Embassy of Sweden launches ‘Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles’

THE Embassy of Sweden in Manila, spearheaded by Ambassador Harald Fries, launched the provincial leg of the Swedish exhibition “Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles” last Sept. 16 at The Northwing atrium of SM City Cebu.

Curated and produced by the Swedish Institute, with the help of researchers and sustainable fashion experts, it aims to highlight Sweden’s active role in promoting sustainability in fashion.

“The embassy is supporting, in the sense that we want to create more awareness about the need to protect the environment and to fight climate change. We do that through various activities, and one them is this exhibit. This exhibit is focused on sustainable fashion and the textile industry. Fashion and textile is one of the most polluting industries in the world, so there’s so much work that needs to be done,” shared Ambassador Fries.

The exhibit also showcased major Swedish brands like H&M Philippines, whose H&M Conscious Collection was on display. The collection utilizes pieces made from sustainable textile including piñatex, a natural textile made form pineapple leaf fiber. One hundred percent harvested in the Philippines, it not only aids in the farming community but also shows that fashion can be sustainable, and sustainable can be fashionable. Also featured is BabyBjorn, presenting clothing and baby-carriers made from recycled/upcycled materials.

To highlight the strides that the Philippine fashion industry has reached in its sustainability efforts, the Cebu leg also featured homegrown brand ANTHILL Fabric and Textile by Cebu’s very own Anya Lim, whose zero waste collection called Panama were on display. This exhibit showcases ANTHILL pieces woven by Argao Weavers using upcycled cloth.

“This exhibit hopes to bring to the consciousness of the general public, the environmental challenges faced by the global fashion industry. The exhibit also brings to the forefront the encouraging development that the fashion industry is in the midst of a much needed fundamental change,” shared Marissa Fernan, vice president of SM Prime Holdings Inc. during her speech.

The exhibition highlights the fashion industry’s major environmental challenges, showcases Swedish solutions and guides consumers to contribute effectively to a more sustainable world.

“Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles” will run until Saturday, Sept. 21. (MRL with PR)