Sustainable fashion is a buzzy albeit ill-defined term right now, similar to how “organic” and “clean” labels have become suspiciously vague words used in corporate greenwashing. For Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, however, sustainability has quite literally been woven into the very fabric of the brand since its inception in 2008. From the frequent use of rose sylk (a biodegradable organic cellulose fiber) in its garments, to the integrated application of deadstock fabric and recycled cotton into its collections, Taymour isn’t just talking the talk – she’s also walking the walk.
Apart from its distinct use of vibrant textiles and trend-setting silhouettes that has made the New York-based imprint a fashion favorite amongst tastemakers, Collina Strada is one of the few brands today who has successfully fused effective sustainable practices into the daily operation of the brand. This is in no small part thanks to Taymour’s unwavering dedication to maintaining earth-conscious practices both professionally and personally. For Taymour, preserving the wellbeing of the planet is not just a marketing tactic or a seasonal trend – it is a principle that is ingrained into the very essence of who she is and ergo, her brand.
We recently visited Taymour’s NY studio and took a closer look at the designer’s process. From picking her brain on how fashion at large can continue to work towards true sustainability, to how she stays updated on the latest material innovations, our conversation with Taymour provided us with a chance for introspection on how we can take better care of our planet not only on this Earth Day, but for all other days forward. Read our full interview with Hillary Taymour below and explore Collina Strada’s SS23 collection at HBX.
What’s your favorite thing about the spring and summer seasons and how were those elements incorporated into your SS23 collection?
I love the first week of Spring in NYC when everyone comes out of their shell in the city. We can finally be outside and enjoy the sun. The energy on the streets is so pure and uniquely happy. I guess this kind of embodies the same energy I like to bring into my collections.
Tell us about your design process for this season’s collection. Some standouts we’ve noticed are low-rise billowing trousers, and fruit/veggie-inspired prints.
I start with fabrics/prints first and then start designing bodies. I like to take what is currently selling and the greatest hits, and work it into a new way to style on the runway. I love the idea of Collina being slow fashion so you can buy the same pant from us for a few years in different fabrications, etc.
You’ve been one of the standout names in the New York fashion scene continuously working towards sustainable fashion. What has that journey been like thus far and how were these practices highlighted for SS23?
Everyday there are new material innovations or production innovations. I have all my Google alerts set up to be able to read up on them daily. We work with rose sylk in all of our collections and try to reuse old fabrications in each collection. We source deadstock fabrications in basements in New Jersey and work with recycled yarns from Italy with Vitelli. Everyday I am open to new opportunities to make better, more planet-friendly clothing.
What does Earth Day mean to you?
Plant more trees, ride a bike to work, cook your own food, start growing your own food … the list goes on. Earth day should be a day you use to remind yourself, check in, and reset your life on how to live a more balanced connection to your planet.
What are some things you’ve loved seeing in the past couple years in fashion in terms of sustainability? And what are some things you’d like to see more of?
I loved working on the Gucci Continuum project where I was able to use old Gucci fabrications to bring something new to light. It was an amazing project and I would love to repurpose fabrications from any luxury house. I can't imagine how many bolts of amazing fabrications that are just sitting around waiting to be used.
Every fashion house should have a checklist:
- Utilize more sustainable materials
- Minimize water consumption
- Reuse materials
- Create less waste patterns
- Avoid chemicals
- Minimize shipping to create one product
- Ensure fair working conditions
- Supply chain transparency
- Protect biodiversity
What are some steps we can take, whether on a personal or industry level, to better care for the Earth?
Shop small businesses, small production runs, plant a small garden outside your window, or advocate for a rooftop garden in your building. Walk instead of drive, recycle, cook for your friends. Shop at the farmers market, be water conscious. Try to live plastic free, vote, eat vegan, and bring a reusable cup everywhere!
What has been your latest obsession?
Doing puzzles with friends.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned so far this year?
I've been very into all things mushrooms this year. Mushrooms have an enormous impact on ecosystems and literally could change the world. Fungi digest minerals from rocks and clean up fossil fuel spills. They can even assist in de-radiating the environment.
Who’s your latest style icon and why?
Edina/Bubble from [sic] Ab Fab. No explanations needed here.
