Reclaiming the earth and building a more environmentally and ethically conscious future is a tremendous feat. But it is not a journey you will take alone. That's what was said at "The Power of Community" panel, the second event of "Fashion our Future," an initiative of Marie Claire and Kering (opens in new tab), where experts, celebrities, and activists The panel brought together experts, celebrities, and activists to discuss the progress needed to build a more sustainable fashion industry. [Moderated by Marie Claire editor-in-chief Sally Holmes, three panelists-actress and founder of production company Simpson Street, Kerry Washington; founder and creative director of Brother Vellies, Aurora James; The Founder of Fifteen Percent Pledge and founder of Wildflower: And womenswear designer Angel Chan, who launched her eponymous brand, on how righting the fashion industry's past wrongs must be a collaborative effort, and, how equality and inclusion are essential to creating a brighter, better, and greener future.

"Whenever we are trying to make monumental change, all boats need to align in the direction of the North Star," James opened the conversation. This multi-hyphenate underscored the importance of sustainable fashion as an all-hands-on-deck venture that requires input from all stakeholders, from industry executives to influential celebrities to the average consumer, to bring about viable change. He said, "We can design everything in the world, but unless people like Kerry [Washington] amplify it and help explain to the community why it's important, it's not going to get the visibility it needs. Much of sustainability still requires dialogue. Because all of us don't understand it yet, and we need to engage with consumers to help them understand it," she added.

Chan stressed the importance of accessible education and understanding the intentions behind clothing production and consumption activities. Eighty percent of a product's impact on the environment is determined at the design stage. So designers need to be educated about the decisions that go into making a product, and we need a management team that is educated about these materials and producing better products. We need to change our mindset to create these climate and environmental solutions," said the designer. As awareness is a foundational element in building a more sustainable fashion industry, she urged her fellow designers to think about why they are making their products and urged consumers to reflect on why they shop.

Washington agreed with James and Chang's message of top-down collaboration, adding that the process must be open, ongoing, and iterative. He said, "Real change happens when a message is communicated on multiple levels. Reading billboards as you walk downtown, scrolling through social media, or reading about your favorite celebrity walking the latest red carpet in a vintage archival gown. This is not a trend. It's a way for us to stay on the right track to keep our planet healthy."

Additionally, the UnPrisoned star emphasized how important it is that the future of the fashion industry be equitable and inclusive. She said, "As a woman of color and basically a kid from the Bronx, I want people where I come from to be able to have what I have. I should not be the exception in my community.

Washington mentioned her partnership with the ethical and sustainable jewelry brand Aurato (opens in new tab). Overall, there is an element of giving back to society at Aurato, a real commitment to figuring out how to provide fine jewelry in a democratic, accessible, and sustainable way." I don't think a gold ring is going to solve the world's problems, but it's important to create and support companies that believe in taking care of the planet, taking care of their communities, and following ethical practices."

James and Chang strongly agreed with Washington, but stressed that fairness and representation must extend to workers as well. James said, "What's really hard for me is to hear brands talk about feminism when I know that women are not being treated properly in the factories in Bangladesh. They can have women of color in their ad campaigns, but if they are abusing women of color in their factories or dumping chemicals in ways that don't serve the community, what are they really doing?"

Chang also added her own firsthand experience related to this topic: "I work with indigenous artisans in rural China, and it is mostly women who have and continue to practice traditional craftsmanship. And when we give women jobs, the first thing they do is give [resources] to their families and send their children to school. So it's not just about how we represent garment workers, but also how it affects their lives in ways that we don't see in their villages."

Looking to the future of fashion, the three women share the same perspective: they are hopeful. 'I'm very optimistic,' said one, 'because I know that we've got a lot of work to do. But it's huge to know that real solutions to mitigate climate change are being innovated right now." For Washington, she emphasized the value of leaning on each other and her peers for inspiration. She said, "It's incredibly optimistic to have a place like this and to be living together [with Chang and James]. [And the three changemakers are not only convinced that fashion is on the right path, but also that women can help us reach a more sustainable future. Historically, nature has not been valued because it has been associated with the feminine. In other words, we call nature Mother Nature," says Chan. She pointed out how difficult it is for sustainable fashion brands to get funding. Much of it is women-led," she said, "and only 2 percent of venture capital funds are invested in women."

Despite this, James noted that it is women who do the bulk of the work in the sustainability field. "In general, women, especially women of color, are first and foremost the ones who will be most adversely affected [by climate change]. And women who are interested in the field (of sustainable fashion) and choose to do this work are particularly driven and motivated. "I also think that as women, we are more empathetic, more open to changing our minds, thinking differently, and looking at something holistically. [We are] more open to asking questions, to being told we are wrong, to being told it's okay."