San Antonio’s Sustainable Fashion Movement

By Amanda Alarcón-Hunter

Photography by Torry Sledge with Quantum Lotus and Roger Durand with Durand Photography 

Amanda Alarcón-Hunter, Vintage Curator, Fashion Activist, Sustainable Designer, and Creative Director for Minx and Onyx Vintage, is putting sustainable fashion in the spotlight. 

When we talk about sustainability these days, many people think it means reducing plastic use, recycling, or opting for a pair of vegan shoes instead of genuine leather. While these are sustainable choices, sustainability entails a wide range of considerations. The more familiar we are with understanding how something gets to the marketplace, what happens after we dispose of it, how these elements affect us, and why, the better equipped we are to make sustainable choices.

Fast fashion is one example of an industry gaining momentum without considering sustainability. Fast fashion is everywhere; it’s accessible, it lingers, it’s cheap, trendy, and highly destructive. This mass-produced clothing is made in a hurry at a high volume, so there is hardly any time for quality control. Garments contain toxins and dyes that are harmful to our skin. The manufacturing process generates byproducts that affect our air and water supply and are detrimental to ecosystems and wildlife. Unfortunately, these pieces are not designed for longevity or second-hand wear and ultimately end up in landfills. 

“Slow” Fashion is on the rise again, and it’s here to stay. Before the Fast Fashion movement, garments were made with care and quality materials to stand the test of time. From a young age, I saw recycled fashion, upcycled home goods, and second-hand shopping as a form of freedom – a form of art, expression, and individualism. After 25 years in the fashion industry and growing up naturally as an old soul, I recognize that it takes conviction to be different and boldness to be daring.

In 2019, my husband Jim Hunter and I launched the eclectic vintage store, Minx and Onyx. Our passion is to rework, recreate, and reimagine pieces we discover into something new and unique while making a difference. To help keep objects out of landfills, we only use what is already available, circulating, and has been in existence for many, many years.

Sustainable fashion has been and still is my call to action. As an Object Artist, Vintage Curator, Sustainable Stylist, and Designer for Minx and Onyx Vintage, I realize it will take a massive village to spread the word about sustainability. A worldwide collaborative and mass advocate call to action. 

To answer the call, we also launched Shop Sustainable in 2019. This annual San Antonio Dream Week event promotes local sustainable and ethical businesses and education. In addition, Minx and Onyx Vintage recently designed for and hosted Untamable – The Sustainable Fashion Show, the first of its kind in San Antonio, Texas. An avant-garde fashion show bringing awareness to making ethical and sustainable buying choices and other humanitarian efforts. In collaboration with local talent, artists, and vendors, proceeds from the evening supported nonprofit beneficiaries. 

A collection of designs from my body of work were showcased elegantly and shared an expression of recycled, upcycled, and redesigned vintage clothing, jewelry, belts, and handbags for the curious and trendy. 

On this journey of advocacy and sustainability, Minx and Onyx Vintage and Designs by Amanda Alarcon-Hunter hope to continue to be pioneers of eclectic sustainable clothing and accessories for years to come while advocating for sustainability, fundamental human rights, and environmental reform. 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead.

What will you do to make your everyday wardrobe more sustainable and fashionable?

Visit us at minxandonyx.com, Instagram @minxandonyx, and Facebook @minxandonyx, for all your sustainable fashion needs.