The environmental impact of fashion often goes unnoticed and rarely talked about. The unfortunate reality is that apparel production accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions and remains the second largest industrial polluter (after oil).
In an effort to create public awareness about sustainable fashion, the local youth community of the World Economic Forum—Global Shapers Davao—held a public forum last April 29 in SM Lanang Premier.
Green Wardrobe, a forum on sustainable fashion, featured public talks by advocates on eco-ethical fashion, culture, and responsible consumption. During the event, there was also a showcase of local brands imbued with sustainability in mind.
Mary Ann Montemayor, renowed entrepreneur and supporter of all things Mindanao, talked about Promoting the Mindanao Culture through Sustainable Design. Montemayor is the co-founder of KAAYO Modern Mindanao, a clothing line that is rooted in honoring the extraordinary skills of local artisans—T’bolis and Bagobo Tagabawas—and transforming their traditional creations into modern fashion.
Yana Santiago, the force behind Olivia & Diego Upcycled Jewelry, will talked about Refashioning Textile Waste and the successful business models by other social enterprises like Rags2Riches, Anthill Fabric Gallery, and Francis Sollano.
Santiago's Olivia & Diego is made possible through thoughtful collaboration with women artisans to produce rope jewelry made out of recycled t-shirts. Her pieces are sold and showcased in countries like Canada, USA, Japan, Malaysia, Belgium, and Germany.
Carmaela Alcantara talked about eco-ethical fashion. Alcantara is the co-founder of Crystal Seas, a fashion accessories company that uses and promotes Mindanao artistry by incorporating traditional materials such as handwoven textiles, natural fibers, shells, and metalcraft in bags and jewelry. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and skills training among her artisans: underprivileged communities such as persons with disabilities, out-of-school youth, ethnic tribes, and women.
Young multi-media artist and designer Juliana Hellmuth talked #Haulternative--a guide for fashion lovers to brighten up wardrobes and loving clothes you already have. Hellmuth is a Fashion Institute of Design and Arts (FIDA) Davao alumni.
Ninofranco, a brand by young designer Wilson Limon, was also showcased in the event. Limon has been instrumental in putting forward the handiworks of local tribeswomen.
A global campaign
Green Wardrobe is part of the Philippine observations of Fashion Revolution, a global campaign that calls for a fairer, safer, more transparent and more sustainable fashion industry.
Fashion Revolution Week ran from April 23 to 29 in more than 100 countries around the world.
Green Wardrobe, which invited people to rethink fashion alongside culture, ethics, and the environment, is organized Global Shapers Davao in partnership with SM Lanang Premier and FIDA. (PR)