Show review in a sentence:

A celebration of conscious creativity, where repurposed materials and cultural heritage walked hand in hand down the runway.

Designer:

Various sustainable labels from Southeast Asia

Location:

Ida’s Bar, Gillman Barracks, Singapore

The vibe:

Tucked away in the lush, art-drenched enclave of Gillman Barracks, this year’s Eco Fashion Week felt more like a mindful retreat than a runway show. With golden hour light streaming in, guests sipped on welcome drinks while indie tracks played softly in the background. There was a palpable intimacy to the space bare concrete walls, potted palms, and a small runway set in the middle of a room filled with creatives, designers, and fashion lovers seated shoulder-to-shoulder. It was relaxed yet electric, the kind of setting that allowed the clothes and their stories to take centre stage.

The vision:

Titled Safe Place, Safe Space, this year’s theme spoke not only to sustainability in production, but also to emotional sustainability in fashion clothes that feel like home, both in comfort and meaning. There was a sense of reclamation in the air: of textiles, of traditions, and of community. While some pieces channeled bold cultural prints like OliveAnkara’s signature wax fabrics reimagined into gala ready silhouettes others leaned into experimental construction, with dramatic origami folds and deconstructed tailoring that told tales of past lives and future hope. Labels like Concur Patchwork and Su By Hand embraced textile waste with raw finesse, while Rentadella reminded us that fashion doesn’t need to be owned to be enjoyed.

What to shop (or at least dream about):

The look that drew audible gasps? A hand-painted kimono dress layered with panels of silk that rippled like ink in water—equal parts sculpture and statement (Look 1).

Then came a one-shoulder peacock-print gown with dramatic volume that danced with every step, radiating both power and playfulness. (Look 2)

And for the minimalists: a charcoal corseted jacket with voluminous sleeves and a woven skirt that nodded to old school craftsmanship with a futuristic edge. (Look 4)

Each piece felt deeply personal, not just because of the designers’ intentions, but because of the conversations they sparked in the room.

Final thoughts:

Eco Fashion Week 2025 didn’t just showcase sustainable fashion, it created a space where sustainability felt joyful, expressive, and infinitely creative. At a time when the fashion industry continues to grapple with its environmental impact, this evening was a timely reminder that beauty and responsibility can coexist, and even thrive, on the runway. Here’s hoping more events look and feel like this.