NYFW: Evan Hirsch x Goodwill

Designer Evan Hirsch brought sustainable fashion and high end thrifting to his first show on the official CFDA calendar. In his second collaboration with Goodwill, he demonstrated how previously owned items can be used as raw materials for art and couture.

Each of his key looks was inspired by a popular category on the ShopGoodwill website. For instance, Lego sets remain a special category unto themselves. Hirsch took the block concept and interpreted it into a jeweled embellishment pattern to upcycle a former Joseph Abboud suit.

A hand-painted hooped party dress was a collaboration with art students of Art Strong NYC, where they were given individual panels to transform before coming together in a cohesive look.

Lots and lots of jewelry can be counted on to be found at the stores an online. Hirsch took mixed pieces, bags of pearls and vintage lace garments to createe this bridal look. The embroidery alone took him over a week.

With sustainable style in mind, this fashion collection was never intended to be manufactured en masse. Instead, Evan Hirsch is reducing waste and creating one-of-a-kind statement pieces meant to be treasured or collected like art. 

Slow, second-life styling may not be a lifestyle people will adapt to overnight, but Hirsch has made a great pitch for it.

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Fashion of Goodwill

I can't believe I finally watched Macklemore's music video for "Thrift Shop" for the first time the past weekend.  I had listened to the song many times, but the video is absolutely hilarious.  I read an IBTimes Magazine report that despite the popularity of the song (the first independent track in nearly 20 years to top the Billboard 100) sales at Goodwill have not significantly increased.

Why not?  Luxury consignment is thriving online and in stores.  Many of the items IN those stores are picked by savvy buyers straight from Goodwill and the Salvation Army.  People are willing to go to great lengths to buy "green", yet thrift stores are as green as you get.

Lest you forget, the Salvation Army and Goodwill started as organizations that help people.  Selling donated goods are only one of their ways to raise funds for the many job training programs they provide.  I spoke to Bjorn Nasett a few seasons ago during NY Fashion Week, an ambassador of sorts for Goodwill's fashion projects.  He informed me that high end designer brands often donate full collections of unused clothes, and that Goodwill produces full fashion shows.  They are social media savvy with fashion blogs, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts showcasing curated style.

Many designers have realized that there is a hunger for styles in their archives.  Many have put out clothes from past seasons back for sale at considerable cost.  For budget and elite shoppers, a thrift store might accomplish both!

What is your best thrift shop find?

Macklemore image from imgfave.com

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