Humble Beginnings: Spread Love, Not Trash

Today marks three years since we officially launched Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week. Walk down memory lane with us!

Kaitlyn Murray:

“After I had shared with Joanne in the Fall of 2022 that I wished there was a Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week, and she said, ‘Okay let’s do it,’ we knew that we wouldn’t be able to pull this off with just the two of us. From the beginning we wanted to involve the community and felt it was important to give context as to why we were trying to put on a show like this. 

I was motivated to start my upcycle brand, la vie après l'amour, in response to the immense waste, social justice issues, and health risks caused by the fashion industry and, though these aren’t sexy topics, they really are the foundation of this work. 

So, we made an Eventbrite called ‘spread love, not trash’ and started sharing it with our personal networks. On a cold rainy evening in February, nearly 40 people gathered at Co. in Rhinebeck (including some of our inaugural designers) for connection, a presentation, a thought-provoking conversation, and a low-waste cleaning activity. 

I was blown away by the powerful response and it confirmed that this was a resonant topic in the community. I can’t believe that was three years ago. I am so proud of how far we’ve come, and can’t wait to see how it keeps evolving.”

Joanne Louis-Paul:

“Yes, it truly is hard to believe that we’ve been at this for three years. We really didn’t know what to expect at that launch event, but we left buzzing from all of the great energy in the room. It was fascinating for me to see how deeply people were thinking about their relationship with clothes and shopping. There were a lot of sincere hearts wanting to do the right thing but not totally sure how to go about it. There were thrifting vets and fashion novices (including myself!) and we all learned a lot from each other. 

Today, I look back and am beyond grateful for the growth we have seen as humans, business girlies, and an organization. The addition of Annie to the team was the beginning of a steadying and now we are an officially incorporated 501(c)3 with big dreams and plans to make them reality.”

A lot has happened since this night. From this humble event with 40 attendees to 340 attendees for the 2025 Organic Runway, each year keeps getting bigger and better.

We can’t wait to share all of the exciting things we’re cooking up for everyone in 2026. Last year was our ‘best year yet,’ but this will be the ‘year of expansion.’ Hold tight, y’all!

Thank you for your support over these past three years. We are thrilled for what’s to come in the next…

xoxo,

Kaitlyn & Joanne

And please, spread love, not trash <3