Runway vs. Reality: Decoding Radical Transparency in the 2026

Neha Bhandari
2 days ago
2 min read

The ultimate status symbol isn't the logo on your chest—it's the data in your seams.

The Spring/Summer 2026 collections in Milan and Paris captivate global attention, drawing interest from news outlets, fashion critics, and those seeking inspiration. Fashion weeks extend beyond hemlines, making bold statements and occasionally serving as distractions. With the EU's Digital Product Passport becoming mandatory, the fashion industry is compelled to embrace Radical Transparency.

However, for the conscious consumer, the glamour and sparkle of the runway frequently hide a complex reality. As a stylist, I enjoy delving deep to see beyond the "Greenwash" and uncover the genuine "Green."

The Great Greenwash: Let’s sport the Red Flags

"Greenwashing" is the marketing equivalent of a filter. Something we are all so casually using on our social media profiles to either hide or distract from the true reality… Greenwashing makes a brand look flawless while hiding the structural flaws. While major houses are increasingly touting "98% conscious materials," we must look into the details that goes beyond the buzzwords to truly understand.

In my opinion we must at least watch for these three red flags:

The "Eco-Line" Trap: If a brand debuts a small "sustainable collection" while the other 90% of their production remains opaque, remember it’s not a revolution they are striving towards—it’s a minor distraction.
Vague Adjectives: Phrases like "ethically sourced," "natural," or "responsible" mean nothing without third-party verification that have been set in the industry to prevent malpractices and to authenticate brands that are truly striving to make a difference … Look for sustainability certifications for businesses such as GOTS, B Corp, or the Butterfly Mark.
The Carbon Neutral Myth: Some brands "offset" their carbon emissions by planting trees rather than actually reducing their carbon footprint at the source, the manufacturing cycle or logistics. Genuine transparency is shown by clearly specifying how they are cutting waste in the supply chain itself.

The Runway Aesthetic- Archive Reinterpretation

I for see the most exciting trend of 2026 not being a new material / fabric it's the Archive Reinterpretation-Going back into history – your grandma’s wardrobe and bringing out the pieces from the Archives, reinventing and reinterpreting them to wear in ways that look modern and stylish. This way you don’t have to wait six months for these "new" looks to hit stores.

In fact, the most sustainable way to "shop the runway" is to look backward into your own heritage , your own homes and spot the trends. Fashion is anyway cyclical. Invest in pieces from vintage and second hand stores. They have history, they have meaning. Give them a new life.

Radical transparency is about the Digital Product Passport—a tool that allows you to scan a QR code and see a garment’s entire journey. An EU-mandated digital record containing comprehensive, lifecycle data about a product, including its materials, origin, sustainability, repairability, and end-of-life instructions all with the aim to promote transparency, circularity, and regulatory compliance for physical goods sold in the EU.

Before you buy, ask: