Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Santo Domingo Este City Council, and Manos Dominicanas present a Sustainable Fashion Show at the Columbus Lighthouse

News item | 02-04-2025 | 20:30

In an initiative celebrating the textile industry as a driver of change toward a more sustainable future, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo Este City Council, and Manos Dominicanas present the Sustainable Fashion Show at the iconic Columbus Lighthouse Monument.

This event highlights sustainability in the textile industry, one of the most polluting industries globally, and highlights how conscious design can be key to combating the climate crisis. The runway brought together prominent Dominican designers who have championed ethical fashion, based on the reuse of materials and environmentally responsible production processes.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Frank Keurhorst, said: "This is a demonstration of our diplomatic mission's commitment to sustainability. Fashion can be a powerful platform for fostering environmental awareness and innovation."

For his part, the Mayor of Santo Domingo Este, Dio Astacio, emphasized: “It is an honor for us to host this event in such an iconic location as the Columbus Lighthouse. This partnership between the City Council, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Manos Dominicanas is a clear sign that together we can promote projects that highlight culture, sustainability, and the talent of our designers.”

Meanwhile, Miriam Batista, Director of Economic Development, highlighted the work of more than 1,700 families who, thanks to the Fair Trade strategy of the Supérate program, have turned their talent into a source of stable income and a path to economic independence. Women and men who, with technical training, support, and access to markets, shine today with their unique creations,” she emphasized.


The runway featured local designers who are leaders in upcycling in the Dominican Republic: Mildred Veras, Heidy Feliz, Shaina Alonzo, Jacqueline Severino, Carolina Almonte, and Manos Dominicanas, a subsidiary of Supérate, promoting social inclusion and sustainable development for more than 1,500 artisans from across the country.


In addition to the runway show, the event included a panel discussion with the participating designers, who discussed the challenges of promoting sustainable fashion in the Dominican Republic, the value of craftsmanship, and the importance of fostering responsible consumption.


This project is a demonstration of the joint commitment of the Embassy of the Netherlands, the City Council of Santo Domingo Este, Ciudad Costa del Faro, Supérate, Manos Dominicanas, the Columbus Lighthouse Monument, and the Ministry of Culture to promote sustainability, innovation, and local culture.

The event brought together more than 300 attendees, including ambassadors, government officials, renowned designers, influencers, communicators, journalists, design students, representatives of international institutions, social activists, and others.