As the fashion world continues to fight for sustainability, one thing is certain. Without a concerted effort, the goals of reducing carbon emissions, increasing transparency throughout the supply chain, and protecting garment workers and paying them fairly will never be achieved, says Saad Amar, an environmental justice expert and consultant to the United Nations. Says Saad Amer, an environmental justice expert and consultant to the United Nations. 'Dialogue and mobilizing communities is the way to make change happen. What gives me hope is knowing that change is possible," he added encouragingly. [Marie Claire and Kering are developing a global initiative that brings together passionate professionals, activists, and celebrities to raise awareness and encourage actionable change in the fashion industry.

Marie-Claire Davoux, Kering's Chief Sustainability and Institutional Officer, will discuss with Gallia Lupin, Chief Content Officer of Marie Claire International, Kering's progress in sustainable fashion as well as the high talked about the blind spots and trade-offs that come with the sustainability goals that need to be met. It's a big challenge, but we have to scale up and move quickly. We don't have time to change paradigms," said Davoux. Similarly, actress, producer, and founder of Simpson Street, Kerry Washington, noted the importance of taking action now. She asserted, "This is not a moment or a trend, but a way for us to steer the course for the health of our planet."

Innovating new ways to bring sustainability into the supply chain, retail space, and design process was the focus of a conversation between entrepreneur Hassan Pierre, co-founder of the sustainable e-tailer space MAISON DE MODE, and digital identification technology EON The biggest way to change the system is to leverage points," said Pierre. The biggest way to change a system is to identify leverage points. One small action can change the entire process," said Frank. She explained that a simple digital ID on our garments can lead new and existing products to a cyclical lifespan.

Davou also mentioned the importance of innovation and Kering's role through its Italy-based Material Innovation Lab. The Materials Innovation Lab was created to strongly advocate the use of these raw materials to Kering designers and their teams," explained Davoux. the MIL has over 4,000 sustainable materials and samples that are utilized throughout the Kering Group. Gucci's new "Demetra" sneakers (opens in new tab) are made primarily from animal-free raw materials, while Saint Laurent's totes are made from organic cotton yarns that meet strict GOTS (organic textile certification standards).

The invincible power of community was a key pillar of the day's panel discussion. Abrima Erwiah, co-founder of Studio 189 and director of the Gromek Institute for Fashion Business at Parsons, said, "Every time we empower women, we empower the entire community." When you give women jobs, they give [resources] to their families first and send their children to school," said womenswear designer Angel Chang. Her zero-carbon designs focus on natural, handmade pieces made by indigenous people in the mountainous regions of Guizhou Province, China.

These conversations also pointed to the importance of a 360-degree approach to bringing voices together. And that's why we're here," says Aurora James, Founder and Creative Director of Brother Belize and author of The Fifteen Percent Pledge: and Aurora James. 'A lot of sustainability is not yet a conversation because we don't all understand it yet, and we need to help consumers understand it. Washington added, "Real change can only happen when the message is communicated at every step of the process."

The vision for the future and the next generation was another bright spot in the day's program. Guests listened to the Fashion Our Future podcast for the first time and were invited to an interactive exhibit showcasing the work of seven design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology who focused on upcycling technology, natural and sustainable materials, and sustainable innovation. Says FIT President Dr. Joyce Brown, "It is the students and young people who sit with the muse on their shoulders and never let me forget their mission and purpose that give me hope and optimism."

While it is impossible to say what the future of fashion will look like in five or ten years, the panelists unanimously agreed that there is a gradual shift in the status quo. Without optimism, we can't do sustainability work." You can't work in sustainability without being optimistic. Every day is hard, but it's in our DNA," Davou said.

Fashion our Future is also the name of a new podcast that explores solutions to make the fashion and luxury industry more sustainable and cyclical.

In five episodes, French journalist and podcast host Laurianne Mélière meets passionate industry professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, and researchers to give us knowledge and hope for the future.

This new project can be savored in the same sound experience provided to guests at the Fashion our Future event in New York City on March 16. Check out the podcast, available now, to delve deeper into the issue.