being the primary contributor to this carbon footprint.
An important revelation from the study was the apparent lack of sustainability goals among the organizations involved in NYFW, indicating that sustainability is not a top priority in their decision-making processes. To tackle this issue, the study’s playbook outlines practical steps and strategies that different stakeholders in the fashion industry can take to mitigate the environmental impact of NYFW.
Steven Kolb, the CEO of CFDA, stressed the necessity for a radical transformation of the fashion industry considering the global repercussions of the pandemic. The report’s steering committee, which includes prominent individuals from the fashion world like Gabriela Hearst, Virginia Ritchie, and Hillary Taymour, aims to provide valuable guidance for future sustainability initiatives within the industry.
Looking towards the future, CFDA is planning virtual initiatives to educate and collaborate with NYFW stakeholders, with support from BCG and organizations like the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) and the Conscious Fashion Campaign. By emphasizing sustainability and fostering innovation, CFDA’s study aims to lead the fashion industry towards a more eco-conscious and responsible future.
To learn more about CFDA and their sustainability efforts, check out their official website here. For additional information on sustainable fashion practices, visit the United Nations Office for Partnerships website here.
