PH5's 'This Is Not a Jellyfish' Collection Imagines Life in a Plastic-Filled Ocean

The label leans into an important sustainability message for Fall 2023.

PH5 delivers a much-needed environmental message through its clothing for Fall 2023.

The New York-based label held its “This Is Not a Jellyfish” presentation on Saturday in the Meatpacking District, inspired by the idea of a post-apocalyptic life under water. Made with over 90% recycled materials, like viscose and see-through plastics, the collection includes statement garments in the brand’s fan-favorite silhouettes. PH5’s signature deep-yet-vibrant colorways and wavy hems, for example, were reinterpreted with protruding wires to channel a 3-D trompe-l’oeil effect.

While floating their arms as if sub-aquatic, the models-turned-sea-creatures were accessorized in gorpcore-leaning Hoka sneakers, thick crochet-like purses and crystal-studded fishnet veils.

PH5 co-founder and designer Wei Lin told Fashionista that the showcase was inspired by her experience as an avid scuba diver, after noticing an unfamiliar figure in the water in one of her dives.

“We talk about coral bleaching in this collection,” Lin explained, referring to a phenomenon in which coral is stressed by environmental changes, turns white and then, potentially, dies. It can be caused by pollution and temperature changes. “This season is about the increase of plastics in the ocean and how that is a big problem,” she continued. “I remember this experience of me looking for sharks in one of the dives. I saw what I thought was a white giant mammal floating in the middle of the ocean.” Upon getting closer she realized it was plastic.

Lin brings attention the issue in a very PH5 way that’s sure to be beloved by customers. By the end of the lookbook below, you’ll find yourself wondering if what you’re looking at is plastic or fabric.

PH5 Fall 2023. Photo: Courtesy of PH5/Stephanie Geddes