Ladies and gentlemen,
My name is HRM Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi -Ogunwusi, the founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and the co-founder of Africa Fashion Week Brazil. Today, I want to talk to you about an important topic that is very close to my heart and is becoming increasingly relevant in our world: and that topic is Sustainable Fashion.
Fashion is not just about looking good, but also about feeling good about what you wear and how it impacts the world around you. It’s about being responsible and mindful of the impact that our clothing choices have on the environment, society, and the economy.
Sustainable fashion is the future of the industry, and it is more than just a trend. It is a movement that is gaining momentum as more and more people are becoming aware of the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion. Fast fashion is a term used to describe the mass production of clothing that is cheap, disposable, and often made under poor working conditions.
The fast fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, and it is responsible for a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. It is estimated that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all carbon emissions, more than the aviation and shipping industries combined. Additionally, the industry is notorious for its excessive use of water, toxic chemicals, and the disposal of textile waste in landfills.
Sustainable fashion, on the other hand, is about producing clothing in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. It is about creating products that are made to last, using materials that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable. Sustainable fashion also promotes fair labour practices and ensures that workers in the industry are treated fairly and paid a living wage.
The good news is that sustainable fashion is not just a pipe dream; it is something that is already happening. Many fashion brands are starting to adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting ethical labor practices. There are also many small and independent designers who are leading the way in sustainable fashion, creating beautiful and stylish clothing without compromising on sustainability.
As consumers, we can also play a role in promoting sustainable fashion. We can start by being mindful of our clothing choices and making more informed decisions about what we buy. We can choose to buy from brands that prioritize sustainability, and we can also choose to buy second-hand clothing or rent clothing for special occasions. By reducing our own consumption of fast fashion, we can help reduce the demand for unsustainable products and send a message to the fashion industry that we want more sustainable options. Africa Fashion Week London, Africa Fashion Week Brazil and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria are all promoting sustainable fashion by doing our part.
In conclusion, sustainable fashion is not just a trend; it is a movement that is gaining momentum and changing the industry for the better. By choosing sustainable fashion, we can make a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy. So let’s work together to create a more sustainable future for fashion and for our planet.
Thank you.
