NEW YORK—Harlem’s Fashion Row, the premier agency supporting and championing designers of color, partnered with Humane World for Animals on September 23 to host a sustainability panel event at the iconic Victoria Theater in Harlem.
Themed “High Fashion. Sustainable Futures, the event convened leaders, creatives and advocates at the intersection of fashion and sustainability. This year’s program, moderated by Khary Simon, VP and executive creative director at Hearst, featured a special panel discussion with Aaron Potts, owner and designer for A.Potts, Samata Pattinson, founder of sustainability agency BLACK PEARL and PJ Smith, director of fashion policy at Humane World for Animals. Together, they shared their ideas and insights on how creativity and conscious fashion can shape a more sustainable future.
Fashion is one of the world’s most influential industries—and also one of the most environmentally significant. From water consumption to textile waste to animal welfare concerns, its practices ripple across the planet. Events like the Climate Week panel discussion offer critical opportunities to highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions, spotlight the designers leading change, and foster collaboration between fashion and advocacy organizations.
Brandice Daniel, CEO and founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, shared:
“At Harlem’s Fashion Row, our mission has always been to amplify underrepresented voices while pushing the industry forward. Sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a responsibility. Partnering with Humane World for Animals allows us to expand this conversation beyond design to address the larger impact fashion has on both people and the planet. Together, we are championing a future where creativity and conscience work hand in hand.”
PJ Smith, fashion policy director at Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, added:
“We are proud to participate in this important sustainability panel as a voice for animal welfare and a sponsor of this event. Harlem Fashion Row and Khary Simon’s commitment to platforming designers of color while addressing the myriad environmental and animal welfare impacts of the fashion industry is nothing short of inspiring. Their bold and vital leadership is helping to shape a more humane, sustainable and diverse world of fashion.”
The event underscores the importance of shared responsibility. By uniting Harlem’s Fashion Row and Humane World for Animals, this collaboration bridges the gap between creativity, culture and advocacy—elevating conversations on how fashion can become a catalyst for sustainability and positive change.
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