For the past seven years, FABRIC Incubator has been leading the way in sustainable fashion with its annual Eco Fashion Week. This event brings together designers, students, and community members to showcase innovative approaches to eco-friendly fashion. Taking place over Earth Week, from April 19-26, 2025, this year’s event is presented in partnership with Arizona Foothills Magazine and continues its tradition of inclusivity and accessibility by offering a mix of free and ticketed events.
Kicking Off with the reFABRICate Fashion Show
The week’s festivities begin with the reFABRICate Fashion Show on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Tempe Marketplace Main Stage (2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe).
- 6 PM: First-come, first-served seating opens
- 7 PM: Fashion show and award ceremony
Each year, reFABRICate focuses on upcycled designs crafted by community members from repurposed garments and fabric scraps. This year’s show, like previous years, will spotlight denim, one of the fashion industry’s least sustainable materials. FABRIC partners with Tempe Marketplace, Threadz (who provides the jeans), Dave & Busters, and Arizona Foothills Magazine to repurpose thrifted denim jeans into stunning runway creations. Designers, students, and fashion educators will showcase their visionary transformations in an event that merges sustainability with high fashion.
Pop & Swap: Sustainable Clothing Swap & Pop-Up Shop
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 4 to 9 PM, head over to FABRIC (117 E. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281) for Pop & Swap, an engaging evening dedicated to circular fashion.
- First Floor: A pop-up shop featuring sustainable brands and eco-conscious vendors
- Second Floor: A free clothing swap where attendees can trade gently used clothing, promoting mindful consumption
- Bonus: Enjoy unique soda pops while you shop and swap
This vibrant event embodies the spirit of sustainability by encouraging the community to refresh their wardrobes while minimizing waste.
Behind The Seams: A Sustainability-Focused Panel
FABRIC’s monthly Behind The Seams event takes place on the last Thursday of each month, and during Eco Fashion Week, it has a special sustainability focus. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6 PM, attendees will hear from fashion industry experts from Fabscrap and ‘Fashion Industry for Sustainability’ Giving Circle in an intimate discussion about sustainable fashion, and insights into the industry’s future. This engaging session offers valuable knowledge and networking opportunities for aspiring designers and eco-conscious consumers.
En Pointe: High Tea & Couture Reimagined – The Grand Finale Fundraiser
The week will conclude with an exclusive fundraiser, En Pointe: High Tea & Couture Reimagined, in collaboration with Ballet Arizona on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2 to 5:30 PM at a private residence in Paradise Valley.
- Tickets: Start at $150 and feature:
- Ballet Arizona costumes transformed into stunning couture by local designers
- A salon-style high tea experience
- VIP shopping
- A silent auction
- Delectable treats and exclusive insights into upcycled fashion masterpieces
Proceeds from this elegant afternoon will support Ballet Arizona and FABRIC, furthering their missions to promote creativity and sustainability in the arts and fashion industries.
A Week of Fashion with Purpose
Eco Fashion Week 2025 is more than just a showcase of stunning designs; it’s a movement toward a more sustainable future in fashion. By providing free and low-cost opportunities for students, emerging designers, and the community, FABRIC ensures that sustainable fashion is inclusive and accessible to all. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, an aspiring designer, or simply someone who values eco-friendly initiatives, this week-long celebration offers something for everyone.
Mark your calendars and join FABRIC Incubator and Arizona Foothills Magazine for a transformative week of style, sustainability, and innovation!
