New York Fashion week has vastly evolved from its’ original origins; implementing new shows, fresh designers, and innovative events. Fashion week was always a hub for the luxury realm of fashion; pushing cutting-edge brands to the forefront, and granting them with a home to debut their finest collections. The fashion filled weekend was more exclusive in nature; designed to be an environment for the upper echelons, or the ‘who’s who of the industry. Who would have thought that resale fashion would one day carve out its’ own lane? With the future of fashion being vintage; it’s only right for this dynamic realm of fashion to make its presence known.
I attended NYFW in both February and September; and both experiences awakened me to the progressive inclusion of resale during fashion week. One day in February, I was determined to dedicate an entire day to resale; and I came upon various events that intentionally aligned. I had the honor of attending the Markette Vintage Market; and networked with independent designers, vintage vendors and artisans. I enjoyed conversing with talented creatives; soaking up inspiration, and providing them with a genuine listening ear; as they proudly shared their visions behind their work. Vintage Markets are surging in the resale industry, so attending one during fashion week demonstrated the authentic manner that this realm will show up. The resale fashion industry is not abandoning its’ roots to fit into the current standards at fashion week, but instead remaining true to them; by curating markets, events and shows that subconsciously remind us of its uniqueness.
Following the vintage market was a sustainable fashion panel that I was excited to attend; but as I was heading there; I spotted a vintage store called Out Of The Closet, which happened to be only a few minutes away from the event location. As I walked in, I noticed the cool array of vintage gems curating the store; as a live DJ played an 80s song titled, “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.” I couldn’t help but feel this sense of contentment come over me as I glanced around this curated Time Machine. What vintage lover doesn’t enjoy discovering a new store?
After exploring the store, I headed straight to the expert panel; where I was enriched with impeccable insight, and networked with likeminded individual’s. Every panelist made a clear point to shed light on the importance of sustainability in fashion; and the lack of sustainability and resale presence at fashion week. I remember one panelist state, “This is the only event for sustainability during fashion week”; as the room chimed in with agreement. I sat focused and silent in the audience; and intuitively felt within, “This is only the beginning.”
Fast forward to the fall, and ShopGoodwill debuted its first ever fashion show called Found Opulence during fashion’s biggest stage.
The company collaborated with designer Evan Hirsch; who has been featured on numerous media publications and Talk Shows for his up-cycled couture dresses. He takes transforming vintage to the next level; by finding thrifted or pre-owned pieces, and reimagining them into striking ensembles. His designs captivate the eye as they glide the runway; and suddenly shape-shift from one intriguing gown to another. The initial time this happened on the runway; the audience was intrigued. Evan Hirsch’s designs convey the power of one’s imagination coming to life. To witness this pioneering show, was a defining moment for the future of fashion week; and the growing lane of prevalence of resale that is to come.
With fashion week nearing almost a century of its’ existence; this was the first time Goodwill ever made its debut. This speaks volumes to the times, consumer desires, and the evolving perception that people view fashion.
The heavy-hitter E-bay also made its’ second return to NYFW; with the Endless Fashion Runway Show. In partnership with the CFDA; the show featured top designers at New York; and in London for its very first time. The show was also shown via the EBay app; where viewers of the show were granted the opportunity to purchase items during and post show. Live show events are on the rise in the resale market; with a several reselling platforms such as Whatnot and Poshmark adopting this form of shopping, and even prioritizing it.
As resale fashion continues to bloom; we can expect to see this unique major player make its own mark during fashion week. I know many people miss the way fashion week used to be; but these newfound changes serve as a reminder of the never-ending evolution of fashion; and its’ unwavering dedicated to reflect the times.
