Why Conscious Fashion Matters
Conscious fashion is a movement within the fashion industry that emphasises sustainability, ethical practices, and transparency.
By Elizabeth Formosa, Fashion Equipped
It seeks to address the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment, society, and economy by promoting responsible practices throughout the supply chain.
Conscious fashion involves a wide range of practices, including the use of sustainable materials, reducing waste, promoting circularity, ensuring fair and safe working conditions for workers, paying a living wage, and providing transparency to consumers about the social and environmental impact of products.
The goal of conscious fashion is to create a fashion industry that is both profitable and responsible, where fashion businesses can create products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers while also reducing their impact on the environment and society.
Here are five reasons why conscious fashion matters when developing or running a fashion business.
1. Environmental Impact
The fashion industry is known for its environmental impact. It is the second-largest polluter in the world, contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions. Conscious fashion seeks to reduce this impact by using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and promoting circularity. By adopting sustainable practices, fashion businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
2. Ethical Practices Fashion
Fashion a complex global supply chain that involves multiple stakeholders, including workers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Unfortunately, many of these stakeholders are subjected to poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation. Conscious fashion seeks to promote ethical practices by ensuring that everyone involved in the supply chain is treated fairly and paid a living wage.
AirRobe x The Elsewhere Co
3. Transparency
Conscious fashion values transparency in the supply chain. It seeks to provide consumers with information about the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the social and environmental impact of the products. By being transparent, fashion businesses can build trust with their customers and show that they are committed to responsible practices.
4. Consumer Demand
Consumers are becoming more conscious about the impact of their purchases on the environment and society. They are looking for products that align with their values and beliefs. Conscious fashion meets this demand by providing sustainable, ethical, and transparent products. By developing conscious fashion products, fashion businesses can attract a growing segment of consumers who are looking for responsible options.
5. Innovation
Conscious fashion requires innovation. It requires fashion businesses to rethink their traditional practices and explore new ways of designing, manufacturing, and distributing products. By embracing innovation, fashion businesses can create products that are not only sustainable and ethical but also unique and innovative.
In conclusion, conscious fashion matters when developing or running a fashion business because it can have a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. By adopting sustainable, ethical, and transparent practices, fashion businesses can build a responsible and profitable brand that meets the needs and expectations of consumers.
Tune into the dynamic panel where Elizabeth moderated one if the most relevant topics in our industry right now, “Why Conscious Fashion Matters.”
We heard from:
James Bartle, Founding CEO of @outlanddenim who has built a business and a movement that set out to be GOOD FOR HUMANITY since its inception, and is THE Leading Purpose Driven Brand to watch
Danielle Millar, GM at @shonajoy who shared rich examples of Shona Joy’s responsible business journey - working closely with her team, customers and sourcing partners to launch ‘Second Nature’ and EXPAND on the values that have been part of Shona Joy since the early days
Anthony Chesler, CEO @thread_together who ultimately has a MEANINGFUL SOLUTION that takes your excess inventory and keeps it in circulation longer, distributing it to those most vulnerable
Beth Glancey, GM at @airrobe who’s LEADING re-commerce technology can enable your business to become part of the circular economy IMMEDIATELY, literally with simple click of a button.
The world and our Industry are in a period of transition, so it’s OK if your brand hasn’t got everything figured out just yet.
The key message is for us all to focus on doing better, and ensure we are prioritising our Conscious Fashion Roadmap.
The Conscious Fashion Blueprint presented by Elizabeth Formosa at the Global Sourcing Expo Sydney 2023.
What You’ll Get:
1. 1 hour video presentation
2. 80+ page PDF presentation download of the Conscious Fashion Blueprint
- Discover the steps to crafting a Conscious Fashion Brand
- Links to access to industry reports
- Links to access leading brand impact reports
Topics Covered:
- What is Conscious Fashion
- The Power of Conscious Fashion
- Building a Purpose-Led Brand
- Crafting an Conscious Brand Strategy
- Conscious Design & Development
- Responsible Sourcing Strategies
- Action Steps Your Conscious Fashion Blueprint
Bonus Topics:
- Re-Commerce
- Positive Impact & Social Responsibility
- Balancing Commerciality & Profitability
Reach out if you would like to speak to Elizabeth about working on your Conscious Fashion Business Blueprint and make a positive impact while growing a successful brand.
Fashion. Business. Mindset. is one of Apple’s highest-ranked fashion and beauty podcasts - insightful, illuminating conversations with industry leaders and luminaries in the business - a front row seat for behind the scenes stories from designers, brand owners, entrepreneurs, makers and mentors. Tune in and level up!
