Experience Sustainable Fashion Week Within Nature’s Bounty

Don’t miss this year’s Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week, which “aims to mend the relationship between fashion and nature.”  Now in its second year, the upcoming HVSFW event will showcase the remarkable work of Hudson Valley-based fashion designers who create unique handmade clothing and accessories while honoring the Earth. The creatives behind this vision hold this intention: “We see the abundance of clothing that already exists and we want to inspire individuals and the industry to reimagine and reuse these materials in fresh and innovative ways.” The pillars of this vision are education, amplification, and inspiration. This September 27th, come out for an evening of live music, scrumptious bites, lush libations and breathtaking views.

Fabulous handmade goods will converge in style once again at the gorgeous Rose Hill Farm orchard, where you can also enjoy low-intervention, small-batch wine made on-site and delicious locally-grown food. Enjoy a magical evening at the orchard, support slow fashion and local creatives, and plump up your sustainable wardrobe with friends new and old!

Ginger Winn, performing from 5pm to 5:45pm at the event, will bring her crystalline voice and sweet and dreamy songs from her delicious debut album. Click HERE to read our exclusive interview with Ginger.

We hope to see you at the show!

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Now, let’s get to know Hudson Valley-raised Kaitlyn Murray, owner of La Vie Apres L’Amour in Kingston, NY, and the founder and dream weaver of this event…

INSIDE+OUT: When did you first fall in love with, or see the urgency and importance of, sustainable fashion?

Kaitlyn Murray: “Fall in love” is a really interesting term. I don’t know if it’s love, but there’s a definite feeling of urgency. I grew up in the Hudson Valley, and I’ve always loved the planet and nature. While I loved being in the city, there certainly was a part of me that has always revered nature. Also, I grew up in a family that was constantly repairing and fixing things; they were very thrifty, so maybe thinking like this was a part of my upbringing and DNA.

Aside from that, I first started learning about the implications of the fashion industry on the planet in college. In 2013, when I was a senior at FIT, I took a course called Sustainability in Fashion Merchandising, where we discussed what goes on beneath the surface of the fashion industry..

Zara was a case study of something that hadn’t been done before: a design-to-dressing-room in six weeks. That meant the process started on the design desk; there were initial fittings, prototypes made, production done, the item was in the racks, and you could try it on within six weeks. That was being taught as something innovative and amazing because you usually see something on the runway, and then you wait six months for it. In fact, the runway was created so buyers could buy items for their stores

That class at FIT was the first time I’d dug into those kinds of numbers and impact. Then, there were some Fashion “Revs” that I started following. They started coming out with stats like how much water is used when making T-shirts and denim, which is a big one. Then it was–how many clothes were going into landfill each year. 2018 was the last time the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came out with their numbers about how many clothes were going into a landfill in a single year. If I am not mistaken, it was 11.3 million tons of clothing, shoes, home textiles, and pretty much anything that was a soft-good being thrown away.

Those things combined made me realize there’s such urgency…plus, there’s already such an abundance of clothes and textiles on this Earth. That’s what made me start my brand and line, La Vie Après L’Amour, which focuses only on upcycled goods.

Was there a precipitating event that caused you to make sustainable fashion the focus of your own work?

There wasn’t exactly one event. As I explained, it was all these little events and circumstances. Also, I was working in luxury fashion at the time, and there is certainly an aspect of sustainability in luxury because you’re trying to sustain your product’s life. At the company where I worked, there was a big focus on repairing, after-sales, and prolonging the life of your product. At the same time, fast fashion was making an impact. I started my company in 2017 when I was still living and working in Brooklyn, but the event of the century, COVID-19, made everyone stop, think, and evaluate. So, I reevaluated my life: what I was doing, what was important to me, and what I needed to do to pursue this in a real way.

What I needed, though, was time. And what I was gifted because of COVID was time. So, I started to really focus on these things. In 2020, I launched my website. By the end of 2021, I left my corporate job and made the jump to focus solely on my brand.

When did you first have the vision for a fashion show in an orchard, and how long did it take to manifest that? Any particular challenges? Surprises?

This is interesting. I have been a fan of a French designer called Jacquemus for a long time. I think he’s an incredible marketer and super-talented designer. He’s not sustainable, but he does incredible marketing and spectacles. He has a luxury brand, and for me, he’s one of the top out there right now, at least in terms of marketing brands. All of that is to say that I had seen images of a couple of his shows, and one of them, which was through lavender fields in the south of France, was absolutely stunning. They had one pink runway through lavender fields. He did another one on beaches in Hawaii and another in wheat fields. I loved this concept so much! (Read the Vogue article here)

After the shows in 2022 and fall Fashion Week wrapped up, I talked to Joanne, now my board member and Chief Communications Officer. I was honestly frustrated with how the industry has been. I was blabbering about sustainability and how there’s a ton of greenwashing in fashion. And then I was frustrated with the runway shows, how it’s the same thing over and over. Then, in October 2022, it all changed in one short sentence. I said, “I really wish we had a sustainable fashion week here in the Hudson Valley.” Being here, I kept meeting so many amazing creatives who were doing things similar to me. Yet, I also appreciated how there were so many different designers who had different styles. And that’s the beauty of design and style—that everyone can be unique. It’s such a great way to express yourself.

“I really wish we had a sustainable fashion week here in the Hudson Valley.”

Joanne said, “Let’s do it.”

Once those words came out of my mouth and Joanne said what she did, it really took shape and came together so beautifully. We pulled off the first sustainable fashion week fashion show last year. We hosted our first event in February of 2023, a clothing swap. Then, a little later in the spring, another event led up to the September fashion show. So, we pulled it off in less than a year, which was a challenge. And that was the first fashion show I had been to, let alone produced, but I was also showing in it. I also got my storefront. I was taking on a lot, but honestly, it was a magical evening. The essence of what I was trying to portray came through, even if it felt like a very quick turnaround.

Click on the Instagram post below to get a feel for the vibe of 2023!

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A post shared by @apres.lamour

The biggest surprise was that all the designers came to me; they were within my network, and a few found us through social channels. I think having over 300 people in attendance for an event that we only really promoted about two and a half weeks before surprised me. But also, I thought, “This is like, this is a fantastic idea. Of course, so many people are here!” So it did and didn’t surprise me.

Have you had a lot of applicants?

Last year, we didn’t do applications. As mentioned, everyone came to us, and we filled out the roster just by people approaching us and asking if they could be involved. This year, we had more applications, and some that came through weren’t exactly what we were looking for in terms of photography, etc.

For designer applications, we had just under 15, and we needed nine, so I had to apologize to some. We also have a partnership with Marist College and offer a few spots to their Alumni.

What are the criteria for acceptance/inclusion?

Foremost, we want to work with brands that we want to help promote–that they have brands, they have collections, and they want to get into the public’s eye. The big point of the show is that it is for the public to see and understand how you can put your money where your mouth is. It’s a see-now-buy-now show of sustainable upcycled goods. The criteria is that you have to have a collection comprised of 85% dead stock or upcycled materials, meaning your collection’s main fabrics must be from pre-existing garments or textiles.

Of course, there are findings, fittings, elastic, and things that are new, but we definitely encourage people to use and reuse items already in existence. You must be Hudson Valley-based because it is Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week. Though we’re creating the overall event, you have to bring your own models and coordinate all of that. And it’s in Red Hook at Rose Hill Farm again this year, so you have to be able to travel there.

How will this year’s event be different from last year’s?

I keep saying, “I want to do it again, but do it better.” Last year, we had a roster of eight designers. This year, we will have a full roster of nine designers, plus two students from Marist who have just graduated and are doing amazing things with upcycling that we really want to help showcase and highlight.

We’re very excited to partner with Rose Hill again. Last year, the runway snaked through the orchard, which was beautiful. I don’t want to give too much away, but this year, it’s going to have a different layout in a different area on the farm and a different feel. It will be longer because there will be a little more area to cover.

If a wand could be waived and there was no limit to how you might impact the world of sustainable fashion– any dreams you would love to see manifested?

I would just love to see what I’m doing catch fire. You know, they say, “Think globally, act locally.” That’s what I’ve been trying to do. It would be great to have this make a connection to a greater global stage.

There’s obviously a lot of noise. There are a lot of areas in which people are vying for attention. There are a lot of issues in the world, but I hope this will become a focus. Actually, Copenhagen Fashion Week and Scandinavian countries are already all over the idea of sustainable fashion. The Copenhagen fashion week just wrapped, and I believe that in order to participate, you have to be using deadstock or second-hand material, upcycling. So they’re taking it seriously, and I would love to see this event on a bigger stage, in the public eye, and with everyone in fashion on board. There are so many factors that affect our clothes that we don’t even think about, like how fashion impacts us and how it impacts those around us. For example, who makes the clothes and fibers, and who is farming the fibers? How are they being treated? How much are they getting paid? There is going to have to be a real shift in the industry. I’m not naive enough to think it’ll happen overnight, but I would love to see it happen in a much bigger way than it is today.

The 2nd Annual HVSFW Organic Runway Show at Rose Hill Farm

WHEN: Friday September 27th, 4-9pm
WHERE: Rose Hill Farm,19 Rose Hill, Red Hook, NY
ATTEND: CLICK HERE for tickets + more information

Check out the Lineup of the 2024 Designers:

La Vie Après L’Amour | Kingston NY | Follow @apres.amour

Kaitlyn Murray is on a mission to bridge the gap between fashion and nature through sustainably made clothing. For each collection at La Vie Apres L’amour, Kaitlyn will source, upcycle And reimagine each piece of second hand clothing into something new and beautiful. “We don’t think of clothing as trash and want to re-think how we fill our closets (and how we treat the Earth). Thrifting is the most sustainable way to shop but not everyone has time to dig through racks at thrift stores. Fortunately for you, we love it!”

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So Vicki Fashion | Newburgh NY | Follow @sovicki.fashion

Based in a former coat factory building in Kingston, So Vicki is a design house with an obvious appreciation for all things vintage and repurposed. They pride themselves in honoring ethical and sustainable practices using deadstock and pre-loved items throughout the design and manufacturing process.

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Faithfully Yours Atelier | Port Ewen NY | Follow @faithfullyyours_atelier

One-of-a-kind gender-free clothing that prides itself on “reducing waste one upcycle at a time.” Check out their line of playful, comfortable children’s and adult clothing, handmade, upcycled bags, household items, and accessories. Faithfully Yours Alelier also offer sewing lessons and other workshops! Find their items at local markets, peruse their wares, and learn more about their story.

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Clare Bare | Hudson NY | Follow @clarebarexo

Clare Bare offers up an exciting line of sustainable lingerie that is both racy and playful. Real models wear their flattering designs in a way that recalls timeless pin-ups from yesteryear in provocative and intimate poses while still feeling original. Meanwhile, they use upcycled vintage and sustainable materials to create one-of-a-kind and limited-edition styles. “Our pieces are designed to accentuate your assets in a natural way, using time-honored techniques yet fashion-forward silhouettes.”

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Made X Hudson | Hudson NY | Follow @madexhudsonshop

Made X Hudson represents local and sustainable designers in its chic shops (in Catskill and Hudson), offering a bounty of small-batch companies and original handmade goods. Beyond clothing, yarns, jewelry, and accessories, it also offers clothing swaps, sewing and knitting classes, and factory services to support independent designers and brands in search of local production opportunities.

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Caitlyn Kiara Couture | Newburgh NY | Follow @caitlynkiaracouture

Beaded goods, tailoring and sustainable couture, where high fashion meets vintage meets play. Caitlyn St. John is a tailor and fashion designer based in Newburgh, NY. Originally from the Bronx, NY, Caitlyn used the city and her background in dance, music and art as a backdrop for learning and inspiration. The CKC brand was established in 2019 when she was taken in for an apprenticeship at Broadway Tailors. There, she learned techniques that she would apply to her designs, such as close-fitting & tailored silhouettes, fine hand-sewing work, and intricate details that mark the CKC brand’s mythos. Her direct influences in the fashion world are Lee McQueen, Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, to name a few. The Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week show will be the debut for the brand and the world.

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Ennui | Kingston NY | Follow @shopennui

Classically feminine, vintage-inspired, Ennui evokes a classical country whimsy that recalls the traditional European style of old paintings and pastoral views. Romantic and embracing nostalgia, the designs draw inspiration from a mother’s cherished textile collection and the generational passage of craft and skill. These flouncy, sexy femme “house wears” are lovingly handcrafted in the Hudson Valley. But be warned; they will make you want to read Emily Dickinson and stare listlessly out a window.

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Olga Ella | Newburgh NY | Follow @_olgaella_

Olga Ella turns upcycled denim into a fun line of clothing and accessories rife with complex patterns and bold designs. Through the art of patchwork and sustainable fashion, the company confronts environmental challenges directly, proudly breathing new life into vintage fabrics. Olga Ella is a tribute to the owners’ grandmother, Ella, and Great-Grandmother, Olga, who embodied “timeless elegance and strength.”

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Behind the Seams | Garrison NY | Follow @behindthe_seams

Hudson Valley-based Behind the Seams offers sewing and alterations services, custom clothing, and an original line of clothing sourced from vintage and repurposed materials. It offers fun jumpsuits, overalls, pants, jumpers, accessories and more, including a line of sustainable fabrics in great condition that have been saved from landfills.

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Deanna McNally | Marist Student | Follow @redesign.d

Deanna McNally, originally from Long Island, New York, grew to love the craft of upcycling while studying fashion design at Marist College. Deanna shared, “The collection I will be showing in September is entitled “Collageable.” It explores how visually appealing it can be to collage found objects together. The artistic style of collage inspired me to use textile manipulation to collage upcycled materials and scraps together, finding beauty in the ability to take random shapes on their own. This may seem like nothing, but when put together, unexpected masterpieces emerge. In all my work, I strive to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. I aspire to continue making an impact on sustainable fashion in my career.”

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Gavin Cooper | Marist Student | Follow @gavin__cooper

Gavin Cooper was raised in Orange County, California, and was always naturally inclined to connect with the outdoors. Gavin explained how, as a child, “I journaled about bugs, caught frogs, and had dozens of books about animals. Later, on a trip to London, I found fashion, a medium through which I could express all the ideas I was waiting to release. I pursued that interest through my BFA Fashion Design degree at Marist College.” Gavin’s collection showcases an original tale of a bitter hunter who never had the opportunity to express their identity or dreams and a creature who is able to do so freely. “A Tale of Man vs. Beast collection explores identity and celebrates the journey of self-discovery. Hunting of Individualism. I hope to create collections that tell stories and talk about uncomfortable topics like gender, climate change, freedom, healing, etc. I also hope to continue pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible in the sustainable space through new textiles and new techniques.”

The 2nd Annual HVSFW Organic Runway Show at Rose Hill Farm

WHEN: Friday September 27th, 4-9pm
WHERE: Rose HIll Farm,19 Rose Hill, Red Hook, NY 12571
HOW: CLICK HERE for tickets + more information

We hope to see you at this year’s event!

Photos courtesy of HVSFW + Jay B. Ballesteros @jayb.us + Amelia C Williams @ameliacwilliams_ + Frank Theodore DiSalvo @frank__theodore

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