Global design firm HKS is partnering this year with Galleria Dallas to showcase designs from the firm’s annual TRASHION Show. The concept behind TRASHION challenges the societal norms of the fast fashion industry by demonstrating the power of collective action and creativity to make progress toward a more equitable world. By reusing, recycling, and repurposing everyday materials to create one-of-a-kind garments, TRASHION allows HKS employees from across its offices to explore creative ways to reduce waste and demonstrate how design can help us overcome worldwide environmental and social challenges.
The TRASHION Show is an extension of HKS’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Design efforts. ESG in Design extends the firm’s commitment to infuse environmental and social responsibility into its culture and governance structure with guidance from the United Nations Global Compact, which HKS joined in 2020. Caitlin Potter, AIA, an associate and medical planner at HKS, says: “We really wanted a creative outlet for all our employees to have an opportunity to practice what we preach. Our goal was to invite everyone to examine how they can repurpose their waste and create those head-to-toe high-fashion garments.… It’s not just about sustainability, but how can you look at some of the environmental, social, and governance issues of the day and really use those to fuel your design inspiration.”
“Galleria Dallas is committed to green initiatives and is proud to be an IREM Certified Sustainable Property,” says Megan Townsend, director of marketing at Galleria Dallas. “Partnering with HKS on its TRASHION Show initiative allows us to engage with our community in a new and innovative way to share both our environmental initiatives and our commitment to showcasing the local creative community.”
The TRASHION Show extends a message to the community about the powerful potential of sustainable design — for fashion and beyond. This event provides increased visibility for creative pathways toward equity and opens a new branch of collaboration between architects and the community. Continued partnership across the consumer and design markets represents a hope for a more resilient tomorrow.
Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NOMA, is an associate and design architect with VLK Architects; chair of the TxA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee; and communications director for the Young Architects Forum.