In our world of quick-changing trends and influencer culture, fast fashion abounds. Since these garments only last about 10 wears, clothes are entering and leaving our closets faster than ever. In a single year, 85% of clothing in the United States is thrown away, creating real repercussions for the environment and our health.
Gabrielle Gomes and Trina Assur founded Dinner Service NY “out of obligation to the next generation.” Over the last few decades, the apparel industry has largely moved toward plastic-based fabrics, like polyester. Fabric dye is often toxic to garment workers, and the dyeing process wastes a lot of water. When these clothes end up in landfills, they release microplastics, toxins, and chemicals into the earth. While researching these issues, Gomes and Assur discovered the need for affordable sustainable clothing options, and DSNY was born.
The brand’s mission is to eliminate plastic-based fabrics and chemicals from the fashion industry. All of DSNY’s clothes are made with plant-based fabrics like recycled cotton, lyocell, and banana fiber. Their garments are also produced in limited runs, reducing the potential for overproduction.
DSNY’s mainstay is artist collaborations (their latest drop is with country musician Orville Peck), but they also have several pieces in their factory collection. The Hemp Corduroy Jacket is a lightweight off-white chore jacket, perfect for winter layering. The jacket is vintage-inspired, with a structured silhouette, brown stitching, two front flap pockets, and embroidered details. Hemp is positioned to be the fabric of the future for its durability, dye absorption qualities, and minimal water usage.
At $145, the jacket isn’t cheap, but the quality, longevity, and impact are worth it. Because DSNY’s pieces are versatile and timeless, you can rock them even after the fast fashion brands move on to the next trend.
Conscious fashion is more expensive, but buying one sustainable piece and keeping it for 5 years instead of 5 months can make all the difference. One person can’t fix climate problems by themselves. But, through collective power, education, and action, DSNY aims to rethink fashion’s relationship with the planet and its people.
Consider shopping slow this holiday season and beyond. You can check out Dinner Service NY online or at their Nolita storefront.
