The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
This #BoFLIVE event was based on the ‘The Trouble with ‘Sustainable’ Fashion’ article. Click here to read our full analysis.
Sustainability has become fashion’s favourite buzzword. But as more and more brands tout eco-conscious collections and socially responsible supply chains, consumers are becoming more critical and their expectations are growing. Brands talking about sustainability can be powerful, but they must also be careful to avoid accusations of greenwashing.
In the latest #BoFLive, London editor Sarah Kent speaks with senior correspondent Chantal Fernandez, Maxine Bédat, founder and director of sustainability think tank New Standard Institute, and writer, stylist and consultant Aja Barber about the importance of honest and transparent communication when talking about sustainable business practices.
Ultimately though, fashion can’t market its way to more sustainable operations. “We have to have that deeper conversation as a society and culture and ask what are businesses for?” said Bédat. “What purpose do they serve and where do we want to go as a society and what values do we want to hold?”
Related Articles:
How to Avoid the Greenwashing Trap
When ‘Mea Culpa’ Is the Best Marketing
Fashion’s Greenwashing Problem Begins with Bad Data
To participate in #BoFLive, BoF’s digital events series offering insight, advice and inspiration, visit our calendar where you can find details of upcoming digital events.
From products made of recycled plastic to take-back programmes, some of fashion’s favourite sustainability solutions are problematic, argues Beth Esponnette.
Partnering with Copenhagen Fashion Week, BoF invited market leaders including Pascal Morand, Julie Gilhart, Ganni co-founder Nicolaj Reffstrup, EU Parliamentary Committee chair Dr Christian Ehler, journalist Clare Press, executives from Renewcell and Lenzing, and others from across the value chain, to work together towards actionable solutions capable of urgently altering the industry’s ecological impact.
Over the last decade, the industry has ratcheted up its spending on lobbying efforts in the US. Now, emerging sustainability regulations are drawing increased attention.
How to best spend the large sums it will take to cut the fashion industry’s carbon emissions? The Apparel Impact Institute is launching a pre-vetted portfolio of climate solutions in an effort to better direct investment.