The Canvas 3.0 at the Oculus, Westfield World Trade Center, hosted an extraordinary evening celebrating the return of Estonian design to New York City. Presented in collaboration with the Estonian Design House, the event offered a rare and immersive exploration of contemporary Estonian fashion through a live performance that integrated sustainability, artistry, and innovation.
The evening marked a significant moment in The Canvas’s Fashion and Design Diplomacy initiative. This global platform highlights emerging and established designers worldwide by facilitating cultural exchange through the lens of fashion. This event furthered the initiative’s mission by spotlighting 14 of Estonia’s forward-thinking fashion brands in a dynamic, site-specific performance.
At the helm of the creative direction was Reet Aus—renowned sustainable fashion designer, researcher, and environmental advocate—whose longstanding commitment to upcycling and circular design practices shaped the evening’s visual and conceptual narrative. Under Aus’s leadership, the showcase eschewed the conventional runway in favor of an experiential format that utilized movement, live performance, and spatial design to enhance the storytelling embedded in each collection.
Local performers activated the space with interpretive choreography that emphasized the life cycle of garments, the relationship between body and textile, and the ethical imperatives of sustainable fashion. The result was a compelling synthesis of design and performance art that resonated deeply with the audience.
Participating designers included:
- Reet Aus – A pioneer in upcycled, zero-waste fashion.
- Oksana Tandit – Renowned for her refined, modern silhouettes.
- No(N)s – Known for merging conceptual art with wearable fashion.
- Karlotta – Playful, contemporary pieces with a graphic edge.
- Franz Raver, Luxe Hapsal, Nordhale, Sokisahtel, Tie Apron, Tikunova, Tuub, Sandra Luks, Alpaka, and Xenia Joost – Each pushing the envelope of sustainability, craftsmanship, and creative expression in their way.
The event was further enhanced by a live DJ set from DJ Tiburón, whose ambient and rhythmic selections provided a contemporary soundscape throughout the performance. A special guest appearance by multidisciplinary artist Kitty Florentine elevated the experiential dimension of the evening. Known for her interactive performances that blend elements of beauty, humor, and physical theater, Florentine’s engagement with the garments and performers added a rich layer of narrative and emotion to the showcase.
Acclaimed photographer Mauricio Zelaya documented the event, capturing each look’s nuance, movement, and materiality through his distinctive editorial lens. His visual documentation is set to become part of the official archive of the Estonian Design House’s international exhibitions.
Following the performance, guests were invited to explore a curated pop-up featuring pieces from all participating designers. The retail installation allowed attendees to experience the collections up close, allowing them to engage directly with the garments and the designers behind them. This tangible connection between audience and maker fostered a deeper appreciation for the Estonian design community’s craftsmanship, values, and creative vision.
The evening wrapped up with a networking reception, where designers, artists, diplomats, industry leaders, and media gathered to connect. Discussions touched on the evolution of sustainable fashion, the role of cultural diplomacy in design, and potential opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.
The return of Estonian design to New York underscored Estonia’s continued leadership in the global design conversation—particularly in sustainability, innovation, and creative integrity. Through this partnership with The Canvas, the Estonian Design House reaffirmed its commitment to advancing its national design identity and contributing to the broader international dialogue shaping the future of fashion.
As The Canvas continues its mission to champion ethical, creative, and globally connected design, this event was a clear example of fashion’s potential to transcend commerce and function as a platform for cultural storytelling, artistic innovation, and sustainable transformation. The flagship store and the Canvas 3.0 are located at 185 Greenwich St in the Oculus World Trade Center, with an additional location in Seaport at 93 South St. The Canvas plans to have more locations in NYC opening soon.
Published by Jeremy S.
