The Future of Fashion: Sustainable Materials Lead the Way

By Chloé Hannecart 

New York Fashion Week officially kicked off on February 6, 2025, unveiling the Fall-Winter men’s collections. Originating in the French capital in the late 1800s, Fashion Week has since evolved into a monumental event that is showcased several times a year, in the ‘Big Four’ cities of fashion: New York, Milan, London and Paris. These cities host renowned designers and iconic fashion Houses as they present their latest ready-to-wear and Haute Couture creations on the world’s most prestigious runways.

Hermès leather bag

In the last couple of years, the opulent allure of Fashion Week is increasingly challenged by the industry's environmental impact. Designers, in their relentless pursuit of creativity and luxury, often turn to high-end fabrics like leather. Yet, the reality behind this very coveted fabric is stark: over a billion animals are slaughtered annually for their skins, contributing to environmental destruction. Indeed, the tanning process, a key step in transforming raw hides into leather goods, has long been identified as a major polluter, with toxic waste routinely seeping into rivers and contaminating groundwater. According to a report by the NGO Pure Earth, tanneries were ranked as the fourth most polluting industry globally. This ethical dilemma was underscored by PETA activists during the September 28 Hermès fashion show, where three demonstrators disrupted the event, holding up signs reading “Animals aren’t fabrics” and “Hermès: stop using exotic skins.” 

A PETA Protester crashing the Hermès show at Paris Fashion Week 

As the spotlight on sustainability grows brighter, many designers and brands are answering the call with innovation. Last Paris’s Fashion Week stood as a testament to the fashion industry's evolving commitment to eco-responsibility, with a strong emphasis on sustainable materials and recycling practices, particularly in Haute Couture. Prestigious houses like Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton presented collections incorporating up to 70% recycled fabrics—a bold statement that proves luxury does not need to come at the expense of the planet. Stella McCartney, a leader of sustainable fashion, articulated the changing tides, stating, “This Fashion Week proves that luxury and sustainability are not incompatible. On the contrary, they reinforce each other.” McCartney's Summer 2025 runway show, held last September, was a testament to this philosophy. The collection, inspired by Jonathan Franzen's The End of the End of the Earth, featured the 'Save What You Love' manifesto, narrated by Helen Mirren. The collection gave a poignant tribute to birds and was created with cruelty-free practices, incorporating 91% conscious materials such as vegan leather and soft, recycled knits showing the designer’s dedication to both style and sustainability.

Save What You Love: The Summer 2025 Runway Show 

With environmental pressures mounting, London has taken a pioneering step towards reshaping the future of Fashion Week. Starting in 2026, London Fashion Week will enforce strict sustainability standards. Brands wishing to participate will be required to eliminate furs, exotic skins, feathers, and single-used plastics from their collections, as well as adopt measures to extend the life of garments and curb the destruction of unsold items. These regulations are poised to set a new precedent, urging other global fashion capitals to accelerate their transition to more ethical and sustainable practices.