"The Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement brought to light the intersectionality of racial justice and sustainability in the fashion industry. As one of the world’s most polluting industries, fashion has the untapped power to impact interconnected systems creating positive change for BIPOC communities and the planet. Moving toward a more transparent and sustainable system, the hidden side of fashion has been uncovered exposing systematic racism and the oppression of BIPOC communities. These communities are heavily impacted by this oppressive system yet are typically not included in the sustainable fashion conversation. As we explore ways to make fashion more sustainable it is clear we need an equitable industry to accomplish systematic change. This panel will explore how to dismantle current systems to create a more accessible and equitable solution for a sustainable future.

As Dana Thomas, author of Fashionopolis emphasizes, “(Companies that say) we are going to start our company with zero-waste idea, as opposed to trying to change it are the ones that are going to survive and the old dinosaurs who are stuck in their ways are going down hard – big and hard.”

According to the recently released Global Fashion Exchange Fashion on Climate report, “60% of the accelerated abatement potential is in decarbonizing upstream operations, 20% lies in brands’ own operations, and 20% relies on encouraging sustainable consumer behaviors.” You’ll hear from slow fashion startups about their process, how to start a sustainable brand, move toward a more sustainable brand and include the community in the process. As an individual citizen, you will learn how to support sustainable brands and actions you can take to create a more sustainable, equitable future.

Moderated by Emmanuel LeGrair creator of The Commonwealth and expert at connecting brands to consumers through experiential platforms creating culturally diverse spaces.

Panelists include Ethan Summer of Oil & Lumber; Herrie Son of Herrie Clothing; and Kamilah Sanders of Greater Than Equal.

Ethan Summer, building a sustainable brand from the ground up including in-house manufacturing and Herrie Son, London trained bespoke tailor, both have broken cultural barriers redefining our relationship with brands and our clothes.

Kamilah Sanders, sustainable fashion/climate justice activist and social impact marketing expert joins the panel to discuss how brands can build relationships and amplify voices to bring about a more equitable decolonized sustainable fashion system.

Hosted by Kamilah Sanders of Greater Than Equal and Herrie Son of Herrie Clothing."