PROJECT isn’t simply a shopping event, it’s an opportunity for brands, retailers, and industry professionals to gather and discuss the industry's future; with one of the most pressing topics focused on sustainability.

MMGNET’s recently launched “Sustainability Now" guide’s primary point is that it’s time to start shifting the responsibility of making sustainable choices from the consumer onto the larger organizations at play.  As noted in the guide, "as the world barrels toward doubling the 1.5°C of warming cautioned by the Paris Agreement, it is clear that our reactionary approach to sustainability isn’t working, and neither is the trend of pinning environmental responsibility on the consumer. The burden is rightly shifting to larger organizations that are in a better position to effect significant change.”

Don Pietranczyk, VP pf Experience & Education at MMGNET shares that “as a member of MMGNET, PROJECT must continue evangelizing the good that comes from focusing on sustainability. As an industry leader, we are responsible for not only providing information that will help the fashion industry begin the much-needed shift towards sustainability but also to actively participate and exemplify how we, as a show and a company, are doing our respective parts as well.”

Read on to discover key sustainable movements, onsite activations, and highlights of sustainable brands featured at PROJECT's August event.

PROJECT teamed up with Hey Social Good, a social impact tech company that uses data science and analytics to review and verify the environmental, social, and governance practices of private and public businesses, then awards medal rankings of platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. Pietranczyk explains the benefit of working with Hey Social Good: “By introducing brands to the work done by Hey Social Good, they can learn what they’re doing right, what they can do more of, what they can start to do, and what they can do better. That conversation alone begins an awareness, and awareness is where change begins.” Here’s a list of the brands that participated in the August 2024 PROJECT Las Vegas, and how they ranked: 

GOLD MEDAL IN SUSTAINABILITY: Mavi

SILVER MEDAL IN SUSTAINABILITY: Bed Stu, Dolce Vita, ESNTL LAB, Freedom Supply Co., Minnetonka Moccasin, ONE432, P.J. Salvage, Secrid, That Gorilla Brand

BRONZE MEDAL IN SUSTAINABILITY: Besida, Chalet Et Ceci, Democracy Clothing, Eileen Fisher, KEAAN, Kut from the Kloth, Lanhtropy, Leisure Lab, Level 99, Little Donkey Andy, Mavrans, Mauritius, Mersea, MODRN STUDIO, Michael Stars, Nana Judy, Offleisure, Organsk Copenhagen, Palladium, Steve Madden Apparel, Steve Madden Women's, Swahlee, The Shirt Bar, Victoria Shoes / Calzados Nuevo Milenio S.L. 

Ad Infinitum: A Circular Fashion Showcase by PROJECT Las Vegas makes shopping sustainable brands more accessible to retailers by creating an immersive environment. Ad Infinitum is a curated space on the PROJECT show floor, in partnership with Vegan Fashion Week, that "celebrates the importance of - and the contiuned pursuit for - circularity, enviornmental responsibility, and sustainable practices within the fashion industry."  According to Ad Infinitum curator Emanuelle Rienda, Ad Infinitum “provides a wealth of inspiration in several key areas: discovering new sustainable brands, merchandising tips and the section is not only a showcase but also an educational hub to explore solutions that are in development such as new materials.” 

Don Pietranczyk, VP, Experience & Education at MMGNET, explains, “Ad infinitum is the physical representation of the number of brands that are succeeding in their work in the sustainability space. It gives them an opportunity to blow their horn and provide additional exposure of their product to our retailers. There is a good number of retailers who specifically ask, ‘Can you give me a list of sustainable brands?’ – just that simple. We’re not only able to give them a list but we present them all in one space so the retailer can take in the message in one beautifully themed and designed space.”

Ad Infinitum’s curator, Emmanuelle Rienda, shares the key brands included in the activation and what makes each one inspiring:

“AGAZI is renowned for its ethical practices, zero-waste philosophy, plant-based materials, and the empowerment of female artisans, thereby advocating for mindful consumerism with their durable footwear and community-centric initiatives.” 

“In contrast, ai introduces a slice of luxurious sustainability through their vegan handbags and accessories, emphasizing family values, artisanal craftsmanship, and direct engagement with consumers from their Toronto base. Let’s not forget their incredible collaboration with Barbie!”

“MATERGEA emerges as a beacon of sustainable fashion, offering a wide array of sustainable products that adhere to strict ethical standards, promoting animal welfare and environmental conservation on a global scale.” 

“VEGAN TIGER sets itself apart as Korea's pioneer vegan designer brand, headlining at notable fashion weeks and innovating with alternative materials like apple, wine, and mulberry leather alongside recycled and plant-based textiles.” 

“Meanwhile, XIVI from Los Angeles focuses on sustainable creation within the US, marrying ethical manufacturing with comfort and empowerment, advocating for an inclusive fashion ethos that's as environmentally conscious as it is stylistically versatile.”