By: Marissa Ross
Estonian fashion took center stage in New York City with an engaging and immersive fashion performance that challenged the rules of the traditional runway. Held at The Canvas 3.0 in the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center, the showcase was hosted by the Estonian Design House and featured 14 innovative Estonian designers. Spearheaded by director and sustainable fashion pioneer Reet Aus, the event presented an avant-garde spectacle that captivated guests and offered a fresh perspective on what a fashion show can be.
Instead of models walking a straight runway, the evening unfolded into a theatrical journey—where fashion met performance art, movement became narrative, and sustainability was brought to the forefront. The result was a highly immersive, high-energy experience that made a memorable impression on the audience.
Reet Aus, a well-regarded innovator known for championing upcycled fashion, brought her distinctive creative vision to life by directing the entire production. She worked with local performers and dancers to present each designer’s collection, allowing garments to move organically through the space and create a narrative through choreography. The effect was a multi-layered experience—clothes became living, dynamic forms of expression.
The featured lineup showcased the rich diversity and innovation of Estonian fashion. Participating designers included:
- Reet Aus – A pioneer in upcycled, zero-waste fashion.
- Oksana Tandit – Renowned for her refined, modern silhouettes.
- No(N)s – Known for merging conceptual art with wearable fashion.
- Karlotta – Playful, contemporary pieces with a graphic edge.
- Franz Raver, Luxe Hapsal, Nordhale, Sokisahtel, Tie Apron, Tikunova, Tuub, Sandra Luks, Alpaka, and Xenia Joost – Each offering unique contributions to sustainability, craftsmanship, and creative expression.
Throughout the evening, guests were immersed in a sensory-rich environment. A live DJ set by Tiburón helped create a soundtrack that complemented the energy of the performance. Multidisciplinary artist Kitty Florentine enhanced the theatrics with a dazzling performance piece, blending drama and spectacle—demonstrating how fashion can be both entertaining and innovative. The event was documented by acclaimed fashion photographer Mauricio Zelaya, who captured its most striking moments in bold, editorial style.
Following the show, guests were invited to explore a curated pop-up shop featuring exclusive designs from the evening’s presentation. The shopping experience offered an opportunity to meet the designers and purchase limited pieces straight from the runway. The night ended with a casual networking mixer where designers, press, buyers, and creatives gathered to discuss the future of sustainable design and the broader fashion landscape.
The event’s host, The Canvas, has become a notable destination for independent, mission-driven fashion. Known for transforming vacant retail spaces into global platforms for emerging talent, The Canvas continues to innovate within fashion retail. With its flagship location at 185 Greenwich Street in the Oculus and a second space at Seaport’s 93 South Street, the platform is expanding across NYC and bringing attention to new voices in the industry.
More than just a store, The Canvas is built on a foundation of sustainability. As one of the few retail businesses officially listed on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Partnerships Platform, The Canvas supports designers and brands who align with transparent, ethical, and responsible business practices. Their mission is not just to sell clothes, but to foster a community where fashion serves a greater purpose.
The Estonian showcase was part of The Canvas’s Fashion and Design Diplomacy initiative, a program that aims to celebrate international design and provide countries with a platform to showcase their emerging creative talent. With Estonia’s sustainable vision and progressive fashion ethos on full display, the night underscored how fashion can be both a force of cultural diplomacy and a catalyst for global change.
From upcycled garments to conceptual silhouettes and expressive storytelling, Estonia’s night in New York was a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and international collaboration. If this performance is any indication of where global fashion is headed, the future appears to be bold, inclusive, and beautifully unexpected.
Published by Jeremy S.
