Despite initial fears that Covid-19 would kill people’s desire to share their wardrobes, rental fashion sites are now thriving. My Wardrobe HQ, in particular, has seen a 50% increase in their listings since the start of lockdown. So how has the rental fashion model survived the pandemic and why is the sharing economy needed now, more than ever?

What once began in the 1920’s as a mini capsule wardrobe for those looking to catch some winter sun or revel in a quick getaway have snowballed into a whole new life form. But is the lavish production of cruise collections furthering fashion’s sustainability narrative? We weigh in on the waning relevance of cruise collections, their digitalisation and how they will survive a new state of play in fashion…

A Q&A with four of the incredibly talented graduates who participated in our “Radical Sustainabilities” event — they explain the motivations behind their Final Masters Projects, their inspirations and how they believe the pandemic will shape sustainability in the fashion industry moving forwards.

Depop has captured the hearts of the ‘Instagram generation’, seeing a 200% increase in traffic since April. But the app hailed as a sustainable way to shop may be inadvertently fuelling our desire for new. Depop closely imitates the fast fashion cycle where users can shop from a constant flow of cheap new arrivals, many of which are barely worn.

On Thursday evening, Fashion Roundtable and four graduates of the MA Fashion Futures at London College of Fashion came together to discuss their work and launch individual portfolios during an online event.

No drama, just Klarna? Right now, the Buy Now Pay Later bank is making waves, with slick advertising and seamless checkout processes that are almost too easy and don’t come with all the usual amounts of small print text. Klarna Bank AB was found to be offering not just zero-interest deals but formal credit agreements on shopping purchases as low as £35.

In a world where embroidery is deemed a superficial expression of femininity and has been removed from the school curriculum, mass-manufacture supply chains rely on a female-centric workforce— to the point where employers have exerted control over women’s reproductive health. Meg Pirie analyses the contradictions of gender within fashion and textiles.

Tamara Cincik discusses the pressures facing women during the pandemic. Many are bearing the brunt of household duties and homeschooling: “What does this tell us about how we are valued as women both in the home, in the workplace and in society in 2020?”

Now we are easing out of lockdown and into a new normal, the tide must change for everyone to rest and regroup from the last few months and pause. Before Fashion Roundtable turns off its audio, this week’s topic was one of the most important of all— ARE YOU REPRESENTED?

The fashion industry is getting a Matrix makeover with technology and innovation driving digital disruption. From AI, to blockchain, augmented realities, 3D scanning, and phygital experiences - the possibilities for designers, creatives and customers are being reimagined. So, how this is accelerating fashion’s sustainability commitments?

Catch up with all the insights from the APPG for Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion’s virtual meeting— Cleaning Up Fashion: Accelerating Sustainability and Supply Chain Transparency in the Fashion Industry

After revelations about the appalling conditions at a Boohoo factory in Leicester, slow fashion activist Meg Pirie argues how governments must intervene with far stricter legislation, while brands must voluntarily become far more transparent in their work.

Lives have changed, and so has style. Meg Pirie writes on the “demise of power dressing”, self-expression, empowerment and storytelling.

Clara Buckens writes on the future of the retail sector in the aftermath of COVID-19. Post-lockdown, the retail sector is struggling. Consumers are opting for a more personal shopping experience, giving small and independent business an edge.

Read about Fashion Roundtable’s recent Webinar on “Consumption and Choice: Does Fashion Have A Class Problem?” The Webinar was based on the OP-ED article by Author and Journalist Tansy Hoskins - ‘Why people in Primark are not your enemy.’

Based on our on-going All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion evidence sessions, Fashion Roundtable is seeking written submissions on how to start “Cleaning Up Fashion” by accelerating sustainability and supply chain transparency.

Fashion Roundtable have submitted evidence to the Migration Advisory Committee in response to the open consultation on the Shortage Occupation List - the new points-based immigration system, applying to EU and EEA workers coming in the UK starting 1 January 2020.