A Thread of Sustainability: Weaving Ethical Futures in Fashion
Words by Michelle Kazi
Image: Fashion Roundtable’s Policy Researcher, Michelle Kazi, at UnConference event Credit: Michelle Kazi
There is a common thread running through the heart of today’s global conversations: the need for a fairer, more sustainable future. From Chatham House's Unconference to the recent Fashion Declares: Regenerative Fashion Futures 2024, and London Fashion Week's Brazil: Creating Fashion for Tomorrow, this theme is coming to life in new and inspiring ways.
At the Unconference hosted by Chatham House, I had the privilege of not only attending but leading discussions. The freedom to steer conversations in smaller breakout circles offered a unique space to delve into critical issues. The session I led on ethical supply chains became a passionate discussion about accountability, transparency, and the human cost hidden in the threads of fast fashion. From garment workers to consumers, ethical responsibility rests on every step of the chain, and the participants in that room seemed united in a mission: to do better.
Yet, perhaps the most engaging conversation of the day was around what I called the “sustainability paradox”—a stark look at the world of hyper-consumerism. Despite growing consumer awareness of climate change, ethical fashion, and environmental degradation, the appetite for fast fashion continues to grow. How do we reconcile the rising consciousness with actions that often counter those very principles? The room was buzzing with ideas, from AI-driven consumer education to incentivising circular fashion. What became clear is that the challenge is not just one of awareness but of systemic shifts—finding a way to make doing the right thing easier, more accessible, and more rewarding.
Outside of the sessions I led, I participated in discussions on AI, climate change, and net-zero goals—a sweeping exchange of ideas ranging from how artificial intelligence can monitor supply chains to the urgent need for global cooperation in reaching carbon neutrality. The Unconference was, in essence, a powerful illustration of how global issues intersect, and how collaboration—across industries, sectors, and countries—will be key to accelerating a fair and sustainable future.
Just days later, I attended the Fashion Declares: Regenerative Fashion Futures 2024 event. Here, the ideals discussed at the Unconference came to life through concrete examples. This was not just a room full of aspirations—it was filled with action. Designers, policymakers, and activists came together to show how ethical practices can work in harmony with creativity and commerce. The event underscored that sustainable fashion is not an unattainable ideal but a necessary and achievable goal. It is about creating business models that value both planet and people. I was particularly struck by how regenerative fashion—the process of replenishing resources rather than depleting them—was being celebrated and embraced as the future of fashion. The energy in the room was palpable, as if everyone had collectively decided: it can be done, and we are doing it.
The journey didn’t end there. London Fashion Week saw the Brazil: Creating Fashion for Tomorrow showcase, where sustainable and ethical garments from Brazil were celebrated. This was more than just a runway—it was a testament to how global collaboration can foster change. Ethical and sustainable practices were not just words; they were beautifully woven into the fabrics, with every garment telling a story of responsible craftsmanship and conscious design. It was a celebration of how fashion can honour both heritage and innovation while respecting the environment.
Image: Fashion Rpundtable’s CEO, Tamara Cincik, speaking at Cut The Red Tape campaign launch with Charles Brand Credit: Michelle Kazi
As I reflect on these inspiring moments, I can't help but recall the "Cut the Red Tape" event I also attended last week. Organised by Creative Powerhouse, the campaign is pushing for essential reforms to tackle the logistical and bureaucratic barriers that UK creatives face post-Brexit. From visa issues to trade restrictions, the campaign's goal is clear: to enable the UK’s creative sector to flourish across Europe. I couldn’t agree more that coming together as a creative sector is key to breaking down these barriers and making sure our voices are heard, especially in these turbulent post-Brexit times.
As part of our advocacy work at Fashion Roundtable, I was also invited to speak at London Fashion Week at an event hosted by Katharine Hamnett called "Fashion Hates Brexit". It was an eye-opening evening filled with political slogans, t-shirts, and urgent discussions about the future of the fashion industry in a post-Brexit world. During the event, I urged everyone to engage constructively with the new government. While Brexit has undoubtedly been damaging to the industry, the new administration is only two months in, and we need to work together to find solutions.
I emphasised that it’s not about cancelling Brexit because, frankly, we can’t—it’s happened. Instead, it’s about making the post-Brexit landscape work by constructively engaging with the EU and ensuring that the creative sector thrives. Whether it's visa-free travel for young professionals or cutting red tape for creatives, we must collaborate to create a workable and sustainable future for the UK fashion industry. We can’t afford to let Brexit stifle our progress toward a sustainable future in fashion; we must collectively push for the changes that will enable our industry to flourish in this new reality.
Together, these events paint an inspiring picture of what is possible when industry leaders, policymakers, and creatives come together to reimagine the future. What strikes me most is the momentum that is building. From high-level policy discussions to grassroots movements, the desire for a sustainable fashion industry is growing stronger by the day.
As the conversations at the Unconference and Fashion Declares revealed, we are not there yet. Challenges remain, from addressing consumer habits to restructuring supply chains. But, as the Brazil showcase reminded us, change is happening—one stitch at a time.
Fashion has always had the power to influence society, to reflect culture, and to drive trends. Now, more than ever, it has the power to lead the charge towards a more sustainable, ethical, and fair future. If we can weave together the insights, ideas, and innovations from these events, the future of fashion—and indeed, our planet—looks hopeful.
Let’s not let this thread unravel.