In the realm of fashion, the journey from innovative idea to industry standard is fraught with obstacles. The recent bankruptcy filing by Renewcell , a trailblazer in textile-to-textile recycling, underscores a pervasive issue: the difficulty of turning “good” ideas into sustainable, long-term practices within the fashion industry. This scenario is not unique to the Swedish based company; it echoes the struggles of other innovative entities like Bolt Threads, which, despite collaboration with high-profile names such as Stella McCartney, failed to secure a lasting foothold in the industry. Unfo ..read more

In an innovative move that sets a new standard for sustainability in the apparel industry, Lululemon, in collaboration with Australian environmental technology startup Samsara Eco, has unveiled the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product. This groundbreaking development was announced on February 20, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of textile-to-textile recycling and the creation of a circular ecosystem within the fashion sector. Lululemon, a leading brand in athletic apparel, has utilized Samsara Eco’s cutting-edge technology to produce samples of its ico ..read more

At the beginning of 2024 I had the opportunity to sit down with Lauren Bartley, the Chief Sustainability Officer at GANNI to dive into the brand’s sustainable initiatives and vision for the future of fashion. Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation. Muchaneta ten Napel (MTN): “Lauren, can you share with us GANNI’s journey towards sustainability and how it’s integrated into your brand’s ethos and fashion design?” Lauren Bartley (LB): “Absolutely, Muchaneta. It starts with our founders Ditte and Nicolaj, who are personally passionate about the topic of sustainability a ..read more

The fashion industry stands at a critical crossroads, one where the path taken will shape its identity and legacy in the decades to come. In a riveting LinkedIn Live Audio session, industry thought leaders Lisa Lang Director Policy & EU Affairs Orchestrator EIT Climate-KIC and Fredrik Timour, CEO of Fashion Innovation Center delved deep into this crucial juncture, discussing the intersection of fashion with emerging legislation and the undeniable push towards sustainability. The discussion, themed “Let’s Talk Policy, Fashion: A Game-Changing Conversation,” unveiled the complexities of an i ..read more

The Fashion Revolution’s demands for COP28, backed by various influential organizations, represent a pivotal moment for the fashion industry. These demands, centered around transparency, sustainability, and equity, signal a critical shift towards more responsible fashion practices. However, the journey from intention to implementation is complex and multi-faceted, involving various stakeholders from major fashion brands to policymakers. For major brands, the feasibility of these demands varies. Established brands with robust supply chains might find it easier to adhere to transparency and envi ..read more

This season, the MUNICH FABRIC START event, served as a dynamic platform for professionals from diverse facets of the fashion world, enabling them to share their insights, showcase their groundbreaking work, and engage in meaningful dialogues about shaping the future of fashion. With so much activity packed into a two day event, here is a roundup of some of the event’s highlights, narrated through the experiences of those who attended: When it comes to Resilience and Achievement Anna Franziska Michel , CEO & Co-Founder at yoona.ai, echoed the sentiment of triumph and gratitude as she recou ..read more

As an advocate for the seamless integration of innovation and sustainability in fashion, my journey from traditional fashion to the niche that is fashion innovation has been driven by a quest to find meaningful solutions in an industry often criticised for its environmental footprint and ethical challenges. I cannot deny that advocating for a harmonious blend of innovation and sustainability is not easy- take it from a well seasoned “connector”. Some of the lessons I have learnt on my journey is that despite the potential for transformative change, the fashion industry’s venture into innovatio ..read more

The dry cleaning industry, traditionally viewed as a routine service sector, is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly concerning the handling of uncollected clothes, which often end up as fashion waste. This article delves into the sustainability challenges of the dry cleaning industry, exploring who holds it accountable, and investigates potential solutions, including innovative approaches to repurpose and circularize this waste. Accountability in the Dry Cleaning Industry Currently, the dry cleaning industry operates with minimal oversight regarding its envir ..read more

The panel is not just about envisioning a sustainable future for fashion; it’s about creating a roadmap to achieve it. In an era marked by rapid population growth and escalating environmental concerns, the fashion industry stands at a crucial juncture. The upcoming COP28 panel, “How to Clothe 10 Billion People Sustainably,” scheduled for Monday, 10th December at 1 pm, promises to be a pivotal moment in this journey. This panel aims to dissect and address the pressing challenge of sustainable fashion and they will not shy away from discussing the difficulties that come with trying to be more su ..read more

As a participant and guest presenter at the prestigious UKRI Interdisciplinary Textiles Circularity Centre (TCC) Seminar Series, hosted by the Royal College of Art , I had the unique opportunity to delve into the world of EU fashion policy and legislation. The session, aptly titled “EU Fashion Policy & Legislation: Compliance Strategies for the Future,” was a deep dive into the intersection of environmental consciousness, ethical standards, and legislative requirements shaping the future of fashion. Presenting to an audience of industry professionals, academics, and innovators, I was honor ..read more