Sustainable Redesign of the Global Fashion System
Global fashion, situated within the cultural and creative industries (CCI), represents a nuanced blend of sophistication and complexity. It functions as a refined sociocultural expression, merging diverse languages and artistic disciplines, and is acknowledged as a “cultural medium” that shapes social practices. Historically, clothing and its accessories have played a pivotal role in societal evolution and acculturation and garment production is a longstanding manufacturing sector deeply embedded in Western industrial history in addition to being a formidable feature of the international economy. Despite its multifaceted significance, the industry's rapid growth has led to detrimental effects, such as cultural homogenization and environmental degradation, ranking it among the most polluting global activities. The intersection of these dimensions intensifies with digitalization and increased information access as electronic communication accentuates tensions between narratives, industry impacts, and the pursuit of authenticity. At the same time, growing public awareness is transforming consumer attitudes, demanding transparency from prominent brands. Confronting challenges, traditional industry pillars have struggled to redefine business models and storytelling, fostering legitimacy for alternative voices. A transformative shift is now observable through the rise of sustainably focused start-ups, collectives of “fashion activists,” and nongovernmental organizations that are working to reshape the global discourse. In some respects, the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst, accelerating re-evaluation of the entire system and challenging established labels. This Collection delves into the organizational, technological, and sociocultural dimensions of emergent transformations. It includes contributions spanning disciplines to disseminate theoretical frameworks and empirical findings, with the goal of steering the full extent of the fashion system toward environmentally sustainable and socially equitable business models. Emphasizing the varied array of factors propelling shifts toward sustainability, contributors seek to facilitate a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted evolution currently gaining momentum within the fashion industry. (Illustration design: Angelica Vandi)
Edited by
Paola Bertola(Design Department, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy)
Chiara Colombi(Design Department, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy)
Sponsored by
