Maye Musk Dazzles at FICFF’s Green Thread Sustainable Fashion Show During CMG’s Lunar New Year Celebration

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Gotham Hall was a beacon of cultural elegance and sustainability as Maye Musk, the legendary model, bestselling author, and advocate for women’s empowerment—and mother of tech visionary Elon Musk—graced the stage at the Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF) Green Thread Sustainable Innovation Program showcase. Part of China Media Group’s (CMG) Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala, the event celebrated the Lunar New Year with a mesmerizing blend of sustainable fashion and cultural heritage.

Sustainability with a Touch of Cultural Sophistication

Arriving alongside FICFF Founder and Chairman Yitong Qin, Maye Musk stunned in a breathtaking long black silky dress—upcycled from pre-loved garments—paired with a white jacket adorned with traditional Chinese paper-cutting (Jianzhi) motifs. The intricate designs, a revered form of China’s intangible cultural heritage, transformed her look into a striking fusion of East meets West, blending timeless Western sophistication with symbolic Chinese artistry. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Maye’s ensemble underscored her commitment to sustainability and cultural appreciation, aligning perfectly with the evening’s mission.

Yitong Qin and Maye Musk

“Fashion allows us to tell stories and preserve culture in a way that is both meaningful and inspiring,” Maye shared during an exclusive conversation with Abigail Posner, Google’s Creative Director and a founding member of FICFF. “It’s about blending heritage with innovation to create something truly unique and lasting.”

Balancing Life, Career, and a Sustainable Future

A mother to one of the world’s most influential innovators, Elon Musk, Maye is no stranger to the demands of a high-profile, multifaceted life. During the interview, she reflected on how she has balanced her roles as an entrepreneur, supermodel, and mother.

“I’m a very good scheduler. I organize my life very easily,” she remarked, emphasizing the power of time management in achieving success across different spheres.

When it comes to personal branding and entrepreneurship, Maye offered candid advice:

“In the beginning, it’s tough. You have to put yourself out there and let people know what you’re doing—without bragging. You have to show them you’re relevant and great at what you do, and social media is a powerful tool to do just that.”

Her perspective on lifelong learning resonated deeply with the aspiring designers present at the event. “The more you learn, the more excited you become about life,” she added, reinforcing the importance of curiosity and adaptability in today’s fast-changing world.

Maye Musk and Abigail Posner

Celebrating Cultural Heritage Through Fashion

The event’s Cultural Thread theme highlighted the richness of Chinese culture, with designers drawing inspiration from sources such as the legendary game Black Myth: Wukong, the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, and elements of Chinese cultural sports and heritage, including the iconic painting A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains. Each collection showcased sustainability-driven designs while celebrating China’s cultural legacy in a modern, innovative way.

FICFF’s Green Thread Sustainable Innovation Program, which initiated the showcase and provided a platform for its member designers, aims to empower sustainable fashion entrepreneurs by offering resources and exposure on an international stage. Designers such as CHANTEX, Shawn Baron Pinckney, Caroline Brown, Victoria Manion, and Benjamin Acklin presented collections that masterfully blended sustainability with cultural storytelling.

A Night of Inspiration and Unity

Beyond the stunning fashion displays, the evening featured an emotional lineup of performances. Deaf singer Mandy Harvey, joined by hearing-impaired students, delivered a heartwarming rendition of Try, reinforcing the event’s message of inclusion and perseverance. A children’s choir performance of Auld Lang Syne brought an emotional close to the night, symbolizing unity and friendship across cultures.

As the Lunar New Year celebration continues across the globe in countries such as Kenya, Spain, Brazil, Australia, France, Russia, and the UAE, Maye’s presence at the New York event served as a powerful reminder that sustainability and cultural heritage can coexist beautifully on the international stage. With the support of industry leaders and influencers, FICFF’s mission to empower sustainable fashion designers and drive meaningful change remains stronger than ever.

Written by Megan Taylor
Megan is a beauty expert who is passionate about all things makeup and glam! Her love for makeup has brought her to become a beauty pro at Glamour Garden Cosmetics.