Regenerative Fashion Conference
September 14th 2023
Fashion declares launched Regenerative Fashion Day, the day before London Fashion week on September 14th 2023.
Panel & Catwalk Show
There was a panel discussion followed by live performances by poet Rakaya Fetuga, award-winning sound maker Lauriem, poet and multi-instrumentalist Alya Isha, and NILE, whose music spanned disco to soul and R&B.
Panel included:
- Emma Hakansson, Collective Fashion Justice
- Debbie Luffman, ThinkCircular
- Fay Milton, Music Declares
- Tyrone Scott, War On Want
- Amelia Twine, Sustainable Fashion Week
- Liv Simpliciano, Fashion Revolution
Alongside a catwalk show featuring sustainable designers and brands.
Why this event?
In the busy day to day running businesses, it can be difficult to prioritise sustainability initiatives. Budgets are strapped and yet we can’t afford to not act. And with so much information out there, it can be challenging to know when and where to create change.
“I am thrilled to be a panellist at the upcoming event hosted by Fashion Declares. The movement’s dedication to driving radical change in the fashion industry, and urging companies to break free from the damaging grip of fast fashion and embrace practices within planetary boundaries, aligns perfectly with my commitment to promoting fair and responsible fashion.”
– Urska Trunk, Changing Markets Foundation
What did you gain?
- Built on networks, met new people & gained inspiration.
- Got actionable takeaways to develop sustainability practices in organisations.
- Grew understanding of a regenerative future for fashion.
- Supported a brilliant cause (all proceeds from this event went to supporting the ongoing work of Fashion Declares)
The Conference:
This was not like any other conference you have attended. We know how important it is for businesses and professionals in this industry to build knowledge and networks for change and we delivered you just that.
The moment you walked through the door you were welcomed with open discussions, brilliant networking opportunities and the tools to ignite real change in your business towards a more regenerative and sustainable future.
Whether you came for one session, or for all of them and enjoyed an afternoon of expert panel sessions, led by Safia Minney MBE, we shared best practice and new approaches with 20 leading sustainability professionals and pioneers.
Regenerative fashion exhibitions and networking opportunities were held in the Conway Hall foyer.
Session 1: Fashion - Nature & Climate 1 - 2pm BST
This session was about understanding the links between fashion, nature, and climate and taking action in your company.
Participants learnt how to measure carbon emissions, shift to low-impact materials, rethink buying practices. We heard from experts showcasing innovative brands and organisations, pioneering industry leaders. We came away with fresh motivation and tools.
We also learnt about regenerative and organic cotton, alternatives to leather and much more!
Interested in this panel? Join our Patreon on ‘Radical Transformation’ tier to access the filmed recording here:
Session 2: Fashion - People & Livelihoods 2:30 - 3:30pm BST
To create a truly regenerative and just fashion industry we must pay living wages and guarantee human rights.
In this session we discussed best practice, delivering fair wages and introducing new legislation in the fashion sector. Topics included; Better buying practices; Better working conditions in factories; Mapping supply chain; Artisanal craft production to promote decent livelihoods; Sourcing from sustainable and Fair Trade suppliers; Pushing for political change in the fashion industry.
Interested in this panel? Join our Patreon on ‘Radical Transformation’ tier to access the filmed recording here:
Session 3: Fashion, Inspiring Cultural Change 4 - 5pm BST
How do we build a new fashion narrative and inspire a cultural shift? Can we cut consumption by 75% or more with the rest being 100% ethical? How do degrowth approaches provide solutions? Understanding what corporate activism can look like, running successful campaigns and engaging our audiences through inclusive messaging.
Customers, investors, and regulators are demanding accountability from fashion companies. This session showcased leading brands and organisations creating circular and regenerative models and engaging brand partners to promote a just transition.
Interested in this panel? Join our Patreon on ‘Radical Transformation’ tier to access the filmed recording here:
What was this event about?
The fashion industry needs an intervention. We are running out of time to turn the tide on fashion overconsumption, pollution and unethical practices and shift gears to reach net-zero carbon by 2030.
Fashion has the power to shape culture and behaviour beyond the industry itself.
But an urgent shift in behaviour is needed to cut carbon emissions and avert the climate, ecological and social crisis we currently face.
We brought together fashion’s finest minds to discuss what this pathway looks like, the best practice solutions and hopeful and inspiring case studies for change.
Who was this for?
Are you a fashion brand, supplier, fashion professional or individual interested in developing your understanding and application of regenerative fashion? This event was structured for you to implement changes in your work, or daily lifestyle and engage with all the inspiring work going on.
What is Regenerative Fashion?
Regenerative fashion is fashion that is produced within Earth’s boundaries. Whilst our current clothing model is extractive and degenerative, regenerative fashion looks to preserve, restore and rebalance.
Regenerative fashion is a powerful tool to reframe the interventions and resources needed to create a resilient future for all.
We are using up more resources, more energy and more raw materials from our planet than our planet can regenerate. Regenerative fashion looks to put these resources back.
What is Fashion Declares?
Fashion Declares is a non profit, grassroots collaborative industry organisation looking to create fair and resilient fashion industry that puts people and planet first.
It exists to:
- Raise awareness of the climate, ecological and social breakdown; and
- Empower, inspire and support individuals working at all levels within the industry to speak out and encourage their employers to accelerate plans to address this crisis.
Couldn’t attend in person? Join us on Patreon and access the recorded sessions on our ‘Radical Trasformation’ tier.
Profits went to support Fashion Declares, a bottom-up, fashion-industry-wide movement to promote rapid action in the climate, ecological and social emergency.
With special thanks to the Conway Hall for facilitating this event.
