Fifteen years ago, the Global Fashion Summit emerged as a catalyst for sustainability in the fashion industry. Today, it stands as a platform for introspection and continued dialogue. Eva Kruse, the founder of the summit, acknowledged the progress made yet emphasized the need for greater urgency: “I am disappointed in all of us, myself included, that we haven’t been able to push further forward.”
Fashion critic Vanessa Friedman echoed this sentiment, highlighting that while the industry now recognizes sustainable innovations, more action is necessary. She noted that award-winning sustainable designer Mara Hoffman recently closed her business due to perceived barriers to progress.
The Fashion CEO Agenda at the summit outlined five strategic opportunities to advance sustainability: operationalizing sustainability, redefining growth, activating consumers, prioritizing people, and mobilizing based on materiality. This roadmap was specifically tailored for fashion brands, retailers, and producers to drive systemic change.
Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, emphasized the goal of empowering leaders with clear strategies for embracing sustainability challenges. She urged a collaborative, empathetic, and values-based approach. The urgency for accelerated progress was underscored by the alarming pace of global warming and the exponential increase in clothing production.
Eva Kruse urged leaders, brands, and consumers to contribute to the cause: “We know what to do. I honestly think we’re missing the train if we don’t really bring some of these to scale.” Julie Gilhart added: “This is our planet; it’s our children; it’s our family; it’s everything that gives us joy, so it is important. It’s not just ‘fashion.'”
