Next week, on Sunday June 17th, the UN Global Compact will host the Corporate Sustainability Forum in Rio de Janeiro. Among the 60+ sessions focusing on sustainability issues, one to take note of is the “Good Business Models for a Sustainable Future” organized by the International Trade Center’s Ethical Fashion Initiative.
Why is this important, you ask? Well, it has been traditionally thought that it’s not easy for companies to “go green” and still make profits. There is also a big myth going around that “ethical” or “fair trade” clothing can’t actually be fashionable (notice that I used the word ‘myth’). However, I beg to differ on both statements.
The Corporate Sustainability Forum aims to give companies and major fashion brands a free directive plan for how to be sustainable and responsible, while still making extra bucks. Because apparently it is possible to be ethical and make millions at the same time. To read a good perspective on this, I highly recommend this week’s Business of Fashion Op-Ed by Marion Hume… She tells it like it is.
I also think “green” clothing isn’t limited to ikat prints in 500 colors, and weird boxy linen shift dresses. Indeed there are plenty of basics and on-trend items that do a whole lot of good. Don’t believe me? I gathered some proof above…
[Photo credit: stripe dress: Komodo, tropical-print shirt: H&M for Water, organic shampoo: Molton Brown, bandeau top: H&M for Water, shorts: Edun, bracelet: People Tree, white dress: Minna, vegan bag: Nica, espadrilles: FAIR+true, pants: Sessun, ring: Gina Melosi, oxfords: Osborn, bucket bag: Vivienne Westwood]
I also think “green” clothing isn’t limited to ikat prints in 500 colors, and weird boxy linen shift dresses. Indeed there are plenty of basics and on-trend items that do a whole lot of good. Don’t believe me? I gathered some proof above…
[Photo credit: stripe dress: Komodo, tropical-print shirt: H&M for Water, organic shampoo: Molton Brown, bandeau top: H&M for Water, shorts: Edun, bracelet: People Tree, white dress: Minna, vegan bag: Nica, espadrilles: FAIR+true, pants: Sessun, ring: Gina Melosi, oxfords: Osborn, bucket bag: Vivienne Westwood]