Tory Burch Collaborates with Parsons for a Sustainable Fashion Project
For her fall 2024 collection, Tory Burch envisioned making “the everyday sublime” and decided to partner with Parsons School of Design for an innovative project. The collaboration aimed to transform old samples, discards, and extra materials into extraordinary new garments, aligning with Burch’s commitment to sustainability.
The Partnership Details
- Tory Burch donated materials to a class at Parsons, challenging 268 students to remake the pieces in a way that reflected the brand’s values.
- Students were given three weeks to complete the assignment, with eight finalists selected to present their work to Burch and her team.
Student Creations
Some of the standout creations from the Parsons students include:
- Yu-Teng Tori Chen’s printed cape top inspired by the theme of love.
- Silin Gu’s wine carrier and lamp made from upcycled materials.
- Olive Eng-Canty’s intricately crafted top made from a polka-dot minidress.
- Alicia Corradini’s jockey-inspired suit incorporating a crop top.
- Kailey Kim’s dressed-up sportswear combining tennis and wrestling influences.
- Yuhe Tracy Lin’s anorak and skirt featuring stripes and a figurative line drawing.
- Rose Qi’s wearable structures created from dyed shoelaces inspired by Art Deco architecture.
- Zhuoying Dai’s laser-cut accessories, including a chic perforated tote made from Tory Burch shopping bags.
Tory Burch’s Response
Burch expressed her delight with the students’ creativity, emphasizing the importance of being resourceful and innovative with materials at hand. She shared her own journey into fashion, which began with altering vintage pieces and treasures from her mother’s closets.
Reflecting on the Parsons project, Burch stated, “It shows you can take anything and be super creative with it and create something else.”
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Tory Burch and Parsons not only showcased the students’ talent and ingenuity but also highlighted the potential for sustainable fashion practices in the industry. By reimagining materials and embracing creativity, the project exemplified the power of innovation and conscious design.