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Sewing Workshop by Yvonne Fashion Design – February 8th
Discover the Art of Upcycling with Yvonne Fashion Design!
Are you passionate about sustainable fashion or eager to learn how to breathe new life into your wardrobe? Join us at Runway Recycled on February 8th: 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM for an exclusive Sewing Workshop led by Ashleigh from Yvonne Fashion Design, a District of Columbia-Metropolitan Area sustainable designer!
What to Expect:
- Hands-on guidance in upcycling and transforming old garments into chic new pieces.
- Expert tips and tricks from Ashleigh, a seasoned seamstress and designer known for her innovative approach to sustainable fashion.
- A creative and supportive environment where you can explore your fashion ideas.
Whether you’re new to sewing or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is perfect for anyone interested in eco-friendly fashion. Limited spots available! Reserve your place now and take a step towards a more sustainable and stylish future. Tickets available on Eventbrite: RunwayRecycled.EventBrite.com
Fashion Sustainability and the Polyester Dilemma: A Thoughtful Reflection
At Runway Recycled, our mission is grounded in promoting sustainability through fashion. We pride ourselves on rescuing, beautiful garments from landfills and extending their life cycles by giving them a second chance to shine. However, as we continue to acquire pieces from fashion shows red carpet, events, boutiques, and even couture brands, we are confronted with a growing challenge: The prevalence of polyester.
This durable, versatile material may dominate the global fashion industry, but it’s impacting our planet, and our health is deeply concerning. Despite our preference for natural fibers, polyester garments – whether from fast fashion, bridal or high-end couture – are increasingly our inventory. This dilemma forces us to reconcile to truth:
- Keeping textiles out of landfills is essential for environmental sustainability.
- Polyester is neither good for the planet nor our bodies.
The Hidden Cost of Polyester
Polyester, a synthetic fiber, derived from petroleum, is a cornerstone of modern fashion. It is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to produce, making it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers. However, these benefits come at a high cost.
- Environmental Impact: Polyester productions, require significant energy and releases, greenhouse gases. It is estimated that producing 1 kg of polyester emits 5.5 kg of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, polyester garment shed, micro plastics with every wash, contributing to the 14,000,000 tons of micro plastics currently polluting our oceans (Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
- Non-Biodegradability: Polyester tastes 20 to 200 years to decompose, meaning that every polyester garment ever made still your thoughts on this complex issue. This creates a long-term waste problem that directly contradict sustainability goals.
- Health Concerns: Polyester does not breathe, like natural fiber, such as cotton, silk, or wool. It traps heat and moisture, which can irritate the skin and contribute to allergic reactions. Additionally, some study suggest that prolonged exposure to synthetic fabrics may have adverse effects on our largest organ – the skin.
Struggling With The Mission
At Runway Recycled, we are committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Yet, the abundance of polyester garment challenges, this mission. While rescuing these items align with our goal of preventing landfill waste, it also height highlights the need for systematic change in the fashion industry.
This internal struggle is one I face regularly. As a curator of eco-chic, formal wear, and bridal pieces, I grapple with whether promoting and reselling polyester garments, ultimately aligns with our values. At the same time, I realize that reusing and recycling is a step towards a more sustainable future – no matter the material.
The Road Ahead: Education and Advocacy
Our approach at Runway Recycled is not just to sell garments, but to educate and inspire change. Here’s how we can move forward:
- Raise Awareness: By sharing the environmental and health impacts of polyester, we can encourage consumer to make more informed choices.
- Promote Natural Fibers: We can prioritize garments made from natural, sustainable materials, showcasing their benefits over synthetic.
- Advocate for Change: The fashion industry needs to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibers. By supporting brands and designers committed to sustainability, we can influence trends and demand greater accountability.
- Innovate Recycling Solutions: Polyester is here to stay, but innovation in textile recycling can help mitigate its environmental footprint. Supporting research and development in this area is critical.
A Call to Action
While polyester presents undeniable challenges, it also presents an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability. Let’s educate ourselves, advocate for systematic changes, and continue to find innovative ways to repurpose and extend the life of garments.
At Runway Recycled, we remain committed to doing our part, even when face with dilemmas. Together, we can create a future, where fashion is both beautiful and sustainable – for our planet and for our bodies.
Share Your Thoughts:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this complex issue. How do you balance the need for sustainability with the reality of synthetic fabrics? Share your ideas and solutions in the comments below!
Sources:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017 Nov. 27) A new textiles economy: redesigning fashion’s future.
Unric (2024 Dec. 17). From petroleum to pollution: the cost of polyester.
Lea Daulan. (2018 May 3). Chemicals in textiles and the health implications.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Textiles and health.
Runway Recycled: The Boutique Disrupting Fashion with a Borrow-Wear-Return Revolution
In an era of fast fashion, Runway Recycled is leading the charge for sustainable style. Located in Moorestown, NJ, this nonprofit boutique is redefining how women shop for fashion with its innovative Garment Library. By offering locals a way to check in and out designer formal wear, bridal gowns, and eco-chic pieces, Runway Recycled is creating a circular fashion economy while empowering women to look their best sustainably.
The Garment Library: Quiet Luxury Meets Community
Fast fashion is out, and quiet luxury is in. Runway Recycled’s Garment Library brings this ethos to life with a unique borrow-wear or shine-return model. Members can access high-end designer fashion without commitment to a purchase, reducing textile waste and making sustainability affordable for all.
Perfect for weddings, galas, or milestone events, the Garment Library blends vintage charm with contemporary eco-chic design, proving that you don’t need to buy new to feel extraordinary. “Women deserve access to sustainable luxury”, says Dr. Bonita “Bo” Best. “Our Garment Library is about extending the lifecycle of high-quality garments while giving women the freedom to experiment with their style.”
Bridal gowns and formal wear take center stage, offering an affordable and eco-chic alternative to one-time purchases. Locals can look forward to a curated collection that vintage charm with contemporary chic – perfect for weddings, galas, red carpeted events, movie productions, and everything in between.
Eco-Chic Trunk Shows: Fashion with a Purpose
Runway Recycled’s Eco-Chic Trunk Shows go beyond retail – they’re community-driven events celebrating sustainable fashion. From showcasing upcycled designs to spotlighting local designers and creatives, these events educate and inspire fashion lovers to embrace eco-conscious choices.
One highlight of these trunk shows is Catwalk for Change initiative, which its signature initiative, Black Fashion Week Experience (BFW EXP) and Project Runway Recycled. BFW EXP event not only showcases emerging designers but also highlights the intersection of sustainability and diversity, reinforcing Runway Recycled’s commitment to driving change the fashion industry.
Pay It Forward: A Boutique That Gives Back
Fashion meets for philanthropy with Pay It Forward, an initiative where donated garments are labeled to be gifted to women at the ScholarCHIPS Winter Wonderland event on December 21, 2024. This January, lucky brides-to-be attending the Bridal & Wedding Expo will have the chance to win wedding gowns – further proof of Runway Recycled’s dedication to empowering women through fashion.
Additionally, the boutique gifts items from the Garment Library to select models who collaborate withers mission, strengthening partnerships with creatives who share its values.
Disrupting Fashion, One Borrowed Gown at a Time
Runway Recycled is more than a boutique; it’s a disruptor in the world of sustainable luxury fashion. By integrating circular fashion practices with community-driven initiatives, it’s leading a moment that proves high fashion and eco-conscious living can coexist.
With programs like the Garment Library, Eco-Chic Trunk Shows, and Pay It Forward, Runway Recycled is setting a new standard for sustainable retail while making fashion accessible to grow, it’s inspiring a global audience to rethink how they show, dress, and give back.
With plans to expand its initiative and impact, this small boutique is poised to influence the industry far beyond Moorestown. And as the world watches, Runway Recycled continues to ask the question: Can fashion save the planet? Their answer question? Absolutely!
Blog Series: Part 4 – Fashion with Purpose – The Sustainability Mission Behind the Garment Library
Part 4: Fashion with Purpose – The Sustainability Mission Behind the Garment Library
Did you know that fast fashion accounts for 92 million tons of waste annually? At Runway Recycled, we’re changing that the Garment Library. By borrowing instead of buying, you’re helping us.
- Reduce Waste: Each borrowed garment is one less item in a landfill.
- Promote Reuse: Extend the life cycle of beautiful pieces, reducing the demand for new production.
- Empower Communities: Your membership directly supports our mission to empower women through affordable, sustainable fashion.
Join us in creating a future where fashion is beautiful, accessible, and sustainable. In our final installment, we’ll share the perks of becoming a Green Goddess Member and how to get started!
Blog Series: Part 3 – What’s in the Garment Library? Bridal, Eco-Chic, and Formal Wear
Part 3: What’s in the Garment Library? Bridal, Eco-Chic, and Formal Wear Treasures
Runway Recycled’s Garment Library is your 1-stop destination for affordable, high-quality fashion that fits any occasion. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:
- Bridal Gowns: Say “yes” to sustainable luxury with our couture and elegant vintage wedding dresses. Perfect for your special day without the financial or environmental stress.
- Formal Wear: From galas to cocktail parties, our collection of evening gowns and formal attire will have you turning heads.
- Eco-Chic: Perfect for vacations, date nights, and weekend getaways, our curated collection ensures you look fabulous while stying eco-conscious.
- Corporate Chic: Need a polished look for a big presentation? Borrow tailored pieces to take your professional style up a notch.
Coming up in Part 4, we’ll discuss how the Garment Library supports sustainable fashion and reduces wardrobe waste!
Blog Series: Part 2 – How the Garment Library Works – Borrow, Shine, Return
Part 2: How the Garment Library Works – Borrow, Shine, Return
Welcome back to our blog series! Today, we’re sharing how you can make the most of Runway Recycled’s Garment Library and its seamless process.
Step 1: Become a Member
Membership opens the door to our carefully curated collection. As a Green Goddess Member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits like early access to new arrivals and discounts on our eco-stylish looks.
Step 2: Borrow with Confidence
Browse online or visit us in-store to select your perfect look to select your perfect look. Borrow for up to seven (7) days, with the option to extend if needed.
Step 3: Style Your Moment
Rock your look at your event, photoshoot, or night out, knowing you’re part of a sustainable fashion movement. Need styling advice, rebranding consultation, or pose coaching? Our team is here to help you shine.
Step 4: Return and Refresh
Return your garment refreshed with original tags and prepared for the next member.
Next time in Blog Series Part 3, we’ll explore the unique items you’ll find in the Garment Library, from eco-chic looks to bridal wear!
See Blog Series: Discover the Garment Library by Runway Recycled – Part 1
Blog Series: Part 1 – Discover the Garment Library by Runway Recycled
Part 1: Introducing the Garment Library – Fashion That Empowers
Welcome to the first part of our blog series on The Garment Library, a new initiative by Runway Recycled that’s redefining how women approach fashion.
What is the Garment Library?
It’s more than a closet — it’s a curated collection of bridal gowns, formal wear, corporate looks, and eco-chic outfits available to borrow. Whether you’re attending a wedding, making a splash at a gala, or preparing for a special moment in your life, the Garment Library gives you access to stunning pieces without the hefty price tag.
Our goal is simple: to empower women to look their best, feel confident, and embrace sustainable fashion. With every borrowed piece, you’re making a statement – not just about your style, but about your commitment to sustainability.
Stay turned for Part 2, where we’ll drive into how the Garment Library works and the exclusive perks of being a Green Goddess Member!
The Green Goddess: A Reflection of Empowerment, Elegance, and Sustainability
The Green Goddess: A Reflection of Empowerment, Elegance, and Sustainability
She walks with purpose, grace, and a quiet confidence that turns heads. She is bold, yet gentle. She is radiant, yet grounded. She is the Green Goddess. But what does it mean to embody this title? What’s the feeling, the essence, the vibe of a Green Goddess?
She is Rooted in Nature
A Green Goddess is one with the earth. Her beauty isn’t fleeting – it’s timeless, like the steady rhythm of nature itself. She wears garments not as disposable trends but as cherished pieces, carrying stories of sustainability and second chances.
Her choices speak louder than words:
- A 2-piece suit made from rescued fabrics.
- A chic blazer that once adorned another woman’s dreams.
- A gown that has graced runways and now makes its way into her special moment.
She doesn’t just wear clothes; she gives them new life.
She Radiates Confidence
To be a Green Goddess is to own every room you enter. It’s the feeling of walking tall, knowing your outfit tells a story of purpose. It’s the joy of celebrating you individually while contributing to something bigger — a world where fashion empowers and uplifts rather than discards and depletes.
Her vibe says:
“I am unstoppable.”
“I deserve to shine.”
“I am beautiful because I am authentic.”
Her wardrobe doesn’t define her; it amplifies her.
She is a Woman Supporting Women
The Green Goddess vibe is collaborative, not competitive. She borrows a garment from the Garment Library, tagging Runway Recycled, not out of obligation but out of pride. She knows that behind every hemline and zipper, there’s a story – a vision from another woman who dared to dream big.
She wears those stories proudly and passes them on to inspire the next woman. She understands that style isn’t just about look good; it’s about making others feel good, too.
She Embraces Sustainability with Style
For the Green Goddess, fashion is not about excess but intention. Her closet is curated, her choices deliberate. She doesn’t need 100 outfits -she needs a few that matter. And when she steps out in borrowed elegance from Runway Recycled’s Garment Library, she feels like a revolution.
The feeling is powerful:
- Knowing her dress saved a piece of fabric from the landfill.
- Knowing her heels have walked in another woman’s triumphs.
- Knowing her outfit is a testament to a new kind of luxury – sustainable, accessible, and chic.
Her style whispers sophistication and shouts “I care.”
The Vibe: Quiet Luxury, Loud Impact
The Green Goddess vibe is a harmonious blend of modern femininity and timeless class. It’s wearing a corporate power suit with confidence, a bridal gown with joy, or an eco-chic ensemble with flair. It’s the understanding that fashion can be kind, beautiful, and transformative all at once.
Her impact is loud – and ripple effect of empowerment and change.
Are You a Green Goddess?
To be a Green Goddess is to embrace who you are, to honor your journey, and to make choices that lift up others and the planet. It’s about redefining fashion, making sustainability glamorous, and sharing the spotlight with women everywhere.
At Runway Recycled, we don’t just provide clothes; we provide a way of life — a chance to borrow confidence, wear empowerment, and embody the Green Goddess within.
Step into this movement feel the vibe. Be the change. The Garment Library is now open, and we can’t wait to see how you shine.
Call to Action:
Ready to embrace your inner Green Goddess? Explore the Garment Library today and discover how you can make fashion a force for good. Visit RunwayRecycled.shop or stop by our boutique to start your journey.
Empowered Borrowing: A New Chapter with the Runway Recycled Garment Library
Introduction
Fashion tells a story. It transforms moments, boosts confidence, and connects us. At Runway Recycled, our mission is to empower women with stylish, sustainable options that not only look good but feel good too. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the official opening of the Garment Library—a woman-supporting-woman initiative designed to help you fill wardrobe gaps without breaking the bank.
But let’s take a step back and talk about the lessons we’ve learned. Fashion is a collaboration, and we’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to celebrate the entire journey—from the garment’s origin to its runway-ready debut on you. Here’s how we’re using these lessons to revamp how the Garment Library operates, ensuring that every woman borrowing from our collection becomes a co-creator in the story of sustainability.
The Lesson: Shared Stories, Shared Credit
Fashion is a shared experience, but it’s also a partnership. Recently, we encountered a situation where borrowed garments and posing ideas made their way into the spotlight—but without credit to the creative hands and hearts behind them. While we’re thrilled to see our garments shine, we believe that collaboration works best when everyone involved is celebrated.
So, we’re using this moment to refine and reshape how the Garment Library operates, ensuring that every woman borrowing from our collection plays an active role in sharing the garment’s story while honoring the partnership that makes it all possible.
Announcing the Garment Library: A New Way to Borrow Fashion
The Garment Library is here to make sustainable fashion accessible for all. Whether you’re saying “yes” to the dress, preparing for a career-defining presentation, or planning a chic getaway, our collection includes:
• Bridal Gowns: Affordable, elegant options that turn dreams into reality.
• Formal Wear: Statement pieces for galas, weddings, and red-carpet moments.
• Corporate Looks: Polished and professional outfits to own the boardroom.
• Eco-Chic Fashions: Stylish options for travel, nights out, and unforgettable moments.Every piece in the Garment Library is designed to elevate your style while supporting sustainability.
Revamped Guidelines: Borrowing with Confidence, Sharing the Credit
To ensure the Garment Library operates with transparency and respect for everyone involved, here are the updated guidelines for borrowing:
1. Tagging for Transparency
When borrowing from the Garment Library, you agree to tag Runway Recycled, Sustainable Gowns, or both (depending on the item) in any photos or posts featuring the borrowed look. This not only credits the source but also helps us share the garment’s journey with our community.Hashtags: #runwayrecycled #sustainablegowns #garmentlibrary #greengoddessstyle #RRGarmentStory #borrowedconfidence #fashionwithpurpose
2. Contributing to the Story
Borrowers are invited to contribute to the garment’s lifecycle story by enabling tagged photos and providing testimonials or captions that highlight how the piece was worn. Each story adds to the garment’s rich history.3. Professional Cleaning Required
All borrowed items must be professionally cleaned by our preferred dry cleaners to maintain quality and ensure they’re ready for the next borrower. Original tags must remain intact during the borrowing period.4. Option to Purchase
If you fall in love with a borrowed piece, you can choose to purchase it at a reduced rate. This ensures the garment continues to be cherished and appreciated in your own wardrobe.5. Modifications Policy
If modifications are required, they must be performed by our approved seamstress to maintain the integrity of the garment. Alternatively, borrowers may purchase the item and modify it independently.6. Garment Visibility Online
Borrowed items must be available for tagging on our online shop to showcase the garment in action. This feature connects the in-store borrowing experience to our digital audience, promoting the story of sustainable fashion.Why These Guidelines Matter
These guidelines aren’t just rules—they’re part of a larger mission to ensure that every woman borrowing from the Garment Library feels empowered and celebrated, while also respecting the creative effort that goes into curating and maintaining our collection.
By working together, we create a system of shared respect, sustainability, and collaboration. Every borrowed piece becomes a testament to the power of women supporting women.
Join the Movement: Opening Day Is Here
The Garment Library is officially open! Ready to step into a world of sustainable style? Whether you’re planning a wedding, heading to a gala, or simply need something fabulous for your next big moment, we’ve got you covered.
Become a Green Goddess Member today to enjoy exclusive access to the Garment Library, early access to new arrivals, and personalized styling assistance*. Let’s make sustainable fashion the new standard—together.
Final Thoughts: Fashion with Purpose
At Runway Recycled, every garment has a story, and every woman who borrows from the Garment Library becomes part of that journey. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of fashion, the power of collaboration, and the importance of sustainability.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to see how you shine in your borrowed looks—and how you contribute to their stories.
Ready to get started? Visit RunwayRecycled.shop or stop by our boutique to explore the collection and learn more about becoming a member.
Let’s empower, inspire, and create together.