The Hyères Festival, marking its 30th anniversary, concluded on October 15, crowning Belgian designer Igor Dieryck and Swedish designer Petra Fagerstrom as winners. This renowned fashion event showcased sustainable fashion, textile innovation, and craftsmanship, elevating the industry’s commitment to eco-conscious practices.
Belgian designer Alec Bizby, born in Brecon, Wales, captivated the audience with his inventive and sustainable collection. He paid tribute to his father, a farmer and coal miner, by using innovative materials such as jersey flakes resembling wool vermicelli and old Victorian clay pipes from the Thames’s mudflats. Bizby’s collection highlighted sustainability and creative craftsmanship, setting the tone for eco-friendly fashion.
Fengyuan Dai, a designer with a personal journey from China to France, presented the «Equilibre» collection. Dai’s work reflected his life’s transformation, from his childhood in China to his experiences in France. He used stripes, checks, ribbons, and straps to symbolize the highly hierarchical social relationships in China. Dai’s fabric innovation was noteworthy, as he created new materials from recycled fabrics and offcuts, embodying sustainable fashion principles.
Jung Eun Lee, also known as JL, shared her remarkable journey from South Korea to Germany and her dedication to sustainable fashion. Her collection simulated feathers, fur, and animal skins with meticulous textile techniques. Lee’s innovative approach involved recreating feathers using frayed fabrics and achieving the appearance of reptile scales. Her commitment to sustainability was evident in her choice of materials, including cactus leather and sequins made from recycled plastic.
The Hyères Festival not only celebrated the creative talent of designers but also emphasized sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship in the fashion industry. It serves as a platform for eco-conscious fashion and sets the stage for a more sustainable and innovative future.
As the fashion world increasingly prioritizes sustainability and innovation, events like the Hyères Festival play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s direction. The combination of creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability is driving fashion into a more eco-friendly and innovative era.
