Reimagining Luxury: the new book offering a practical guide for brands seeking authentic sustainability
Image shows the author Diana Verde Nieto sitting with crossed arms at a wooden table.
Fashion is at a crossroads – brands can either chose to continue with a business-as-usual mindset or embrace and transform their models for a better future.
While many may choose to continue with the status quo, legislation is coming, with Europe leading the way. The European Council's direction towards corporate sustainability due diligence directive, which aims to enhance the protection of the environment and human rights, as well as the European Commission's new regulations on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, are now in full swing.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles presents a new approach, to implement commitments made under the European Green Deal, the new Circular Economy Action Plan and the Industrial Strategy, aims to create a greener, more competitive and resilient sector.
Thriving in a sustainable future means that brands must navigate this changing terrain and take into account these legislations in forecasting and future business strategies. Perhaps poignantly, scrutiny will not only come from governments and regulators, but also stakeholders, consumers and competitor brands, as we collectively move from climate targets to climate transitional plans.
In her book, Reimagining Luxury, author Diana Verde Nieto offers practical frameworks and concrete examples for brands, through a holistic approach – covering topics such as sustainable investments; regenerative practices; legislation; environmental and social implications; as well as positive storytelling.
Insights from LVMH, L’Oréal and Kering offer a pragmatic lens, alongside the practical advice on navigating the changing landscape of sustainability and innovation.
The book focuses on “positive social and nature-related outcomes […] that better the economic wellbeing of societies […]. This is about using the business muscle and innovation budgets to create long-term benefits for people and our planet.”
A must-read for any brand focused on embracing sustainable innovation as a catalyst for change.
Image shows the front cover of the book ‘Reimagining Luxury’ by Diana Verde Nieto, which is bright orange.
Brexit has cost the UK £140 billion reveals new report
Last week, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, revealed the impact of Britain’s departure from the European Union, following the release of a new report by Cambridge Econometrics, which he commissioned.
Comparing a central scenario to one in which the UK stayed in the Customs Union and Single Market, by 2035, Cambridge Econometrics projected that the UK will have 3 million fewer jobs, of which an estimated 500,000 would have been in London. Projections also suggested that the UK will have 32% lower investment, leading to lower output.
Further, the report suggests that in 2023, GVA is estimated to be £140 billion (6% lower) and by 2035 this is expected to be more than £311 billion (10.1%) lower due to Brexit.
For the impacts of Brexit specific to the fashion sector, you can read our report here.
Climate Change Committee’s Chris Stark to step down
Last week, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) announced that Chris Stark would be stepping down after serving as Chief Executive for the past six years. Until a permanent replacement is recruited, the CCC’s Chief Economist James Richardson will serve as interim Chief Executive.
Chris Stark said:
“It’s been a privilege to lead the Climate Change Committee team over such an important period. I’m so proud of the analysis and advice we have produced in the last six years.
“The dedication and professionalism of the CCC team, coupled with the vast knowledge of our Committee members are central to the organisation’s success. The CCC is in great shape for its next phase of work. I’ll continue to be one of its loudest supporters.”
The BBC reports Boohoo may close Thurmaston Lane
The BBC has reported that Boohoo is considering the closure of its Leicester factory – the retailer's only UK manufacturing site, later this year.
Boohoo initially opened its flagship factory in Leicester called Thurmaston Lane. This was promoted as a UK manufacturing centre of excellence in the UK and was part of their ‘Agenda for Change’ Programme. This came about after Alison Levitt KC found allegations of unsafe working conditions and workers being paid under the national minimum wage to be "substantially true".
Evidence from a BBC Panorama undercover investigation last year, showed an increasing pressure within the brand to cut prices in order to save money and the unscrupulous practice of amending prices after the stock had already been made. Journalist Emma Lowther exposed a number of occasions where suppliers were left out of pocket due to discounts being applied which were not initially agreed.
The EAC publishes response from Minister on fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) wrote to the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business at the Department for Business and Trade, Kevin Hollinrake MP, setting out concerns relating to the consultation on the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture.
The EAC has now published the Minister’s response confirming the Government’s position. The Minister is unable at present to offer a timetable for the development and implementation of new flammability standards for furniture.
Heritage Crafts and the Costume Society launch new training bursaries in fashion textile skills
Heritage Crafts and the Costume Society have joined forces to launch two training bursaries to ensure that new and early-career fashion textile makers have the skills they need to succeed.
Fashion textile crafts can include, but are not limited to, dressmaking, tailoring, pattern cutting, hat making, millinery, glovemaking, fabric pleating, corset making, etc. Applications for training that prioritises the acquisition of practical hand skills will be favoured over training that is predominantly theoretical or design-oriented.
The two successful applicants will benefit from up to £4,000 in funding each, and be supported by the Heritage Crafts team to help them achieve their aims.
The Costume Society’s new partnership with Heritage Crafts will also see a brand-new Fashion Textile Maker of the Year Award launched this summer, with a £2,000 prize and a trophy to be presented at a special Winners’ Reception in November.
Prof Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas, Vice Chair of the Costume Society, said:
“The Costume Society is delighted to be launching two new training bursaries and a new Fashion Textile Maker of the Year Award in collaboration with Heritage Crafts to mark our 60th anniversary year. The bursaries and award extend the Costume Society’s mission to support the study and promotion of historic and contemporary dress by enhancing and protecting the skills of makers that are so central to fashion textiles. These opportunities are made possible by a legacy from founder member Anne Thomas, who worked tirelessly to celebrate excellence in makers and making.”
Jay Blades MBE, Co-Chair of Heritage Crafts, said:
“At Heritage Crafts we believe that great design is rooted in hand skill, so that designers can fully understand the properties and behaviours of materials, and appreciate the labour and skill involved in using them to produce garments and accessories. We are delighted to be working with the Costume Society to bring fashion textile skills to talented individuals who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to develop them.”
For more information on how to apply for the bursaries (deadline 23 February 2024), click below.
To listen to our podcast with Daniel Carpenter, the Executive Director of Heritage Crafts, click here.
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