February 21st Nairobi, Kenya – In an era where the fashion industry faces critical scrutiny over its sustainability practices, a landmark event took place at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 6) in Nairobi. The Circular Fashion Initiative Campaign, in collaboration with the Circular Research Foundation (Italy) and the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Services at Arizona State University (USA), presented the premiere of the documentary “Beyond Fast Fashion.” This event ignited a global conversation on the evolving landscape of fashion sustainability, particularly focusing on its impact on communities in the global South. This initiative underscores a pivotal moment for stakeholders across the fashion spectrum to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore sustainable solutions.
Documentary Premiere: “Beyond Fast Fashion”
Produced by the Arizona State University Sustainable Earth project, and directed by Ritesh Deshaware & James Cobb, “Beyond Fast Fashion” is more than just a film; it’s a clear call for action. It challenges the prevailing norms of the fast fashion industry, highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable and ethical practices. The documentary promises to offer an insightful exploration of how evolving sustainability standards and corporate reporting requirements can pave the way for a more responsible fashion future.
A Global Conversation
The event featured welcome remarks by Roberta Annan, the Founder & Managing Partner at Impact Fund for African Creatives (IFFAC), Ghana, delivered via video. The subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Felix Dodds, created a rich dialogue with prominent voices in the fashion industry, including Asli Demir, Iona McCreath, Abel Kamau (TBC), and Christine Omollo. The discussion was enriched by contributions from discussants Görkem Hayta, Michael Stanley-Jones, and Henry Wanjala, connecting through Zoom.
This diverse panel, bringing together designers, entrepreneurs, and sustainability experts dove into the complexities of the fast fashion controversy and explored innovative pathways towards a sustainable fashion ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders, especially those in the global South.
An Invitation to Transform
The “Beyond Fast Fashion” event was not only an opportunity to view a groundbreaking documentary but also a platform for change-makers, industry leaders, and the global community to come together. It fostered a collective resolve to address the environmental and ethical challenges posed by the fast fashion industry.
Attendees, both in-person and online, were invited to join this pivotal conversation, which will surely inspire action and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable fashion. Together, we can move beyond fast fashion towards a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand.
Join us in this critical conversation and be part of the change.
