Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the queen of all fashion events that takes place in the Eastern Time Zone, pitched its tent in the infamous Bryant Park on February 13th. However this year, the economic downturn may have affected more than just the pocketbook.

It stifled the normally excessive couture that we see on the runway this time of year and forced designers to think on a budgeted scale, which may have been bad for the fashion community, but good for the environment.
The typical fashion mindset was discarded this year in favour for a more recession-friendly attitude, which resulted in accidental eco-chic style, (or as “eco-chic” as couture will allow) that encompassed our favourite R’s; recycle, reduce and reuse.

Recycle

This year, the trends show more flexibility for women’s daily wear. Referring to the economic recession, designer Rebecca Taylor explained, “the items (on the catwalk) should be versatile and easily transitioned from day to evening so they can be worn for several different occasions” (New York Magazine). Even though this initial statement was referring to pinching pennies during the recession, it can be taken in a greener sense as well. Re-wearing clothing, which is typically seen as an ultimate fashionista no-no, saves on materials, transportation costs of factory-to-you, storage and energy costs once it arrives in your shopping locale, and hey, if they’re doing it at New York Fashion Week it must be stylish to recycle, right?

Reduce

Another cut-back this year was the typically lavish parties held by designers Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein and Alexander McQueen. This year the lack of funds and increase in layoffs meant there was less to celebrate about. By keeping the excitement focused on the runway, these designers helped cut back on energy costs and excess waste that normally would have been consumed by hundreds of guests.

Reuse

Reusing on the runway? Is there even such a thing?! Apparently so, since New York Magazine reports that designer Frank Tell was hit hard when Swarovski couldn’t stomach the funds to support his 2009 creations, so he decided rather than limiting his collection he would reuse last season’s crystals.
This conscientious thinking has left us wondering; even though the recession is bad news for business, perhaps consuming less and reusing what we have is where high-end couture fashion is being forced to go. Once the economic tides have shifted and the world is once again spinning on its spending axis, maybe we will see the return of the couture culture, or maybe this is the kick that the fashion community needs to become more resourcefully minded.

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Image courtesy of Project Runway.

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