Fashion for Change: Igniting Social Impact in the Fashion Industry - Event Report
The fashion industry has long dazzled the world with its creativity, innovation, and allure. However, beneath the glamourous facade lies a stark reality: the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation around the world. With alarming statistics showing its detrimental impact on our planet, the need for change has never been more urgent. This pressing issue was the focus of the "Fashion for Change: Igniting Social Impact in the Fashion Industry" event held at Social Impact Lab Japan on September 5th, 2023.
The Fashion Industry's Environmental Footprint
Before delving into the event, it's crucial to understand the gravity of the problem at hand. The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of the global CO2 output, accounts for 1/5 of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally each year, and releases the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles into the ocean annually from washing clothes. Moreover, it is responsible for 8-10% of humanity's carbon emissions, surpassing all international flights and maritime shipping combined, and contributes to around 20% of industrial wastewater pollution worldwide. These staggering facts underscore the dire need for change within the industry and call for action on a large scale.
A Beacon of Change: Social Entrepreneurship
To address these pressing issues, the event brought together a diverse group of experts and fashion startups who are passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, and fashion design. John Kojiro Moriwaka, Founder & CEO of Silicon Valley Ventures, brought his expertise in global entrepreneurship and startup investment to the discussion. Miona Kitano, an executive member of Rethink Fashion Waseda, represented the perspective of students working towards sustainable fashion awareness and collaboration. WK Jackson, Partner at House.Tokyo, provided unique insights into fashion brand management and production. By revitalizing department stores or even pop-ups, Jackson believed, we could help the design and fashion industry break the solidified ceiling made up of only well-known brands on the markets and empower the ecosystem of new designers, hence fostering innovation and creativity that would be beneficial to change in the industry.
Rising Tide of Sustainable Fashion
One of the key takeaways from the event was the promising rise of sustainable fashion. According to Statistica, the global market for secondhand and resale apparel is rapidly expanding, projected to reach a value of $351 billion by 2027. Additionally, the revenue share of sustainable apparel worldwide is on the rise, indicating a growing demand for eco-friendly fashion options.
The event introduced several inspiring fashion startups that showcased their innovative approaches to sustainability. For example, Elemental Peru by Estefania Sangama is on a mission to make sustainability the default choice by offering beautiful garments handmade by Peruvian mothers and seamstresses who work from home. Revival, a collaborative project by Huda Mohammed Faisal and Meguriwa; seeks to bridge Japanese and Bangladeshi textile heritage by crafting dresses, fabrics, and shoes from garment waste. MESCHAN, designed by Catalina Vallejos, focuses on upcycled wearables, merging luxury fashion with waste materials such as snack packages and worn-out materials. Lua, conceptualized by Alice Ogasawara and Reina Yamada, upcycles disused or stained clothing using Japanese indigo dyeing techniques. Re-List, developed by Ryuhei Kumazawa, employs AI-powered outfit-driven resale of second-hand clothes, offering a sustainable alternative to online fast fashion. All the pitch presenters have demonstrated great passion for initiating new changes in the industry and provided proof of execution, as well as determination to create an impact not just for the consumers but for all the stakeholders involved.
Despite initial technical setbacks, the event received positive feedback from the audience, who appreciated the opportunity to discuss pressing issues facing the fashion industry and explore innovative solutions. An insightful panel discussion and a networking session followed the pitch session was facilitated where the attendees had the opportunity to engage in direct dialogues with the event's commentators, gaining valuable insights and forging connections within the sustainable fashion community. "Fashion for Change: Igniting Social Impact in the Fashion Industry" was a crucial step towards transforming the fashion industry into a force for positive change, one sustainable garment at a time.
In a world where the fashion industry has long been criticized for its environmental impact, we hope that events like this provide hope and inspiration. As the global market for secondhand and sustainable apparel continues to grow, the fashion industry has the potential to redefine itself and contribute positively to a more sustainable future.
We are immensely thankful for all of the audience's active participation in the event, and their enthusiasm in supporting the startup founders to nurture their ideas. The event was organized by Social Impact Lab Japan, a hub for impact entrepreneurs. Our mission is to incubate and accelerate ideas for social enterprises that improve people’s lives. By bringing together like-minded individuals and organizations, Social Impact Lab Japan commits to continue driving a generation to pursue impactful careers and lifestyles.
