Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network Event Explores SDG Advancement
In 2015, the United Nations’ member states established the Sustainable Development Goals to drive positive change when it comes to people and planet. To address and advance the adoption of the goals specifically within the fashion industry, the Fashion Impact Fund created the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
On June 2 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network held its first annual meeting, gathering members of its advisory committee as well as media and industry stakeholders to discuss key topics surrounding the SDGs. One of the focuses of the day was exploring how the network is engaging the industry toward action.
“The convening will champion how the Network is committed to keeping the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that everyone, everywhere can live in dignity, prosperity and peace on a safe and healthy planet,” said Kerry Bannigan, co-founder, Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, and executive director of Fashion Impact Fund.
TENCEL™ was one of the sponsors of the event, along with Arch & Hook, Calik Denim, Messe Frankfurt, Recover and The Lycra Company. ”Right now, there is incredible momentum for change in the fashion industry around sustainability, especially in support of the SDGs,” said Tricia Carey, director of business development Americas and denim at Lenzing, who is a network advisory committee member and who spoke at the event. “It is very exciting and yet somewhat surreal to be back at the United Nations with the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network for the annual meeting. To be able to gather with industry leaders and discuss achievements, challenges, and future goals for the industry as it relates to the 17 SDGs is inspiring and reinvigorating. TENCEL™ is thrilled to continue to partner with the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network and provide insights and education on conscious fashion and innovation.”
Speakers included designers such as Tracy Reese, Mara Hoffman, Gabriela Hearst, Christopher Raeburn, Patrick McDowell and Runa Ray, and individuals from organizations such as Textile Exchange, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Transformers Foundation, Remake and Pvblic Foundation. Panelists also came from the solutions space, including Queen of Raw and Imark. Among the speakers were numerous advisory committee members.
The topics covered reflected the SDGs. For instance, a session on climate action spoke to goal 13, while a panel about responsible consumption and production pointed to goal 12. Other topics of the day included gender equality in leadership and the role of collaboration in driving sustainable goals.
As Mara Hoffman, owner and creative director of Mara Hoffman Inc. and Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network member and speaker, put it, “I am beyond excited to be joining this collective of like-minded individuals who continue to inspire me and push us to be and do better.”
Click through the slideshow below to see highlights from the day.
All images by Lisa Rato.