Aveda turned NY Fashion Week Green

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During the New York Fashion Week, Aveda made an effort to turn the shows of several designers green, as part of their Green Platform Initiative. Big names such as Thakoon, Phillip Lim, Rodarte and Rag&Bone comitted to taking steps to help preserve the environment.

The green-minded New Yorkers followed these simple rules:

1. Replace bottled water with New York City tap water, eliminating up to 300 water plastic water bottles per show. Instead of the plastic water bottles, Aveda provided reusable liter-sized aluminum water bottles backstage. If you ask me, they look like the next must-have fashion trend.

2. Eliminate the use of fur in all shows.

3. Serve organic, locally sourced food to models, stylists, makeup artists, and production staff backstage. In the pictures models are proudly posing with healthy red apples in their hands, instead of champagne.

4. Print all program and show invitations on recycled paper.

Let's take a look backstage!

THAKOON

Date/Location: Monday, February 4, 4pm, Eyebeam, 540 West 21st Street
Lead Stylist: Eugene Souleiman for Aveda
Aveda Lead: Dennis Clendennen (Dionysus Salon, Houston, TX)

The Collection
“I was inspired to create a collection that was more refined, but with an edge of punk anarchy. I also looked at using fabrics in unexpected ways." - Thakoon Panichgul

The Look
The hair billows out with immense volume without curl; it is romantic, yet tough.

Q&A
Q: You have made a real effort to “green” your show this season. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
• “I am very proud to be a part of Aveda’s efforts and excited to see how well it is being embraced. We feel great about adding recycled paper to our fashion program and to have created a beautiful invitation that uses less virgin paper.”

Q: Have you made any additional efforts in your own life to care for the planet? ie., not using bottled water at home? Turning your thermostat down? Bringing your own bag to the grocery store?
• “We have been inspired to make changes in our studio that are more mindful of the environment. We've recently replaced the light bulbs in our sewing room to low voltage bulbs. In my personal life, I've become vigilant about recycling. I recently moved and was thrilled that my new building takes recycling seriously and makes it easy for all my neighbors."

RODARTE

Date/Location: Tuesday February 15th, 12pm, Dia Center for the Arts
Lead Stylist: Eugene Souleiman
Lead Stylist: Odile Gilbert for Aveda
Aveda Lead: Dennis Clendennen (Dionysus Salon, Houston, TX)

The Collection
“This season, we drew inspiration from a juxtaposition of Japanese horror films and Alice in Wonderland, creating the look of a school-girl teetering on the edge in a very fantastical way. The look graphically conveys both vulnerability and toughness—yet balance. Tulle and matted mohair drape across the body organically.” - Kate and Laura Mulleavy

The Look
The look is sculptural and graphic, inspired by Japanese Kabuki theatre. Hair is shaped into a square chignon, playing with contrasting colors.

Q&A
Q: You have made a real effort to “green” your show this season. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
• “Aveda’s efforts are in sync with our own values, so it’s a perfect match. We’re very pleased with the green initiative this season; it is just one example of the many things we can do as individuals and in the fashion world to become more environmentally responsible.”

Q: Have you made any additional efforts in your own life to care for the planet? ie., not using bottled water at home? Turning your thermostat down? Bringing your own bag to the grocery store?
• “We grew up in Northern California with an organic garden so caring for the environment has always been important to us. We use our Aveda water bottles in the studio and recently bought a hybrid car.”

RAG & BONE

Date/Location: Friday, February 1, 5pm, Cipriani 42nd Street, 119 E. 42nd Street
Lead Hair: Teddy Charles for Aveda
Aveda Lead Hair: Sonya Metzler, Pyara Spa & Salon, Boston, MA
Lead Makeup: Gucci Westman for Aveda

The Collection
“The collection is inspired by the film Blade Runner and its use of 1940’s design combined with a sense of the future. We used varying shades of gray, black and navy in a slightly military-esque style. The look this season represents what we continue to do in the fashion world: design for the present and the future while drawing upon influences from the past.” – David Neville and Marcus Wainwright

The Look: Hair
A medium to high ponytail textured with three small braids that run through the ponytail.

Q&A
Q: You have made a real effort to “green” your show this season. How do you feel about this accomplishment? Have you made any additional efforts in your own life to care for the planet? ie., not using bottled water at home? Turning your thermostat down? Bringing your own bag to the grocery store?
• “We are thrilled to be working with Aveda and with the steps we’ve taken to green our backstage this season. It’s been inspiring to learn more about the impact of bottled water on the environment. Rag & Bone is currently exploring alternate ways to ship our product other than using traditional plastic bags. We are sourcing recycled paper envelopes with a small recycled plastic window in an effort to minimize our use of virgin materials. We’ve both recently become fathers, and have begun using nappies made from recycled materials. Interestingly enough, conventional nappies comprise an astonishing amount of waste, so we feel good about using a more environmentally-responsible alternative.”

Looks like fashion might be on its way to become Really Green!

xx Steph