FUTURE FASHION CONCEPTS: An Exhibition on the Threads of Tomorrow’s Fashions

“Future Fashion Concepts” illuminates the pressing call for environmentally conscious practices within the fashion and interior design sectors while celebrating the pioneering innovators driving transformative change. Curated by Annette and Daniela Felder, co-founders of Felder Felder, in collaboration with Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM), the exhibition showcases a diverse array of responsible advancements, ranging from materials cultivated from mycelium and seaweed to repurposed textile waste. These innovative creations underscore the notion that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, challenging the conventional belief that responsible fashion compromises style, performance, or quality.  

Central to the exhibition’s ethos is the importance of collaboration. The curators emphasize that the fashion industry’s transition to sustainability requires collective effort. They highlight the collaborative spirit within the sustainable fashion community, contrasting it with the competitive landscape of traditional fashion. From Ecovative, the mycelium innovator, to OSOMTEX, a pioneer in textile recycling, each exhibitor brings unique expertise and perspectives to the table. By bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the exhibition fosters a sense of shared purpose and solidarity in addressing the climate and environmental crises. 

Embracing the ethos of collaboration, a gender-neutral design was forged for the exhibition by Felder Felder and Mario Braghieri, Program Leader for Fashion Design at IMM, utilizing  Forager’s pioneering mycelium-based material by Ecovative. This piece embodies the boundless possibilities when visionary intellect, expert craftsmanship, and the forces of nature converge.  

The genesis of “Future Fashion Concepts” traces back to 2018 when Annette and Daniela Felder inaugurated the exhibition during Art Basel Miami. Serving as a catalyst for discourse, the exhibition provided a platform to articulate the imperative for ecologically mindful practices within the fashion industry, sparking dialogues that continue today. 

By joining forces with IMM, a renowned institution at the forefront of fashion education, the exhibition gains additional credibility and reach, attracting emerging talent and industry professionals alike. Together, they aim to showcase the latest advancements in sustainable textiles while inspiring future generations of fashion creatives to embrace responsible practices.

“Future Fashion Concepts” showcases a diverse range of sustainable developments, from materials crafted from mycelium and seaweed to recycled textile waste. The curators emphasize the importance of highlighting these innovations to demonstrate that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive. By integrating cutting-edge materials into their designs, the exhibition challenges the perception that sustainable fashion compromises on style, performance, or quality.

In addition to showcasing sustainable textiles and designs, the exhibition incorporates interactive elements and educational components. Visitors attending the opening on March 1st have the opportunity to learn about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the importance of responsible production and consumption through a panel discussion featuring material creators Ecovative, Soarce, and Osomtex. The exhibition aims to raise awareness and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.

“Future Fashion Concepts” will be open to the public at Istituto Marangoni Miami from March 1st to April 1st of 2024, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

About the Curators:

Annette and Daniela Felder, co-founders of Felder Felder, didn’t set out to be pioneers in sustainable fashion. Despite their personal values being aligned with a conscious lifestyle, their foray into the fashion industry did not initially embrace sustainability. Graduating from Central Saint Martin’s in London in 2006, they embarked on their fashion journey, unaware of the environmental impacts of the industry they were entering. Their trajectory took a significant turn when they realized the extent of fashion’s ecological footprint and their role in it.

Reflecting on their careers, Annette and Daniela share how their initial focus was on establishing their brand in the competitive world of fashion. They participated in London Fashion Week, earning recognition and accolades. Yet, it wasn’t until they confronted the harsh reality of overproduction and environmental damage that they pivoted towards sustainability. This realization sparked their journey into responsible fashion, where they sought to integrate sustainable practices without compromising on style and aesthetics.

Annette and Daniela’s vision for the exhibition is rooted in optimism and hope. They emphasize the importance of showcasing solutions rather than just highlighting problems. Through creativity and innovation, they aim to inspire visitors to rethink their consumption habits and demand more sustainable alternatives. By focusing on the possibilities offered by sustainable fashion, they seek to ignite a sense of optimism and empowerment among consumers and industry professionals alike.