FICFF Champions Sustainability and Emerging Designers at the Cultural Thread Collection Runway Show in New York
New York, January 16, 2025 – The Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF) brought together sustainability and cultural heritage for their F/W25 Cultural Thread Collection runway show at Gotham Hall, New York City. As part of FICFF’s Green Thread Sustainable Innovation Program, the event showcased the foundation’s commitment to supporting member designers and advancing sustainability in the fashion industry.
The show featured designs from FICFF’s Green Thread Program members, including CHANTEX, Shawn Baron Pinckney, Caroline Brown, Victoria Manion, and Benjamin Acklin. Each collection reflected a unique blend of historical influences, mythology, and modern craftsmanship, demonstrating how fashion can serve as both an artistic expression and a force for environmental responsibility. Drawing inspiration from cultural narratives such as the Chinese Zodiac and traditional artistic techniques, the collections reinterpreted heritage through sustainable design.
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CCTV x FICFF Runway Show - F/W 2025 Cultural Threads Collection
Among the evening’s highlights was Maye Musk, who witnessed the event wearing a stunning piece crafted by FICFF’s Green Thread Program members Shawn Baron Pinckney and Caroline Brown. Moreover, NBA legend Joe Johnson also made his runway debut, wearing a bespoke design by FICFF member CHANTEX, bridging the worlds of sports, fashion, and sustainability. The evening was further elevated by a performance from deaf singer and America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer recipient Mandy Harvey, whose artistry and advocacy added an inspiring dimension to the event.
FICFF’s founder and chairman, Yitong Qin, emphasized the foundation’s role in fostering the next generation of sustainable designers. “Green Thread is more than a fashion program; it is a platform that equips designers with the tools, mentorship, and industry connections needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving fashion landscape,” said Qin. “Beyond education, we provide funding, strategic guidance, legal resources, and media exposure to ensure their work reaches global audiences.”
The Green Thread Sustainable Innovation Program serves as a vital resource for designers seeking to integrate sustainability into their creative process. By offering access to international fashion showcases, mentorship from industry leaders, and opportunities for collaboration with manufacturers and retailers, the program ensures that emerging designers have the foundation to build lasting careers. It also emphasizes sustainable fashion education, helping designers implement eco-conscious production methods, ethical sourcing, and circular fashion principles that minimize waste and environmental impact.
This year’s Cultural Thread Collection emphasized FICFF’s mission to merge sustainability with high fashion. The designs were crafted using upcycled materials, thrifted fabrics, and ethical production techniques, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can coexist. From intricately embroidered pieces inspired by ancient artistry to modern silhouettes made from upcycled textiles, the collection pictured a future where creativity and environmental consciousness go hand in hand.
Event Gallery
2025 Cultural Threads Collection
Beyond its impact on sustainable fashion, the Cultural Thread Collection reflected FICFF’s dedication to cultural exchange. By incorporating elements from diverse traditions and historical influences, the collection reinforced the idea that fashion can serve as a bridge between past and future, uniting cultures through artistic expression.
With the success of this year’s showcase, FICFF continues to expand its reach, creating opportunities for designers to grow, experiment, and lead the transformation toward a more sustainable and conscious fashion industry.
About FICFF
The Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF) is a non-profit organization based in New York, dedicated to transform fashion into a catalyst for global change. By harnessing the universal power of fashion, FICFF champions the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on innovation, sustainability, and equity. The mission of FICFF is to shape a more sustainable, conscious, and just future through the influence of fashion.