From hyper-fast fashion to regenerative farming, the fashion industry in 2023 faced a myriad of challenges and opportunities.
The year 2023 was marked by a paradoxical mix of hyper-fast fashion, environmental concerns, and calls for change within the fashion industry. As the world grappled with the consequences of excessive clothing production and the environmental impact of fossil-fuel-based materials, organizations and individuals emerged to address these issues. From the dominance of cheap synthetic materials to the rise of regenerative farming, this article explores the key events and trends that shaped the fashion industry in 2023.
Fossil Fuel Fashion: Tackling the Root of the Problem
The connection between fossil fuels and the fashion industry became a focal point in 2023. Fossil Fuel Fashion, a newly launched organization, aimed to phase out fossil fuels from the industry. The over-reliance on synthetic materials, particularly cheap polyester, contributed to a spiraling waste crisis and increased emissions. Despite criticism, hyper-fast fashion brands like Shein continued to dominate the market, enticing consumers with low prices and unsustainable practices. The rise of Chinese shopping app Temu, offering lightning-fast discount deals, further exemplified the race to the bottom.
Regenerative Fashion: A Buzzword for Change
In contrast to the fast fashion model, regenerative fashion gained traction in 2023. The link between farming and fashion became a central focus, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain. Fashion Declares, a movement advocating for radical change in the industry, highlighted the importance of carbon sequestration in soil and sustainable farming methods for materials like cotton, hemp, flax, wool, and leather. A significant milestone was achieved in October when Justine Aldersey-Williams presented the UK’s first homegrown jeans made from flax and woad cultivated on wasteland in Blackburn, Lancashire.
Waste Colonialism: Unveiling the Horrific Pollution
The issue of waste colonialism took center stage in 2023, shedding light on the fashion industry’s pollution. The Or Foundation, based in Ghana, published a report exposing how the secondhand clothing trade served as a de facto waste management strategy. The traders in Kantamanto market referred to the discarded clothing from the global north as “dead white man’s clothing.” Artist Jeremy Hutchison’s textile zombie installation, Dead White Man, drew attention to this issue, demonstrating the impact of waste colonialism. The need for extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation to address the global fashion trash problem was also highlighted.
European Legislation: Regulating Fast Fashion
European legislation started to tackle the issues of fast fashion in 2023. The European Parliament agreed to ban the destruction of unsold clothing and introduced an “eco design” framework. This framework included the implementation of a Digital Product Passport, providing shoppers with greater transparency regarding materials, manufacturing processes, and repair tips. The legislation aimed to push brands into taking collective action and assuming responsibility for their products and supply chains. However, the lack of transparency and exploitation of garment workers remained ongoing concerns.
Exploitation and Activism: A Fight for Social Justice
2023 marked the 10-year anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory disaster in Bangladesh, a tragic event that highlighted the dire working conditions in the garment industry. While progress has been made with initiatives like the International Accord, which improved safety conditions for garment factory workers, transparency and fair wages remained elusive. Instances of modern slavery hidden in supply chains and ongoing labor rights activism underscored the urgent need for social justice within the fashion industry.
The Rise of Second-Hand Fashion and Repair Revolution
Amidst the challenges, a more hopeful trend emerged in 2023: the rise of second-hand fashion. Young consumers increasingly turned to platforms like Depop, Vinted, and eBay to purchase pre-loved clothing. Fast fashion brands recognized the competition posed by these platforms and began dedicating retail space to second-hand clothing. The repair revolution and DIY fashion also gained momentum, with apps like Sojo and The Seam offering repair and alteration services. This shift towards a more sustainable and conscious approach to fashion consumption showcased progress in the industry.
Conclusion: The fashion industry in 2023 faced a dichotomy of issues, from the dominance of hyper-fast fashion and its environmental impact to the rise of regenerative farming and calls for change. While challenges like waste colonialism and exploitation persist, there are signs of progress, such as European legislation and the growing popularity of second-hand fashion. As the industry moves forward, it must continue to address these complex issues and strive for a more sustainable and equitable future.
