In recent years sustainability has become a buzzword across all industries. For fashion it seems to serve as a blanket solution to all questions of resource exploitation and most big and small brands have adopted various policies in order to comply with the ethical demand. At the same time the raising consumer interest leaves their spending habits largely unaffected as market reports state that most shoppers still value ease of access, affordability and latest trends over the environmental and social influence of their purchases. As a result many independent brands still struggle with the aspects of eco – fashion and production and making it profitable as well as truly impactful. As a result many independent brands struggle to include aspects of eco-fashion to make their business both profitable and impactful.

Our seminar aims to tackle some of the most important issues that small business would face when it comes to the question of conscious fashion and we will look at different aspects of an ethical brand. The topics we will cover include:

– Ethics vs trends: creating a range ensuring commerciality and longevity
– Traceability vs transparency: brand’s journey to full accountability
– Manufacturing issues and sourcing the right fabrics
– Bigger impact: Clevercare and consumer education
– Angles of sustainability: environment, ethics and social impact

Our panel will include some of the biggest and most experienced names in the ethical fashion: Christopher Raeburn and Bethany Williams will share their insights of running a successful conscious label, Bysshe Partnership on manufacturing and Fast Forward on the issues regarding the human resources.

More speakers to be announced.

Drinks and snacks will be provided after the talk and you will have the opportunity to meet and network with speakers and fellow attendees.