In the past few years since the pandemic, the entire fashion world has changed. We’ve made the transition from slow/lasting fashion into fast fashion. We’re in a time where brands can and are releasing hundreds of new designs every single day. There are now as many as 50 mini-seasons in the fashion industry as compared to the staple four. Clothes, accessories, and shoes are circulating in and out at an alarming rate. 3 out of 5 articles of clothing end up in a landfill. That means that the fashion industry is the number one contributor to waste and trash that goes back into our planet. Even more than the oil industry!

What really is sustainable fashion? According to the Journal of Fashion Marketing & Management sustainable fashion consists of “…local sourcing and production, transparency across the supply chain, traceability of work processes and raw materials, environmentally friendly raw materials, safe working conditions, and fair wages.” The whole goal is to keep everyone beautiful and stylish but still conscious of the long-term effects of the clothes we choose. Special guest Golden Sky, a local San Antonio women’s fashion designer, stated that at the base of sustainability are ethics, morals, and values.

The world of sustainable fashion and Indigenous history came together Saturday night to not only stun, but also educate an audience. Creative Director Amanda Alarcon-Hunter and her partner Becky Witte-Marsh brought us a night filled with beautifully styled and sustainably sourced fashion. Sharing a story of their love for clothes, accessories, and style but also their passion to help prohibit forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and discrimination in the fashion industry. A portion of all proceeds was to be donated to local San Antonio charities such as Ferrari Kid.

The night started with a silent auction and access to some local vendors. With everything from handmade jewelry, and bright eccentric paintings to a huge collection of different thrifted clothing items. These items were all sourced and hand-chosen to follow the theme of the night. Ranging from fur coats to antique gold necklaces these pieces really showed diversity in a sustainable fashion. As the night progressed the much-anticipated show finally started. The clothes on the runway were not only visibly stunning but the touch of Indigenous culture added depth. Showcasing different Indigenous symbols as wearable art. One model had a headpiece carried as a handbag while another had a dreamcatcher attached to the back of her dress. The show was cut into three segments, and they just progressively got better. Audience members were invited and encouraged to take note of their favorite pieces on the runway as they were all up for sale. Amanda and Becky truly gave us a night filled with education, style, and class.