Climate Week NYC

Sabita Geer NYC

Sabita Geer: A Meditation Teacher’s Commitment to Simplicity and Sustainable Fashion

Sabita Geer, a meditation teacher from Guyana, embodies mindfulness not only in her practice but also in her approach to clothing. Her outfit at COP28 reflected a deep connection to nature, sustainability, and cultural heritage, demonstrating that fashion can be both meaningful and environmentally responsible.

Geer wore a traditional Indian outfit made from locally produced cotton, a fabric renowned for its breathability, comfort, and minimal environmental impact. Ethically sourced cotton is biodegradable and significantly more sustainable than synthetic alternatives, which often rely on petroleum-based materials. The white attire, gifted by friends as a symbol of their shared respect for nature, represents simplicity and sustainability—values central to both her lifestyle and teachings. By choosing durable, easy-to-maintain clothing, Geer reinforces the principles of slow fashion, advocating for mindful consumption over fast fashion trends.

Complementing her ensemble was a Rajasthani pashmina scarf, a timeless piece prized for its warmth, softness, and intricate craftsmanship. Handwoven pashmina, unlike mass-produced textiles, is created using centuries-old techniques that support artisan communities and sustainable livelihoods. Authentic pashmina, sourced from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat in the Himalayan regions, is a luxury textile known for its durability and natural insulating properties. By wearing a high-quality, ethically produced accessory, Geer champions slow fashion, promotes fair wages, and helps preserve traditional textile artistry.

Geer’s sandals, made from natural and biodegradable materials, reflect her commitment to minimizing environmental harm. Unlike synthetic footwear, which contributes to plastic waste and pollution, her eco-conscious choice aligns with a lifestyle centered on sustainability and respect for the planet. Comfortable and practical, these sandals symbolize her philosophy of staying grounded—both physically and spiritually—while treading lightly on the earth.

Conclusion
Sabita Geer’s attire was more than a cultural expression; it was a statement of mindful living and environmental responsibility. Through her clothing choices, she demonstrates how fashion can align with deeper values, encouraging a shift toward sustainability, tradition, and simplicity in everyday life. By embracing locally sourced materials, supporting artisans, and prioritizing durability over disposability, she sets an example of how style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.

Shivani Basnet

Shivani Basnet: A Diplomat’s Celebration of Tradition, Sustainability, and Accessibility
As a Career Diplomat from Nepal, Shivani Basnet, currently serving as Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, chose to represent both her culture and values through a carefully selected outfit at a United Nations event. Her choice to wear a saree was not only a nod to tradition but also a powerful statement on sustainability, accessibility, and supporting local artisans.

The Saree: A Cultural and Sustainable Emblem
The saree, worn by millions across South Asia, dates back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. Its adaptability and durability make it a sustainable fashion choice, often passed down through generations, reducing textile waste. Rather than purchasing from a high-end boutique, Basnet handpicked her fabric from a local market in Kathmandu, a city renowned for its vibrant textile industry and centuries-old weaving traditions.

Supporting Local Artisans and Sustainable Fashion
Kathmandu’s markets are home to thousands of skilled artisans preserving Nepal’s textile heritage. By sourcing fabric locally and creating her saree from scratch, Basnet ensured authenticity while supporting small businesses. This aligns with global sustainability efforts, as handcrafted garments have a lower carbon footprint than mass-produced fast fashion. The saree is reusable, washable at home, and long-lasting—minimizing environmental impact. The fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater production, making conscious fashion choices crucial.

Fashion as a Message of Inclusivity and Simplicity
Basnet’s saree exemplifies elegance without excess. In a world where fashion is often linked to exclusivity, she highlights that style can be affordable, sustainable, and deeply meaningful. At a high-profile UN event, where attire speaks volumes, her saree symbolized resourcefulness, tradition, and mindful fashion.

Conclusion
Through her thoughtful wardrobe choice, Shivani Basnet blends cultural heritage with sustainability. Supporting artisans, advocating for slow fashion, and proving that elegance does not require extravagance, her saree represents Nepal’s rich traditions and the universal value of mindful fashion. In an era of fleeting trends, her approach is a timeless reminder that fashion can be both personal and purposeful.

Tshering Tobgay

Tshering Tobgay: Bhutan’s Prime Minister Honoring Tradition Through Sustainable National Attire

As the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay embodies the deep cultural heritage and national pride of his country through his attire. At a global event, his choice to wear the gho, Bhutan’s traditional dress for men, is a powerful statement of identity, tradition, and sustainability.

The Gho: Bhutan’s National Attire and Sustainable Legacy
The gho is a knee-length robe tied at the waist with a woven belt called a kera. Worn for centuries, it remains an integral part of Bhutanese cultural identity. Unlike mass-produced garments, the gho is often handcrafted and built to last, aligning with sustainable fashion principles that value durability over disposability. Its adaptability allows it to be worn across seasons, reducing the need for excessive clothing production and waste.

A Garment Crafted by Artisans: Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Fashion
Tshering Tobgay’s gho is more than attire; it is a product of Bhutanese artisanship, crafted using traditional weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations. Bhutan is globally recognized for its handwoven textiles, with intricate patterns and natural fibers sourced from local materials like cotton, wool, and raw silk. These fabrics have a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives, making the gho a sustainable choice in contrast to fast fashion.

By wearing an artisan-crafted gho, the Prime Minister not only showcases Bhutanese craftsmanship but also supports ethical labor practices. In an industry where garment workers are often exploited, Bhutan’s weaving traditions empower local artisans, ensuring fair wages and the survival of age-old textile heritage.

Sustainability Woven into Tradition
Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond clothing. As the world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan prioritizes environmental conservation in all aspects of life, including fashion. Traditional attire like the gho naturally fits into this vision—it is reusable, requires minimal industrial processing, and supports a circular economy where garments are valued rather than discarded.

A Symbol of Honor: The King’s Badge
Pinned on the left chest of Tshering Tobgay’s gho is a badge featuring the image of His Majesty, The King of Bhutan. This emblem signifies loyalty, national pride, and the deep respect Bhutanese citizens hold for their monarchy. In Bhutan’s governance, which blends constitutional democracy with a strong monarchy, preserving cultural heritage is a national priority—one that aligns seamlessly with sustainable living.

Conclusion
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s choice to wear the gho on an international stage is a statement of sustainability, cultural preservation, and national pride. His artisan-crafted attire not only upholds Bhutanese weaving traditions but also reinforces the importance of ethical, eco-conscious fashion. In a world increasingly shaped by fast fashion and fleeting trends, Tobgay’s attire serves as a powerful reminder that tradition and sustainability can coexist—offering a model for responsible fashion rooted in heritage and longevity.

Marisol Ramos NYC

Honduran journalist Marisol Ramos made a statement at the United Nations Assembly, blending professionalism with personal style. Her choice of attire—a long checkered blazer with matching pants—balanced sophistication with practicality, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to fashion that complemented her role as a journalist.

A Thoughtful Wardrobe Choice
Ramos’ blazer, purchased years prior, had never been worn in such a formal setting. The checkered pattern lent her look a polished yet distinctive edge, ideal for the international stage. Rather than buying something new, she embraced sustainability and personal significance by selecting a piece from her own wardrobe.

Personal Touch: Tailoring on the Go
The night before the event, Ramos adjusted the blazer’s fit by hand in her hotel room, ensuring a tailored silhouette that enhanced both comfort and confidence. This small but meaningful alteration reflected her resourcefulness and attention to detail.

Prioritizing Comfort with Sneakers
Initially considering stilettos, Ramos instead opted for sneakers—a practical choice for the demands of the UN Assembly. This decision underscored her belief that confidence stems from comfort, proving that professional attire doesn’t have to come at the cost of ease and mobility.

Tailoring
Ramos’ decision to alter an existing piece rather than purchase something new highlights the role of tailoring in sustainable fashion. By repurposing and adjusting a garment to fit evolving needs, she demonstrated that mindful consumption and craftsmanship can extend the life of clothing. Her approach aligns with a growing movement that values quality, longevity, and personal connection over fast fashion’s disposable culture.

Conclusion
Marisol Ramos’ fashion choices at the UN Assembly showcased a seamless blend of professionalism, cultural pride, and practicality. From her self-tailored blazer to her choice of sneakers, her look exemplified confidence, comfort, and a strong sense of self—proving that true style is about more than just clothing; it’s about the story behind it.

Elif Iyibudar

For Elif Iyibudar, Product Development & Product Lifecycle Management Associate at Karl Lagerfeld Paris, fashion is more than just aesthetics—it is a platform for purpose. At the United Nations, her outfit was a deliberate reflection of global unity, sustainability, and education, aligning with both her professional expertise and personal values. By integrating symbolism, ethical fashion choices, and conscious design, Elif demonstrates how clothing can be a powerful tool for advocacy.

Sustainability in Color and Craftsmanship
Elif’s ensemble featured a white and blue pinstripe blazer over a flowing blue dress from Karl Lagerfeld Paris. These colors were intentionally selected to reflect the official hues of the United Nations, symbolizing peace, unity, and cooperation. The structured blazer added a timeless, professional touch, while the fluidity of the dress represented progress and movement, mirroring the need for ongoing change within the fashion industry toward more sustainable practices.

A Meaningful Accessory: The Michael Kors Bag
She completed her look with a Michael Kors bag, a brand she has worked with professionally. Beyond its elegant design, the bag holds personal significance—blending her career journey with her style choices. Opting for well-crafted, high-quality accessories ensures durability and longevity, supporting the idea of investment fashion over disposable trends.

Advocating for Sustainable Development
Elif’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond her clothing. She wore Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pins, representing SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. These pins underscored her belief that fashion must prioritize ethical practices, innovation, and education to create a more responsible industry. By championing sustainability within her professional work and personal style, she highlights the need for a shift toward circular fashion and conscious consumption.

Conclusion
Elif Iyibudar’s outfit at the United Nations was more than a fashion choice—it was a statement of purpose. Through thoughtful color symbolism, a commitment to sustainability, and a deep connection to her industry, she showcased how fashion can serve as a catalyst for advocacy and progress. By blending style with substance, Elif proves that intentional fashion choices can reflect a commitment to global change and sustainability.

Andrea Bossi

Andrea Bossi, Digital Editor at L’Officiel curates a wardrobe that seamlessly blends luxury, vintage, and modern influences, reflecting both her personal style and a commitment to sustainability. Her outfit highlights an appreciation for craftsmanship, cultural references, and timeless design, proving that fashion can be both stylish and responsible.

Sustainability Through Global and Streetwear Influences
A standout piece in Andrea’s look is her Ruslan Baginskiy hat, a Ukrainian-designed accessory that merges classic tailoring with an urban edge. By choosing independent designers and ethically crafted pieces, she supports artisans and small businesses that prioritize quality over mass production. Additionally, the hat’s influence from ‘90s New York hip-hop fashion demonstrates how past styles can be reinterpreted in a contemporary, sustainable way—prolonging trends rather than discarding them.

Mindful Mixing: Balancing Structure and Casual Wear
Andrea’s outfit pairs a Karen Millen top with a Karl Lagerfeld blazer, creating a structured silhouette that contrasts with Urban Outfitters denim and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. This mix of tailored and relaxed elements reflects the growing movement toward versatile, long-lasting fashion, where well-constructed garments are styled for multiple occasions rather than single-use outfits. Choosing high-quality denim and classic sneakers ensures longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable wardrobe.

A Vintage Statement: The Louis Vuitton Noé Bag
Andrea’s vintage Louis Vuitton Noé bag, originally designed in the 1990s to carry champagne bottles, is a testament to luxury that stands the test of time. Opting for vintage designer pieces over newly manufactured luxury goods promotes circular fashion, extending the lifecycle of garments and accessories while celebrating superior craftsmanship from past eras.

Sustainable Details: Thoughtful Accessories
Completing her look, Andrea wears a Fossil belt and Jenny Bird jewelry, pieces that balance sustainability with timeless appeal. Fossil, known for its commitment to eco-conscious leather and recycled materials, adds structure to the outfit, while Jenny Bird’s minimalist jewelry offers a contemporary edge without excess consumption.

Conclusion
Andrea Bossi’s outfit is a carefully curated blend of past and present, proving that sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive. By integrating vintage finds, ethically crafted accessories, and high-quality staples, she showcases a fashion philosophy that values longevity, craftsmanship, and personal expression. Her approach highlights that fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s about making mindful choices that tell a story while reducing environmental impact.