With a focus on highlighting voices who haven’t previously appeared on the summit stage, there were some fresh takes on how it might be possible to achieve a greener and more equitable future for fashion. And with the recent UN report being described as a “code red for humanity” this summer, there was a resounding agreement that now is the moment to take action.
Fashion needs to rethink growth
With “Prosperity vs. Growth” being this year’s theme, discussions centred around how the industry must redefine what success looks like. “Most business growth is still predicated on more people buying more goods, but these current business models are unsustainable, putting immense strain on our planet and people,” Federica Marchionni, the new CEO of the Global Fashion Agenda, said in her opening remarks.
Moving to more circular business models, including resale and rental, is one way forward. Another is addressing the vast levels of overproduction in fashion – it’s estimated that a shocking 30 per cent of garments that are produced are never sold.
Eco-labelling can help consumers
As many of us become more conscious about what we buy, there was talk of how to help consumers make more informed choices, as well as navigate greenwashing. One idea? Eco-labels on our garments, covering both environmental and social sustainability, to break it down for shoppers. It’s all about “transparency, transparency, transparency”, according to marketing and branding consultant Arjeta Muja.
Fashion can be a tool for change
A conversation between Tommy Hilfiger and actor and activist Yara Shahidi touched upon the role that fashion can play in creating social change. “Fashion really has the opportunity to lead the way in terms of saying this is how we can produce responsibly, and also set standards for what consumers can expect,” Shahidi said. “And on the social justice side... what happens when you have the idea of being socially responsible ingrained in what you do.”
We need greater protections for garment workers
The need for greater protection for garment workers was highlighted in a panel discussion on ethics within the fashion industry – an issue that has been exacerbated during the pandemic, when brands cancelled billions of dollars worth of orders, leaving many out of work. “What we need, and what we’re starting to see, is a trend towards smart legislation,” Ayesha Barenblat, CEO of non-profit Remake, commented.
On-demand models can reduce waste
Advances in technology mean that we can reduce waste both in the design phase and the production phase, as well as rethinking the way we produce fashion. “By moving to on-demand models, brands and retailers can meet consumers’ growing demand for customisation, while reducing the waste of heavy inventory,” Philippe Deniset from fashion technology company, Chargeurs*PCC, explained.
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