Global Impact: sustainability, cultural diversity take centre stage at New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks

Global Impact is a weekly curated newsletter featuring a news topic originating in China with a significant macro impact for our newsreaders around the world

In this issue, we look back at the recent trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks as sustainability and cultural diversity strutted their stuff

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In this issue of the Global Impact, we look back at the recent trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks as sustainability and cultural diversity strutted their stuff. Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images

Published: 5:01pm, 2 Oct 2023

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If the spring/summer 2024 collections – unveiled during the New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks this month – are anything to go by, sustainability and cultural diversity are as important as looks and style in the world of fashion today.

And it’s not just on the catwalk.

The focus of this year’s Global Fashion Summit, held in the US city of Boston this week, was on the industry’s commitment to sustainability. A two-day international conference on sustainable fashion, to be held in Hong Kong from October 11-12, will bring together leaders in the field around the region to share ideas and discuss trends, technology, best practices and solutions.

Meanwhile, more designers with Asian roots are making their presence felt, and being celebrated, in an increasingly diverse and inclusive industry.

04:49

Hong Kong artificial intelligence software helps fashion designers craft new looks in mere seconds

But first, given that fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries, the search for more eco-friendly materials is as pressing as ever. Nils Hauser, a student at the Fashion Design Institute in Dusseldorf and winner of this year’s Redress Design Award, upcycled a camping tent to create a bomb jacket and a vest. The reason? It’s durable and high quality.