By Daniela Mendoza / Translated by Samai Páez

The Argentina Fashion Week, held at the Palermo Hippodrome, has established itself as a benchmark in the industry, standing out this year for its strong focus on sustainability and cultural diversity. With a series of shows and presentations they captured the public's attention, Argentine fashion showed its capacity for evolution and commitment to environmental and social challenges. Emerging and veteran designers exhibited their collections under the motto “The present and future must be sustainable,” reflecting ethical and responsible fashion.

One of the most outstanding topics was the participation of brands committed to the environment, such as Valkiirya and Valenzuela Couture, which presented garments made with recycled materials and production processes that are friendly to nature. The proposals not only stood out for their innovative aesthetics, but also for their environmental awareness, fusing elegance with ecological responsibility. These designers demonstrated that fashion can be a vehicle for change, by integrating sustainable practices without sacrificing style or quality.

In addition, cultural diversity was another central theme of the event. Designers from different regions of the country, including indigenous artisans, were invited to exhibit their work, highlighting the richness of Argentine culture and the importance of preserving traditions. Ancestral weaving and embroidery techniques were intertwined with contemporary designs, creating a synergy between the ancient and the modern that captured the public's attention and valued the cultural heritage of the country.

Likewise, within this approach to sustainable fashion, brands such as Calandrelli and Artelanas, which make part of MOLA HUB, provided their unique and ethical vision. Calandrelli, known for its clothing and textile design in natural fibers and dyes, presented custom-made pieces, standing out for its respect for the environment and its commitment to the creation of exclusive and high quality garments. Artelanas, on the other hand, showed its ability to combine tradition and modernity through handmade fabrics, using ancestral techniques that highlight the richness of natural resources and manual dexterity. Both brands not only distinguished themselves by their focus on sustainability, but also by the creation of unique pieces that reflect a deep respect for nature and the art of handmade pieces.

The event was not only limited to catwalks, but also included discussion panels and talks that addressed topics such as circular economyethical production producción ética and the social inclusion in the fashion industry. These dialogue spaces, allowed attendees to reflect on the role of fashion in today's society, and how it can be an engine of transformation towards a more equitable and respectful future with the planet.

The circular economy was one of the most recurrent topics in these discussions, as many designers and experts highlighted the need to change the current paradigms of consumption and production. Instead of continuing with the “use and dispose” model, a focus on recycling, reusing materials and creating durable garments was proposed. This concept was exposed in the collections presented, where the use of recycled textiles and sustainable manufacturing techniques took centre stage.

One of the most emotional moments of Argentina Fashion Week was the inclusion of marginalized communities on the catwalk. Some of the designers invited artisans from indigenous peoples to collaborate in the creation of pieces, making their art visible and allowing their voices to be part of the event. This collab not only highlighted the importance of cultural diversity, but also the power of fashion to generate a positive social impact.

Likewise, the catwalk was a space for technological innovation. Some designers incorporated advanced textile technologies, such as biodegradable fabrics and natural dyes, showcasing that sustainable fashion can also be avant-garde and futuristic. These innovations not only seek to reduce the environmental impact of the industry, but also to inspire future generations of creators to follow the path of sustainability.

The Argentina Fashion Week concluded with a reflection on the future of fashion in the country and the world. In a global context where climate change and social inequalities demand a profound transformation, this event made it clear that fashion has a crucial role to play. The participating designers and brands showed that it is possible to create beauty and style without compromising ethical values or responsibility towards the planet.