Lower Hudson Valley: With over 5,000 bridal gowns acquired annually, local designers are prioritising sustainability, offering eco-friendly fabrics and repurposing options. Brides are increasingly mindful of their impact on the environment, embracing innovative choices that reflect a growing trend towards conscious consumption in the world of wedding fashion.
Every year, more than 5,000 bridal gowns are acquired for weddings in the Lower Hudson Valley, a figure that likely underestimates the true number, with many of these dresses worn only once. In light of significant textile waste—with over 100 pounds of textiles per person in the U.S. ending up in landfills annually, according to the Boston University School of Public Health—future brides are increasingly prioritising sustainable choices in their hunt for the perfect dress.
As brides seek their dream attire, factors such as eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production conditions may not be foremost in their minds. Yet, they provide a sense of satisfaction. “It’s not the reason you buy a dress, but it’s a nice bonus,” says Rebecca Rampersaud, an Eastchester native and founder of Covn, an online bridal boutique that emphasises sustainable practices. “It’s nice peace of mind,” she adds, highlighting a growing trend among brides towards conscious consumption.
Among the various sustainable shopping strategies, steering clear of mass-produced gowns is one method to reduce environmental impact. Fabrics that bear the “Oeko-Tex Made in Green” label ensure that they are non-toxic and meet strict environmental and social standards. In addition, recycling a family member’s wedding gown or donating one’s own dress to be worn again are also viable options for eco-conscious brides. Several designers from Westchester and the Hudson Valley are leading the charge in creating beautiful, sustainable bridal wear.
In Ossining and New York City, Bespokely operates under a model focused on custom-made dresses, with a turnaround time of four months. Owner Christine Cui explains her sustainable strategy: “Because our business model is made to order, we don’t have tons of dresses in inventory. We generate minimum waste from design to production.” The boutique employs sustainable, plastic-free packaging and provides reusable, portable dress bags. Cui aims to design dresses that can be adaptable for different life stages, citing her creation of an adjustable two-piece dress for a bride uncertain about her fitness for the wedding due to potential pregnancy.
Rampersaud’s boutique reflects a similar ethos with custom-made, ethical bridal and formal wear available in sizes ranging from 0 to 20. “I wanted to create something timeless, the opposite of trendy. I love the idea of passing on your dress to your daughter or granddaughter,” she states, drawing from her experience in the fashion industry in both New York City and London. After thorough research at textile shows in both NYC and Paris, Rampersaud selected a fabric composed of 97 per cent cupro and 3 per cent silk, sourced from a family-owned, ethically certified mill in China. “It was love at first touch,” she adds, describing the fabric as silky, thick, hypoallergenic, and durable.
North Salem’s Dianne Keesee, who has over 25 years of experience in designing, creating, and altering wedding dresses, engages in a significant amount of repurposing work. She transforms vintage gowns into junior bridesmaid or flower girl dresses, as well as alterations on family veils. “It gives another life to the fabric and the dress,” she shares, acknowledging that while repurposing can be costly, many women are unaware of this option, which also aligns with the “something borrowed” and “something old” traditions.
In Beacon, Nicole Percacciolo Stephens, who offers a range of bridal accessories alongside her custom garments, also embraces the philosophy of repurposing. From crafting unique veils using remnants of leftover lace to converting an outdated family dress into a modern bridal robe, Stephens actively seeks to reduce waste within the industry. “There’s so much in landfills, and our industry definitely contributes to that, and if I can do my part to stop adding to it and try to repurpose as much as I can, I definitely will,” she affirms.
The bridal fashion industry is experiencing a shift towards sustainability, with more brides recognising the impact of their purchase decisions. Through various innovative strategies, local designers are not only creating beautiful dresses but are also carving a path towards more responsible fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
