The heatwave peaked in mid-June, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in Paris, an undeniable reminder of the reality of climate change, and the stage at La Caserne (an accelerator dedicated to ecological transformation and fashion) was filled with a steady stream of experts, activists, and celebrities from around the world who joined in to better design of the fashion industry was discussed.

The event opened with a conversation between Marie-Claire Davoux, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, and Katell Pouliken, Editorial Director of Marie-Claire France, who addressed the sad reality of climate change insisted: "We are already feeling its effects and need to adapt. And women are often at the forefront of this. What we are doing in the West is also affecting women and girls in Africa. There is a lack of water, and with it, the breakdown of the family and threats to education," explained Aissa Maiga, actor, activist, and director of the documentary "Marcher sur l'eau" (Walking on Water). Even in Asia, women workers, who make up 85% of textile factory workers, suffer from our consumption habits, mainly in the fast fashion sector. Women are the first to be affected, but they are also the first to offer solutions. Nayla Ajartuni of Ethique sur l'Etiquette points out, "They become leaders in the garment factories and help change the laws."

It is time to take stock of the situation and put solutions in place. As Puliken noted at the outset, "We must change our lifestyles, including the way we dress." One of the solutions is an active brand. Among those taking action for change is the French sneaker brand Veja: the French sneaker brand Veja was headed by co-founder and CEO Sebastien Kopp. 'We want to create products that respect human rights and the planet. To achieve this, we went to Brazil to meet with cotton and rubber producers," he explained, insisting on the need for transparency and traceability, two necessary conditions for truly sustainable fashion. Later, Bénédicte Laloux, art director of the Chinese eco-brand ICICLE, and Amah Ayivi, founder of Marché Noir, a brand that rethinks African clothing, exchanged views on solutions to the problems fashion poses to the environment. These included natural dyes, innovative materials, and upcycling.

The latter concept played a central role in the event with the Sed Nove studio, a hands-on workshop that participants could observe during breaks, and lectures on the circular economy. Vanessa Masuria, Vice President of Marketing and Branding at Vestiaire Collective, emphasized the idea: "The biggest problem in fashion is overproduction. So we need to extend the life of our garments and use what we already have instead of producing new ones." To create more durable items, the industry can also rely on innovative projects. Yoan Regen, head of sustainable sourcing and nature initiatives for the South Gobi Cashmere Project, a program for durable cashmere in Mongolia, presented one of these projects. The program focuses on animal welfare, biodiversity, and pastoral techniques that ensure better wages and living conditions for shepherds. Also on display was Gucci Off the Grid, a collection that promotes the regeneration of materials and textiles by reducing waste and minimizing the use of new resources. Antonella Centola, Gucci's EVP of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, told Daniel McNally, Executive Editor of Marie Claire US, "Our actions are centered around circularity, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity, Luggage made from the recycled nylon material Econyl was on display in the showroom.

Citizens also had a role to play, and green influencers helped. Fanny Enjolras-Galizine, creator of the Instagram account @the_greenimalist, and Lisa Gachet, founder of the fashion brand Make My Lemonade, passed on common sense, actionable advice: "If possible, second-hand Choose second-hand or sew your own clothes, or wear them at least 30 times before deciding [to buy them]," said Enjolras-Galitzine. Simone Cipriani, founder of the Ethical Fashion Initiative, was effusive: "Durability is a long journey."

Today's efforts will only bear fruit in the years to come with the #BeTheChange Challenge, an Instagram campaign launched by Marie Claire and Kering to inspire citizens to embody this urgent and important change, and featuring actress Zosia Mamet, model Erin Wasson, Chinese pop star Chris Lee, Balenciaga muse Suzy de Givenchy, model and spokeswoman Doina Ciobanu, and others shared the actions they are taking to do their part and strive to be the change. Davoux concluded, "Each of us has a role to play."