Chris Mena’s “From the Street” Shakes Up New York Fashion Week: Where Trash Becomes Treasure

BY Jana Lee

September 13, 2023

New York Fashion Week just got a whole lot cooler—and greener! Forget about crystals, frills, or anything that sparkles. Chris Mena is flipping the script, taking sustainability from catchphrase to catwalk with his avant-garde collection called “From the Street.” Trust us, this isn’t just fashion, it’s an eco-conscious uprising adorned in audacious style.
Imagine you’re strutting down New York’s iconic streets, where even the pavement feels like a fashion statement. Now picture this city’s raw energy morphing into runway-ready couture. That’s the genius of Chris Mena’s “From the Street.” This head-turning collection re imagines what most of us call ‘waste,’ revamping it into a portfolio of eco-fabulous ensembles that leave spectators questioning their own wardrobe philosophies.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chris Mena
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chris Mena


Mena is like a modern-day alchemist, transforming the city’s forgotten relics into gold—or at least, the next ‘it’ outfit. Yesterday’s newspaper? Today’s must-have skirt. Abandoned plastic bottles? The source material for a jaw-dropping evening gown. The unspoken message zings through the air: who knew being ethical could look this jaw-droppingly cool?
Set against the historic backdrop of Westbeth Community Courtyard, the “From the Street” show promises to be a catwalk revolution. Using the very elements that once littered New York’s sidewalks, Mena will unveil a masterclass in sustainability and innovation. Think of it as a fashion resurrection: discarded objects reborn, strutting their newfound glory down the runway. “From the Street” isn’t just a one-off collection; it’s a battle cry for a greener future. In a world where the fashion industry has been a notorious culprit of environmental damage, Mena stands out as a lighthouse in a fog of waste, guiding us toward a world where sustainability is not just an accessory but a core value. It’s a riveting visual challenge to rethink, recycle, and remix our way into a more sustainable lifestyle.
When the final model exits the stage, what remains won’t just be a parade of innovative outfits. It will be the undeniable evidence that fashion can actually be a platform for meaningful change. “From the Street” doesn’t just alter our notion of sustainable fashion—it demands that we see it as an urgent imperative. So the next time you think about throwing something away, remember: in Chris Mena’s world, one person’s trash could just be everyone’s next treasure.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chris Mena
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chris Mena


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chris Mena