🌿 The Fashion Letter | #48 📩

Fashion Faces Big Climate Questions Ahead of COP 29

The gloomy economic climate has made it tricky to find funds for sustainability projects that often take a long time to pay back and have intangible returns. The bulk of most brands emissions take place deep in their supply chains in factories they don’t own.

Suppliers for their part are operating on ultra-thin margins and argue they should not have to bear all the burden to clean up a problem big brands have effectively outsourced to them, while continuing to extract the bulk of profits in the industry.

Some brands and industry groups have started to explore new funding mechanisms that could help manufacturers access cheaper loans or support farmers through the purchase of carbon or nature credits.

But these efforts have delivered more of a trickle than the flood of funding required. More than anything, suppliers say they would benefit from long-term sourcing commitments that would reduce the risks associated with big investments. Instead, the rise of ultra-fast-fashion and the sluggish economy are encouraging the industry to become even more short term.

Suppliers are still being excluded from fashion’s sustainability decisions

A new report by Transformers Foundation highlights the exclusion of suppliers from fashion’s collective sustainability initiatives, which hinders the sector's progress.

Suppliers, especially those in the Global South, face resource constraints, cultural biases, and logistical barriers that limit their participation, while brands and retailers, with greater resources, dominate decision-making processes. This fosters distrust and disconnection, undermining the effectiveness of sustainable strategies.

The report examines four key initiatives: Cascale, Textile Exchange, SLCP, and ZDHC, revealing their limited supplier inclusion and proposing the fair process model. This approach aims to reduce biases, ensure equitable engagement, and promote transparency, fostering an inclusive environment for all voices.

Transformers Foundation calls for revising governance structures and strengthening support for suppliers, arguing that inclusion is essential for advancing fashion sustainability amid increasing regulations.

Global Fashion Summit 2025 to tackle duality of change in shaping fashion

The Global Fashion Summit will be held from June 3-5, 2025, at the Copenhagen Concert Hall, Denmark, under the patronage of the Queen of Denmark. Themed “Barriers and Bridges,” the event will focus on leveraging obstacles as opportunities for meaningful change in the fashion industry.

Amid growing regulatory pressures and the integration of voluntary initiatives into mandatory frameworks, the summit will emphasize the urgency of strategic investment and bold leadership. Key topics include addressing social and environmental challenges, achieving climate leadership, regulatory compliance, and fostering innovation.

The event will feature three stages where speakers will share insights on balancing sustainability with business goals. An Innovation Forum will showcase sustainable solutions across the fashion value chain, including advanced materials and garment lifecycle management technologies. Attendees can engage with solution providers and participate in a Matchmaking Programme to encourage collaboration.

GFA CEO Federica Marchionni highlighted the summit's role in driving bold transformation and fostering global change through collaboration.

Thesusoutdoors

Thesus’ Allegra Weekend Boot is a vegan, eco-friendly choice for all-day comfort in even the iciest of winter weather.

Crafted with over 95% natural and recycled materials, the upper is made from repurposed marine plastic collected by fishermen, while the lug sole features natural and recycled rubber for a cloud-like walking experience.

The Weekend Boot’s minimalist design adapts to any occasion, from trails and parks to brunch and city errands.

The seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole and temperature control lining keep your feet dry and warm.

The Big Dress Energy Podcast ultimately explores how you can harness the principles of fashion psychology to upgrade your look – and dress in a way that feels completely authentic.

For the first episode, the host, Fashion Psychologist, Shakaila Forbes-Bell is speaking to two sought-after guests on what Fashion Psychology really is and how it is essential for everyone no matter how trivial you might first think.

Eco-Friendly & SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS for a green holiday

1. Dried Orange Garland. A dried orange garland is a must-have Christmas decoration that you will be able to hang on your tree or your mantel!

2. Origami Stars. This one is a cool project you can do with kids as a fun family activity: create origami stars for your Christmas tree.

3. Handmade Wreath. If you love hanging a Christmas wreath on your front door for the festive season, why don’t you make one yourself?

4. Candle Jars. Decorate your dining table with a few candle jars in the middle.

5. Cinnamon Sticks. Another very easy Christmas decoration you can create using cinnamon sticks is to turn them into tree ornaments.

6. Denim Tree Ornaments. If you have an old pair of worn-out jeans in your closet, do not get rid of it! Denim fabric is extremely durable and versatile so it would be a shame not to reuse it.

7. Small Christmas Tree Made from Upcycled Materials. If you have a pile of old paper bags that you have somehow accumulated over the years, this DIY is for you! With a simple cereal box, a few paper bags and hot glue, you can craft a rustic-looking Christmas tree.

8. Christmas Table Centerpiece. Spruce up your dining table by adding a wonderful centerpiece that you made yourself. You can easily create one using a recycled tin can and some freshly cut branches you found in nature.

Digital Fashion Sustainability

The Metaverse is revolutionizing fashion as consumers increasingly shop in virtual spaces, purchasing non-physical items through NFTs.

Brands like DRESSX champion digital fashion, emphasizing that producing digitally eliminates the environmental costs of traditional fashion, including raw materials, water, fabric dyes, and CO2 emissions. A digital garment emits 97% less CO2 and saves 3,300 liters of water compared to physical production.

While virtual fashion requires energy, it remains a more sustainable alternative, minimizing waste and offering unique, affordable pieces. As the digital world grows, virtual fashion is poised to reshape not only fashion but also how we express ourselves in virtual spaces.

The Shopping Conspiracy

The Shopping Conspiracy, a new Netflix documentary🎥 premiering November 20, that uncovers how fast fashion giants manipulate consumers into overbuying, while exploiting labor and causing environmental destruction.

This film dives deep into the toxic practices driving this massive industry, exposing the system behind the shopping frenzy. ☣️

🍿Watch the trailer now and mark your calendars, holidays are such a poignant time to be reminded of the systems exploiting us. 🗓️