September 2025 Fashion Weeks, Sustainable Designers & Must-See Exhibits
- Britta Cabanos
- Sep 1
- 4 min read
Welcome to our Monthly Thread! September 2025. Fashion Weeks, Sustainable Designers & Must-See Exhibits
September is always a magical month in the fashion calendar. The energy of New York Fashion Week kicks off a global cycle of creativity, inspiration, and cultural dialogue that spans from NYC to Paris, London to Seoul. For designers, students, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, September isn’t just another month — it’s when fashion truly comes alive.
This year, sustainability, Inclusivity, and innovation are taking center stage. Here’s your curated guide to what’s happening across the world of fashion — from runway highlights to global fashion weeks, and even the museum exhibitions that bring fashion into a cultural conversation.
Emerging Sustainable Designers to Watch at NYFW
New York Fashion Week (September 11–16, 2025) is where innovation meets responsibility. These five designers are redefining what it means to create with conscience:
Peter Do – Luxury Meets Biofabric Innovation
Peter Do is pioneering with biodegradable “leather” alternatives crafted from shrimp shells and mushrooms through his collaboration with TômTex. Known for his architectural tailoring and made-to-order model, he proves that sustainability and high fashion can coexist.
➡️ Not listed on the official NYFW calendar this season — watch for possible off-schedule presentations.
Collina Strada (Hillary Taymour) – Whimsy + Activism
Famous for transforming the runway into a vibrant playground, Hillary Taymour seamlessly fuses Activism with artistry. Expect upcycled deadstock fabrics, eco-friendly textiles, and her signature playful yet political approach.
Willy Chavarria – Cultural Integrity + Inclusivity
Willy Chavarria’s work blends oversized silhouettes, heritage storytelling, and social justice. His recent Paris “Tarantula” collection with Adidas garnered global attention.
➡️ Not showing at NYFW this September; instead continuing global momentum from Paris.
Telfar – Fashion for Everyone, Built to Last
“Not for you — for everyone.” Telfar’s inclusive and accessible ethos continues to redefine fashion with vegan materials and democratic design.
➡️ Not listed on the official schedule, but known for unique off-calendar activations.
Private Policy – Streetwear with a Conscience
Bold, activist-driven streetwear that tackles everything from climate justice to social inequality. Recycled fabrics and conscious sourcing are central to their design ethos.
Must-See Fashion Exhibitions
Fashion isn’t only on the runway this month — museums worldwide are bringing a diverse range of exhibitions, offering unique cultural experiences.
Dress, Dreams, and Desire: Fashion and Psychoanalysis
Museum at FIT, NYC | Opens September 10 | Free Entry. Explores the emotional + psychological dimensions of fashion with nearly 100 pieces by McQueen, Schiaparelli, Gaultier, and more.Learn More
Virgil Abloh: The Codes
Grand Palais, Paris | September 30 – October 10. An expansive tribute to Virgil Abloh, spanning fashion, music, and design — nearly 1,000 archive pieces. Details
Fashion on the Move
Palais Galliera, Paris | Through October 12. Tracing the relationship between fashion and sport from the 18th century to today.
Textiles: The Art of Mankind
Fashion & Textile Museum, London | Through September 7. A celebration of textile art and global craftsmanship. Tickets
Textile Exhibit; Fashion & Textile Museum, London
The House of Worth: Inventing Haute Couture
Petit Palais, Paris | Through September 7. Exploring the legacy of Charles Frederick Worth, often called the father of haute couture.
Sargent: The Paris Years
Musée d’Orsay, Paris | Opens September 23. Fashion-focused portraiture by John Singer Sargent, reflecting Parisian society and elegance.
Global Fashion Events in September 2025
The energy doesn’t stop in New York. Here are the other major fashion weeks happening this month, connecting us to the global fashion community:
Seoul Fashion Week | September 3–7, 2025 | Spotlighting sustainability, recycled textiles, and zero-waste patterns.
Tokyo Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2026) | September 1–6, 2025 | Innovative Japanese design + global talent.
London Fashion Week | September 18–22, 2025 | Over 250 designers, blending heritage and modernity.
Milan Fashion Week | September 23–29, 2025 | Known for luxury craftsmanship and trendsetting houses.
Paris Fashion Week | September 29–October 7, 2025 | The crown jewel, closing out the season with couture and creativity.
Wrap Up
From emerging designers in New York to Paris exhibitions honoring Virgil Abloh, September is proof that fashion is more than just what we wear — it’s a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue between art, culture, and responsibility. Whether you’re tuning into a runway livestream, booking museum tickets, or following along on social media, this month offers endless inspiration.
📚 Sources & Citations