Is another fashion possible: when design embraces sustainable systems
In Paris, the sixth edition of Semaine des Autres Modes brought together designers championing upcycling, reuse and an alternative approach to garment production.
When asked whether another kind of fashion is possible, the artistic collective Une Autre Mode Est Possible (UAMEP), chaired by Arielle Levy, has answered “yes” for nearly 10 years. It has taken determination and courage to unite nearly 100 designers, independent artisans and associations around an alternative vision of fashion.
To bring her projects to fruition, Levy received financial backing from the City of Paris, alongside private partners and members of the collective. These allies enabled her to inaugurate the Maison des Autres Modes.
UAMEP: collective, artistic and activist dimension
The aim is to develop a new aesthetic centred on recycling, upcycling and repair. These terms have become buzzwords, yet they are essential if the fashion industry is to become truly responsible and sustainable.
Held from October 5 to 18, the sixth Semaine des Autres Modes brought together those committed to this irreversible movement at the Consulat Voltaire, a former electrical substation converted into a cultural hub.
The opening featured a photographic exhibition titled Le Tour du Monde à Paris by Marie Meerson and a manifesto exhibition by UAMEP designers, followed by a screening of the Manifeste runway show by Naco Paris.
Naco: fashion's last punk
Naco rose to fame with the slogan “Art is Resistance”. His greatest badge of honour is the “Karl Who?” bag, which nearly earned him a lawsuit from Chanel before becoming iconic once carried by Karl Lagerfeld. By night, the designer takes on the persona of Madame Paris.
After collaborating with La Fabrique at the Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, he stepped back from the frantic and unmanageable pace of the fashion industry. He relocated to Toulouse to produce inspired pieces at his own rhythm.
For the UAMEP event, Naco celebrated 25 years of design by screening the film of his Toulouse runway show. Far from conventional catwalk standards, the inclusive presentation featured a cast of characters across all genders and body types, asserting an artistic freedom he has never compromised.
Collective runway show focused on upcycling, reuse and social inclusion
The collective catwalk show featured around ten committed brands presenting spring/summer 2027 looks, accompanied by a live vocal performance from the artist Krivers.
Operating with a slow fashion approach, Maison Louis exclusively uses upcycled materials sourced from the deadstock of luxury houses. “No factories, no subcontracting: only the time dedicated to the craft, the material and the desire to create differently,” the brand states.
All materials used by Moira Cristescu Paris are sourced from repurposed luxury textiles. Each piece is designed and sewn in France at her Parisian atelier. The designer holds the title of Artisan d’Art from the Île-de-France Chamber of Trades and Crafts.
By collecting, purchasing and recovering second-hand textiles to transform them into new garments, Gaelle Constantini uses no virgin materials in order to minimise resource consumption. The brand collaborates with social integration workshops.
Through these examples, Semaine des Autres Modes, which ran longer than Paris Fashion Week, demonstrated an aligned mindset. It now remains to give this movement greater space in the collective imagination.