Directed by: Noah Sastoque

Stitching Sustainably: The Future of High Fashion

About:

Welcome to Gatormun XXII!

My name is Noah Sastoque and I am a current senior from Miami, Florida. I am double majoring in business and history. This is my second year being on the UF ModelUN team, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Director of Recruitment and Retention. I could not be more stoked to be the director for this year’s fun and fresh High Fashion Committee. Outside of ModelUN, I am involved in the Florida Cicerones and UF Special Olympics. In my free time, I enjoy hanging with my roommate's cat, working out, attending concerts, and thrifting. I am a big music lover and have often found that artists I gravitate towards directly influence my wardrobe and style. I have become increasingly intrigued in the fashion scene over the years, and have found myself morphing my own sense of swag over time. I am eager to see what you all have to bring to the runway in this committee. I hope to create a fun yet competitive environment where innovative solutions and ideas can be debated. The High Fashion Committee is a niche and trendy topic where delegates will be encouraged to be creative and forward-thinking, while simultaneously displaying respect and inclusivity.

I look forward to seeing you all in the new year for Gatormun!

The Future of High Fashion:

Designer clothing is often considered luxury clothing that is high quality and is labeled as haute couture by the public. Garments like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Prada that are given the designer tag are often very expensive and are seen worn by movie stars, athletes, and all around “A-listers”. The early 2000s saw a stark rise in consumption of fast fashion, characterized as affordable, ready-to-wear clothing based on high fashion designs. Many popular retailers like Forever 21 and H&M came under fire when it was revealed that millions of tons of clothes a year went to waste and cheap labor was exploited. A counterculture of vintage and thrift clothing began to establish itself after the 2008 recession. Alternate trends arose from the skater, hip-hop, and rock communities. Streetwear brands such as A Bathing Ape, Stüssy, and Supreme became as coveted as some of the elite fashion brands during the time after 2008. High fashion and street fashion simultaneously influenced each other from the skate park to the runway. Legends such as Virgil Abloh and Raf Simons had a great impact on the evolution of streetwear and its influence on popular culture.