“Love Island,” the hit reality TV show that catapulted mega-influencers like Molly-Mae Hague to fame, recently switched primary funding for eBay from fast fashion brands like I Saw. It First and Missguided.
While this kind of public statement will shape people’s consciousness towards the virtues of responsible fashion, the fashion industry remains largely stuck in a vicious cycle of poor quality, mass-produce and release collections too often. In large part, consumer demand and a thriving social media ecosystem fund the continuation of business as usual, with dire consequences for use and quality. water, material waste and labor justice. In addition, this industry is responsible for 10% of total global emissions and consumes more energy than aviation and shipping combined.
Sustainable solutions to these harmful trends – such as rough fabrics and used business models – have yet to be mass-adopted, and the cultural preferences that drive hyperconsumption still reign. So how can influencers and consumers transform the fashion industry to make it more responsible? How can we turn Generation Z’s obsession with the latest looks into a celebration of sustainability and reusability? How can we introduce “old” or “used” clothing as “new” clothing and encourage companies to adopt new business models?
In this thought-provoking session on July 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET, Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic at The New York Times, will join with:
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Shaway Yehfounder, yehyehyeh
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Brett Stanilandmodel, academic and sustainable fashion advocate
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Chloe Asaamprogram manager, OR Foundation
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Rona Perrymanager, The New York Times
We look forward to welcoming you to our chat.
