When it comes to sustainable development in the fashion sector, education equals empowerment. The current fashion landscape is experiencing pervasive greenwashing where ‘sustainability’ has become a buzzword used by marketeers to tout supposed ‘ethical’ credentials. But what do these words really mean?

AMMA Natural Textiles is a sustainable fashion and textile business located in Nuwara Eliya, a tea estate region in Sri Lanka. This innovative business empowers women by employing them to make handmade zero waste garments and accessories. AMMA’s new collection is now live on Kickstarter— we can’t think of a better Christmas gift idea!

As we head into the festive season, at the end of the most difficult of years for so many, Eden Loweth discusses the the emotional power of chosen family. Within the queer community, the importance of chosen family can be vital in providing stability, safety and comfort to many who find themselves alone in a city, often discovering their true selves along the way.

Please see below today’s updates for your business/members and supply chains.

A joint statement from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Update covering wider transition topics, in addition to the most recent Covid bulletin.

“One of the most prominent issues with Topshop’s business model was that they didn’t shift their values to match what Gen Z were demanding as consumers. Unlike my generation, where your identity was largely reflected by what brand you wore, fashion for this particular generation has been more about aligning with brands that reflect their own identities and less about buying the latest It-bag. These shoppers are value-oriented and are far more open to alternative fashion systems…”

By refusing every norm, Halima Aden took the world of fashion by storm. She showed the world a Hijabi model is something that the fashion industry craved. But behind her stratospheric rise, there was a sense of deep unease. It conjures up an uncomfortable argument: was the fashion world ever really inclusive?

There is now less than one month to go until the end of the transition period. It is vital that you act now to avoid disruptions to business operations and to help you make the most of the opportunities that 2021 will bring.

This article continues a list of relevant updates for your businesses/members and supply chains.

Please see below today’s Covid-19 bulletin, including a breakdown of the new tiering system; updated guidance on Government’s support schemes in response to the impact of Covid-19; as well as yesterday’s Spending Review announcement.

In September, the UK government announced its decision to abolish the VAT Retail Export Scheme. VAT RES, which has enabled foreign visitors to purchase goods and claim back VAT, is scheduled to end from 1 January 2021. But the decision to withdraw the VAT Retail Export Scheme puts the retail, tourism and hospitality sectors at risk.

Compare and contrast the body-con dresses, capes and stilettos favoured by the Trump women, with the Converse, jeans and jacket combos sported by Kamala Harris. This stark contrast illustrates the power of sartorial politics— by decoding our clothes, we can see the true values at the heart of a narrative.

This bulletin provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.UK/business-support

Fashion Roundtable is pleased to announce that it has held several evidence sessions, webinars and external events on representation and inclusion in the fashion industry.

In the first of Eden Loweth's monthly Op-Eds for Fashion Roundtable, our new ambassador asks - in an industry infamous for its exhausting pace and pressurised reality, how can we support and protect its talent and their minds?

Black Friday perpetuates a myth of boundless resources— all supported by exploitative and environmentally damaging business models, particularly in the fashion industry. However, the retail sector and morale are in need of a boost. Can these apparently divergent concerns be reconciled?