Step into the vibrant realm where fashion meets sustainability! The buzz surrounding Denver Fashion Week’s Sustainability show is palpable, and amidst the flurry of preparations, one name stands out: Skye Barker Maa. Behind the scenes, Skye is diligently crafting her collections for both Factory Fashion and SKYE|AIRE, infusing each piece with a unique blend of creativity and eco-consciousness. From the youthful charm of Factory Fashion showcased in the Youth & Kids Show to the ethereal elegance of SKYE|AIRE gracing the Bridal runway, Skye’s collections promise to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Let’s dive into the world of sustainability with Skye…

What inspired you to transition your design approach to focus on sustainability?

I snowballed into Sustainability! Factory Fashion hosted a Sustainable Fashion Show for the organization Women in Sustainability that included a runway show, panel, and had a greater educational component. I learned so much that I continued to do research on my own. I started thrifting materials and realized how much opportunity there is. Adapting to a sustainable approach is right for the planet, but also financially sustainable. I was spending so much money on fabric and notions and now I thrift and upcycle 95% of the materials that I use which makes surviving as an artist easier. 

Can you share some specific eco-friendly materials or techniques you use in your designs?

When I thrift, I make a beeline for the bedding section. When we first started trying to upcycle garments I was focused on breaking current garments down and repurposing the materials. It was hard. You are dealing with cuts and structure from an existing garment; it’s difficult to manipulate the fabric. If you buy tablecloths, curtains, or bedspreads then you have large swatches of fabric to work with.

I don’t throw anything away. I keep all the scraps and use them to make belts, headbands or tube tops to go with other garments. 

I often buy other garments that have trim, buttons, or embroidered elements that I like and then cut those apart to use those notions. 

What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to create sustainable fashion lines?

Do it. You will save so much money, time,  and your garments will be completely unique. 

If you aren’t sure what to create – start small and try something easy. You can turn a skirt into a dress without even sewing. 

I love hitting the housewares section as well. There are always beautiful silk flowers and other interesting bits to add to garments. 

If your designs could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would they go and why?

I am showing at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe in June and my head is 100% in the landscape and beauty of that city. My Denver Fashion Week Sustainable collection is heavily inspired by desert wanderlust. I’d love to pack up my family and dogs (and guinea pig) and head there for a long weekend. 

In a parallel universe where all fashion is sustainable, what quirky fashion trend do you think would take off?

I’m not sure about quirky, but I’m amazed at what designers do with repurposed denim and patchwork. I love to dye garments. I’m actually really terrible at it, but I can see some quirky trends rising out of throwing random garments into vats of dye together. Sometimes I drop hats, socks, or headbands into the dye mix while I’m dyeing something else just to see what will happen. 

Let’s play a word association game: When I say “sustainability,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind?

Sustainability = Opportunity! I love the possibilities of it! I also love thrifting, garage, and estate sales. They are all such beautiful treasure hunts. 

At this moment, Sustainability = Denver Fashion Week for me because I am showing a 17 piece collection at the opening night Sustainability show on Saturday, May 11. We are busting our chops to get everything finished. 

See Skye’s Sustainable collection Saturday, May 11th at the opening night of Denver Fashion Week!