This event is curated by Wardrobe Wonderland in conjunction with L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

How is what we wear impacting on the world around us?

What social problems does the fashion industry contribute to?

How does the global economy impact our local industry?

The social, environmental and broader financial issues of the fashion industry can be vastly underestimated.

As a multi-billion dollar global industry the rag trade has a significant impact on the lives of many.

As the world speeds up and levels of disposable income and consumption increase, what impacts can we expect to see? Are these the kinds of things we want to see? What could be done to change them?

At this event, attendees will be treated to a panel discussion on the question of sustainability in fashion, focusing on the social, environmental and financial impact of every lifecycle stage of a garment. The discussion will feature contributions from Melbourne-based thought leaders from a range of specialty areas.

Challenging the existing structure of the fashion industry, discussing alternatives, and providing consumers and businesses with the information they need to make informed choices about the way they access fashion, the panel will be followed by a general discussion open to contribution and debate from the audience. This event is intended to stimulate thinking and discussion on subverting accepted norms, behaviour change, innovation, taking a slower approach to fashion and long term planning.

This event will feature:

Cameron Neil from Fairtrade Australia

Cameron is a founding member of the Australian Chapter of the Global Fairtrade Organisation. In seven years working with and for fairtrade producers, he has seen the launch of fairtrade chocolate and coffee, and most recently fairtrade cotton here in Australia. Passionate about helping developed nations find socially, environmentally and financially sustainable ways to help developing nations, Cameron sees how our consumption in wealthy nations impacts on those living in less privileged circumstances.

Alex Trimmer from SOSUME Clothing

Alex began his environmentally friendly fashion label SOSUME after discovering the world of sustainable textiles at a New York Trade Show. Dedicated to finding the most environmentally responsible way to dress, Alex considers the complete impact of garment production and has researched innovative new production fabrics and methods that minimise water and waste. SOSUME look to produce trend resistant clothing that remains intrinsically wearable from season to season.

Tullia Jack from University of Melbourne

Tullia is a Melbourne-based academic researching the question of sustainability in the fashion industry. Her current area of research is focused on the use stage of the garment lifecycle and considers how the way we wear, wash and dispose of our clothes impacts the environment. As founder of The Spirit of the Black Dress, and with her background in fashion merchandising and a comprehensive understanding of the industry, Tullia provides a complete insight into how we can change the impact we are having. 

Juliette Anich from The Clothing Exchange

As the Director of The Clothing Exchange, Juliette helps consumers extend the garment lifecycle and keep clothing out of landfill. The Clothing Exchange, which now holds monthly swaps in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, challenges how people view the value of their clothing and how we acquire 'new' wears. Juliette has a Masters in Ethical Consumer Behaviour. Cocurrently whilst managing The Clothing Exchange, Juliette is also involved in developing social enterprises to address issues around food security.

Kerryn Caulfield from Technical and Nonwoven Textiles Association

Kerryn has an extensive professional and academic background in the textile industry. She has published research papers on the impact and extent of textile waste and disposal in Australia. Working with several organisations, Kerry focuses on fostering innovation, research and funding into certification, accreditation and labelling of garments. Kerryn is a contributing member to many executive boards in the fashion and textile industries.

The discussion will be moderated by:

Karen Webster from RMIT School of Fashion

An icon of Melbourne’s fashion industry, Karen Webster has helped shape the careers of many emerging designers. Having acted as Director of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival for five years and established it as a notable event on the international fashion calendar, Karen has returned to her position as Program Director of Fashion in the School of Architecture and Design. She is also completing a PhD on the question of social responsibility in the fashion industry.

This event is curated by Wardrobe Wonderland in conjunction with L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.