Photo by Sheldon Powell, Honey Bear Collection. Model: Eden Love, Caftan: Indigo & Snow, Jacket & Bag: Useling Fridays, Earrings & Barrettes: Chosen & Free
The fashion industry. It's a world of glamour, creativity, and ever-changing trends. But beneath the glossy surface lies a hidden truth: the industry has a significant negative impact on our planet and its people. From excessive water usage and pollution to unethical labor practices, the fast-fashion model is simply unsustainable.
Photo by Trae Compton. Model: Keyah Mizer, Designer: Rebekah Anne Clothing, Necklace: Green Armadillo, Bag: Strey Designs
A Call for Change: Enter Into The Studio
Thankfully, a revolution is brewing – a movement towards conscious consumerism and a more sustainable fashion industry. Here in Minnesota, Into The Studio, produced by sustainable fashion pioneer Danielle Everine, is a vibrant runway show held during MN Fashion Week and a shining example of this transformative movement.
“I created the event, Into The Studio, as a platform to help answer the question "What does sustainable fashion really look like?". It can be overwhelming to try to make conscious decisions as a consumer in a sea of advertising and key "eco-friendly" words. This event is a platform for sustainable designers to showcase and speak about their work. Providing information and many options for customers to shop truly sustainable fashion.”-Danielle Everine
Taking place on April 16th, 2024, at the Machine Shop Minneapolis, Into The Studio isn't just a showcase of stunning designs – it's a platform for conscious and sustainable fashion. Each collection featured on the runway embodies the principles of slow fashion, utilizing natural and organic materials, recycled fabrics, and ethical, fair-trade production practices.
Photo by Trae Compton. Model: Zoe Bonet, Designer: WAY the Label, Necktie: Green Armadillo
The Dark Side of Fashion: A Stark Reality
The fast-fashion industry's impact is undeniable. A 2020 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation paints a grim picture: the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. The equivalent of a garbage truck full of textiles ends up in landfills every single minute! Furthermore, the industry is notorious for its unethical labor practices, with garment workers often subjected to poor working conditions and low wages.
While events like Into The Studio push the boundaries of sustainable design, the power ultimately lies with consumers. “By making informed choices about where we buy our clothes and supporting brands that prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly practices, we can create a significant impact.” -Danielle Everine
Photo by Sheldon Powell, Honey Bear Collection. Model: Molly Mao, Top: WAY the Label, Earrings & Barrettes: Chosen & Free
Into The Studio: A Multifaceted Approach
Into The Studio goes beyond simply showcasing stunning clothes. The event offers a holistic approach to sustainable fashion. After the runway show, there will be curated conversations with the designers, allowing them to share their unique approaches to sustainability. Attendees can then head to a pop-up market and purchase the very pieces they saw strutting down the catwalk. This creates a direct connection between conscious consumers and passionate designers creating a better future for fashion.
Photo by Trae Compton. Model: Keyah Mizer,
Meet the Changemakers: The Featured Designers
Into The Studio boasts an impressive lineup of local Minnesota designers, each a champion for sustainable practices. From Danielle Everine, an accomplished leader in sustainable design and domestic apparel manufacturing, to Uselding Fridays, a brand by Joshua McGarvey that focuses on upcycled and deadstock materials, and WAY the Label, known for their use of organic cotton and recycled fabrics, these designers are leading the charge in creating beautiful, ethical clothing.
Other featured designers include:
These designers offer a diverse range of styles, ensuring there's something for everyone who wants to embrace sustainable fashion. From flowy, bohemian pieces to sharp tailoring and statement accessories, the runway promises a visual feast that caters to a variety of tastes.
Photo by Trae Compton. Model: Karina Duford, Designer: Danielle Everine, Hair Bow: Green Armadillo
The Ripple Effect: How You Can Make a Difference
“With many of our earth's precious resources disappearing, it's critical that we do not let fashion continue to exploit our planet, depleting it of clean water and virgin fibers. If we all truly love fashion, then let us not continue to buy or design disposable pieces we wear a few times and then toss before finding our next cheap trend to chase. Many small designers are shifting our mindsets by prioritizing slow fashion processes and utilizing recycled or non-toxic materials, making creative garments that will last for generations to come. “ -Ashleyn Przedwiecki
How can consumers contribute to a more conscious fashion industry? Here are some tips from Ashleyn Przedwiecki and Fashion Revolution USA:
Shop less, choose well: Avoid impulsive purchases of low-quality garments. Instead, invest in quality pieces that will last longer and transcend fleeting trends. Consider timeless silhouettes and classic styles that won't go out of fashion quickly.
Embrace vintage and secondhand: Explore thrift stores and vintage shops for unique finds with a lower environmental footprint. You might unearth hidden gems and one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story.
Support sustainable brands: Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials, transparent production practices, and fair labor standards. Research brands and don't hesitate to ask questions about their manufacturing processes and ethics.
Care for your clothes properly: Extend the lifespan of your garments by washing them less frequently, using gentle detergents, and repairing any damages. Learn basic handwashing techniques for delicate items and invest in a good quality sewing kit for minor repairs.
Get creative: Channel your inner artist and learn basic sewing skills to repair or upcycle your clothing, giving them a new lease on life. You can customize pre-owned items or even create entirely new pieces from vintage finds.
Photo by Sheldon Powell, Honey Bear Collection. Model: Eden Love
By attending events like Into The Studio and making conscious choices about what we wear, we can collectively move towards a more sustainable future for fashion. It's a future where style meets ethics, and where the clothes we wear are a reflection of our values, not a detriment to our planet and its people.
Join the Movement:
Be a part of the change. Attend Into The Studio on April 16 here: Event Link
Photo by Trae Compton. Model: Zoe Bonet
