The Met Gala prompts discussion about clothing sustainability #top .av_textblock_section.av-mow0t1zz-31c7556de0f3ff1535e293b5a037629e .avia_textblock{ color:#919191; } Experts say consumers are more concerned now about quality goods. #top .flex_column_table.av-equal-height-column-flextable.av-5oigyui-aebed6c44e43931c0f87c19da194d947{ margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:10px; } .flex_column.av-5oigyui-aebed6c44e43931c0f87c19da194d947{ width:17.6%; margin-left:0; } #top .flex_column_table.av-equal-height-column-flextable.av-5oigyui-aebed6c44e43931c0f87c19da194d947 .av-flex-placeholder{ width:3%; } .avia-image-container.av-mow0ucds-623da797de672d3100e054b9a4382558 img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-mow0ucds-623da797de672d3100e054b9a4382558 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; } #top .flex_column_table.av-equal-height-column-flextable.av-1gpt1pnu-be250a91cd9f108560d06d7214a6e3ca{ margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:10px; } .flex_column.av-1gpt1pnu-be250a91cd9f108560d06d7214a6e3ca{ width:79.4%; margin-left:0; } #top .flex_column_table.av-equal-height-column-flextable.av-1gpt1pnu-be250a91cd9f108560d06d7214a6e3ca .av-flex-placeholder{ width:3%; } Victoria Naidoo /May 7, 2026 #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1bbqbxpm-f012962bca1b5fc159d0fc26fd33ffe3{ height:30px; } .avia-image-container.av-mow10xh9-e6d3f5ceb722905fa6de781ea3d50a7d img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-mow10xh9-e6d3f5ceb722905fa6de781ea3d50a7d .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; } Burrard and Robson Street are home to many luxury stores. (Victoria Naidoo, BCIT news) #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-16ghqvsa-b2a9bca8995f2ea07b48f06722df2adc{ height:20px; } From luxury runway collections to viral social media trends, fashion’s environmental impact is under increasing scrutiny. Industry voices like Sahil Morar of RedRani, a small fashion business owner, say consumers are paying more attention to how long their clothing will last and whether brands are genuinely committed to the sustainable process. When it comes to the sustainability of big fashion events such as the Met Gala, it can play a very negative role. “People who are going to their regular jobs who just kind of want to look a bit nicer are not going to be spending $300 on a dress for work, “said Morar. He believes it plays a major role in mass production, where big fast-fashion brands like SHEIN come to play. Designers like Morar say that luxury brands try to set themselves apart by turning to promote sustainability, premium fabric quality, branding, and exclusivity. .avia-image-container.av-mow26mt7-2d9c26209e5eeb84bc1227a083836184 img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-mow26mt7-2d9c26209e5eeb84bc1227a083836184 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; } Sahil Morar primarily designs indian gowns (Sahil Morar / Fashion Designer) Many people crave luxury because of this strategic branding, but that means that cheaper interpretations of the brands will be mass-produced everywhere, leaving clothing being dumped in landfills. Waste Solutions Canada says every year, nearly 500 million kilograms (about 85%) of textiles and home fabrics end up in landfills. There are over 40 facilities and small businesses that strive to better Vancouver’s economy, some of which are like FABCYCLE. .avia-image-container.av-mow27p4v-7667be0033e98902f149db58b9cf8a51 img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-mow27p4v-7667be0033e98902f149db58b9cf8a51 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; } Buyers in Robson fill the luxury stores. (Victoria Naidoo / BCIT News) “We work directly with factories to manufacture clothing, with designers, with film sets. Anybody who has materials they are not able to use for different reasons… we collect it, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill,” said Irina McKenzie, founder of FABCYCLE. To Sahil, Vancouver promotes sustainability, but wonders if its fashion industry lives up to those expectations. Every year, one of the biggest nights for fashion worldwide takes the main stage: The Met Gala. .avia-image-container.av-mow28ayi-0f93ea941c277c14339970ba90b52388 img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-mow28ayi-0f93ea941c277c14339970ba90b52388 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; } storefront displays frame the windows as pedestrians walk by. (Victoria Naidoo / BCIT News) .avia-image-container.av-mow28r0p-598b14376171201a8c3e65d822dbd799 img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-mow28r0p-598b14376171201a8c3e65d822dbd799 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; } Gowns are displayed through windows in downtown Vancouver. (Victoria Naidoo / BCIT News) The Met Gala is known for its elaborate display of fashion and art, showcasing some of the most creative designs from luxury brands. Some people like Morar wonder if it is a work of pure art or if it’s now become a display of excessive wealth. Morar says, “The Met Gala celebrates art; it celebrates costume for lack of a better term. I think in the last couple of years it has been overtaken by non-taste makers in fashion, but those who can buy their way in.” Mckenzie says, Vancouver designers are more eco-friendly as the city tries to progress in the fashion market, making things both affordable and resourceful.
