Runway Recycled Shop

Category: Recommendation

  • Why Moorestown, NJ was Identifies an Ideal Place for Runway Recycled’s Flagship

    Why Moorestown, NJ was Identifies an Ideal Place for Runway Recycled’s Flagship

    By Dr. Bo Best, Founder & CEO – Runway Recycled 

    Original Published: April 15, 2023 (Updated May 4, 2024)

    At Runway Recycled, our mission is to revolutionize the fashion industry by promoting sustainability, and supporting marginalized communities. Establishing our flagship in Moorestown, New Jersey, aligns seamlessly with our goals, given the town’s unique blend of community characteristics and strategic location. 

    Community Demographics and Economic Landscape

    Moorestown, a township in Burlington County, boasts a population of approximately 21,577 as of 2023 census. While the area is known for its affluence, economic disparities exist within the community. In 2021, 19% of Moorestown families did not earn enough to afford the basic cost of living, with 5% living below the poverty line. This indicates a significant portion of the population facing financial challenges, underscoring the need for initiatives that support the working poor and marginalized groups. 

    Proximity to Major Urban Centers

    Moorestown’s location offers proximity to major urban centers like Philadelphia and New York City, which are traditional main fashion hubs. This accessibility allows Runway Recycled to tap into a diverse talent pool and resources while operating in a community that benefits from economic development initiatives. 

    Community Engagement and Support

    The township’s active community organizations and supportive local government create an environment conducive to social enterprises. Moorestown Mall has a history of community involvement and support for local businesses. Collaboration with local institutions, such as Rizzieri Aveda School in Voorhees, NJ, for hair and makeup services during events, exemplifies the community’s engagement and support for initiatives like ours. 

    Addressing Local Needs

    By establishing Runway Recycled in Moorestown, we aim to address local economic disparities by providing employment opportunities, skills training, and access to affordable, sustainable fashions. Our programs, such as the Sustainable Apprenticeship Program (formerly Emerging Sustainable Bootcamp) and the Boutique on Wheels (BOW), are designed to empower residents, particularly those from marginalized communities, by offering pathways to economic stability and personal development. 

    In summary, Moorestown’s demographic diversity, strategic location, and supportive infrastructure make it an ideal setting for Runway Recycled to fulfill its mission of serving the working poor and marginalized communities beyond the main fashion hubs. 

     

    1 About Moorestown: Moorestown Township, NJ – Official Website
    2 US Census Bureau QuickFact (July 2023)
    3 United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) of Northern New Jersey
    * New Jersey Poverty Rate By County – IndexMundi.com
    5 Patch.com: Moorestown Mall Stores Keep Community Engaged Amid Closure (April 2020)
    6 Patch.com: Moorestown Mall’s Proposed Entertainment Complex To Get Vote This Fall (September 20)

  • The Art of Curating Sustainable Fashion

    The Art of Curating Sustainable Fashion

    How Runway Recycled Gives New Life to High-End, Vintage, Bridal and Pre-Loved Fashions

    By Dr. Bo Best, Founder & CEO – Runway Recycled

    At Runway Recycled, our mission is to revolutionize the fashion industry by promoting sustainability, supporting marginalized communities, and addressing the systemic issue affecting the working poor. Central to this mission is our commitment to curating eco-chic fashion by rescuing garments from fashion shows, acquiring deadstock from closing boutiques, and collaborating with eco-conscious community-based organizations (CBO). 

    Our curation process involves several key initiatives: 

    • Rescuing Runway Pieces: We collaborate with designers to acquire samples and showpieces that have graced the runway. These exclusive items, often produced in limited quantities, are given a second life, allowing fashion enthusiasts to own a piece of haute couture history. 
    • Acquiring Deadstock from Boutiques: When boutiques and retailers close their doors, they often have unsold inventory, known as deadstock. We step in to acquire these items, preventing them from ending up in landfills. This approach not only supports boutique owners during transitions but also promotes a circular economy within the fashion industry. 
    • Collaborating with Eco-Conscious Organizations: We partner with CBOs that share our commitment to sustainability. Through these collaborations, we source unique, handcrafted items that reflect the cultural heritage and artisanal skills of various communities, adding diversity and richness to our collections. 

    Empowering the Working Poor Through Fashion

    A significant aspect of our mission is to support the working poor – individuals who are employed yet live at and below the poverty line. By integrating ethical sourcing and fair labor practices into our curation process, we aim to address systemic challenges such as low wages, income instability, and limited access to benefits. 

    Our Initiatives Include: 

    • Apprenticeship Program: We mentor emerging designing and fashion enthusiasts, particularly those from marginalized communities, providing hands-on experience in sustainable practices. This program equips participants with the skills and knowledge to create eco-friendly designs, fostering economic empowerment and contributing to a more inclusive fashion industry.
    • Garment Library: Our Garment Library offers a curated selection of sustainable pieces available to check in/out at accessible prices. This initiative promotes the reuse of clothing, reduces waste, and makes sustainable fashions attainable for individuals from all economic backgrounds. 
    • Green Goddess Membership: This membership program provides exclusive access to sustainable fashion collections, events, and workshops. Members join a community committed to making environmentally conscious fashion choices, with a portion of proceeds supporting initiatives aimed at uplifting the working poor within the fashion industry and beyond. 
    • Boutique On Wheels (BOW): Our mobile boutique brings sustainable fashion directly to underserved communities, increasing accessibility and raising awareness about eco-friendly, sustainable, and eco-conscious fashion options. By reaching out to areas often overlooked by mainstream fashion and beyond the main fashion hubs, we strive to make sustainable and ethical fashion choices available to all.   

    Impact and Community Engagement

    By Integrating these initiatives into our curation process, we offer unique eco-chic fashions while actively engaging with the community to promote sustainable and equitable practices. Our events and programs serve as platforms for educating and inspiration, encouraging a collective movement towards a more just and sustainable fashion industry. 

    At Runway Recycled, we believe that fashion can be both stylish and responsible. Through our dedicated curation process and community-focused initiatives, we strive to make eco-conscious and eco-chic fashion accessible and appealing to all, while addressing the systemic challenges faced by the working poor in the industry. 

     

    ¹ eBay’s Second Hand Fashion Show at NYFW 2024: A Winning Step Towards Circular Fashion

    ²  Trash the Runway 2024: What You Need to Know – Jennifer Egbert

    ³  In the Rush Back to the Runways, Sustainability Slipped Out of the Headlines – Here’s Who’s Still Innovating (Emily Farra, 2021)