To generate a revolution in fashion, it is necessary to move away from current processes and methodologies. It is with this conviction that the Forum Fashion Revolution annually drives the debate between academics and non-academics in the fashion sector. In its 6th edition, the project brings, this time, two new features: the Practical Tests-Solutions category and awards for the three best works in each category, with support from Pernambucanas. The inscriptions are already open.
Fashion is more than its commercial, consumer and media aspects. It is a branch of knowledge that can, with the development of research, solve urgent current problems, such as the excess of plastic in the ocean. The Fashion Revolution Forum brings to debate actions that global companies have adopted, such as the implementation of a circular economy, the use of recycled and more sustainable materials and more efficient production practices.
Being the first platform in the country created exclusively to encourage research and debate on challenges and affirmative practices (inclusion, equity and diversity) within the fashion system, the project invites researchers, academics, representatives of organizations and market professionals who work with innovation and sustainability in fashion to be part of this moment.
Theoretical essays, illustrations and theoretical essays-solutions are accepted – the latter aims to receive works that present practical and innovative solutions and ideas, capable of changing the direction of the fashion industry. Included, for example, are reports of new materials and production processes, solutions for circularity, technologies, methodologies and tools that help to make the production chain more transparent, fair, inclusive and that contribute to mitigating serious socio-environmental impacts fashionable.
Themes
For the 6th edition, the theme chosen was “Race and gender, Climate and Technology”, transversal themes of fashion and sustainability. “We chose current themes, which help to provide new, fairer, more ethical perspectives”, says Ana Fernanda Souza, academic and diversity coordinator, “race and gender is something we have been debating for a while via the Racial Committee and Decolonial Fashion School, which It is a project that was born from the Forum.”
Paula Leal, coordinator and manager of the project, adds that “there is no sustainability and revolution without talking about social justice, inclusion, ancestry and decoloniality, the bases of all struggles”. The climate issue is also a key point in the fashion industry, although it is hidden behind the scenes by many companies. The sector is responsible for around 2 to 6% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and has enormous problems with waste and microplastics.
Technology, on the other hand, is a reflection of how it is possible to imagine technologies that are not just about increasing profits, but about solving issues of our time, such as those mentioned above. “Fashion needs to think about technologies that can track, improve reverse logistics, and reduce pre-consumption waste”, explains Ana Fernanda.
Awards
The financial incentive offered by the Forum this year is an achievement in a national reality in which research and development are not valued. “The award we are launching this year has the potential to encourage those who are doing things, thinking about solutions, to continue, to get their ideas off the ground”, explains Paula.
The three Theoretical Essays from each thematic axis with the highest score will be awarded and the three Practical-Solution Essays from each thematic axis with the highest score will be evaluated by a final panel on the date of the event and awarded according to their placement. The first place winner in the Practical Tests-Solutions category must use the prize to execute the winning solution. In addition to the cash prize, the winners will also receive mentoring within Pernambucanas.
This new development is possible thanks to the partnership with the retailer, which believes that, by investing in projects such as the Fashion Revolution Forum, it is also investing in its future. “Investing in research is more than a necessity, it is an obligation, and plays a fundamental role in all aspects of our business, it allows us to explore new ideas, materials, production techniques, for example”, reports Renata Del Bove, Executive Director of Sustainability and HR in Pernambucanas.
Citing the Fashion Transparency Index, Renata recalls that transparency and innovation are essential to transform the fashion industry. “The person who promotes this change must be recognized, valued and celebrated”, he adds.
Sustainable and fair fashion has an intergenerational, provocative and transformative look. In a climate reality in which it is increasingly necessary to question the model of production, consumption and disposal in fashion, the Fashion Revolution Forum aims to strengthen the struggle of everyone who wants to transform fashion. There are several challenges and this is the space for those who are ready to face them. Participate, sign up for the Fashion Revolution Forum.
