Sustainable fashion: words which usually bring to mind greys, neutrals, and dull designs.

However, this September, Wimbledon Sustainable Fashion Week (WSFW) proved this to be far from true.

Sustainable fashion can indeed be fun, creative, and impactful!

Back for the third year, WSFW aims to ‘empower women designers with the skills, inspiration, and resources needed to drive culture change around fashion’.

A diverse selection of models (some of whom have never modelled before) sported vibrant textures, prints, and colours.

After each show, there was a discussion with the designer to understand more about their creative journey and shed light on the concept behind the collection.

In my interview with one of the designers, Gia Dachi (Instagram @giadachidesign), Gia said she draws inspiration from the seasons and, in particular, the change in seasons ‘between spring and summer’.

Nature is reflected in her designs as ‘the fluid fabrics represent the wind’ and ‘the colours and prints [represent] the joy of summer’.

Through the use of upcycling, natural inspiration helps her blend a variety of fabrics seamlessly to create striking and impactful garments.

The designer Pollynogg explained how she patches different materials and textures together to create eye-catching and unique items.

Pollynogg encourages us to look at our wardrobe critically to identify any elements about our clothes we dislike and use this to upcycle them.

Upcycling is an easy way to create garments that are more practical and personal to our lives resulting in us wearing them more often.

In the discussion with Elys, Helen (who was representing NRBY) advised that we should make a conscious decision when replacing items to shop more sustainably.

This can be beneficial, for example, in improving the quality and longevity of the clothes and being able to buy more unique pieces.

The versatility of a garment makes it cost effective and ‘buying the best you can afford’ is how everyone can shop sustainably.

Furthermore, unworn clothes can be resold to buy a more versatile replacement.

There were many interesting features of WSFW including workshops, showrooms, fashion shows, and a market.

Interactive workshops taught skills such as natural dying techniques and sustainable wardrobe designing.

Sustainable businesses sold fashion items at the showrooms and food products at the Sustainable September Market.

Sustainable fashion is the way forward for the fashion industry as we all know the devastating consequences the fashion industry is having on the environment.

According to Colombia Climate School fashion is responsible for 10% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

This is why being more mindful about where and how we shop is vital.

WSFW helped to highlight the fun and joy that sustainable fashion can bring through striking and unique pieces.

Make sure to check out the Instagram for this year's event: @wsfw2024 and their website https://www.wimbledonsustainablefashionweek.co.uk/