To mark its official launch last December, the Conscious Fashion Campaign (CFC) commits to actively support the upcoming Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development. CFC plans to engage the leading fashion industry events to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Founded by social impact entrepreneur Kerry Bannigan, who hopes to minimise the funding gap of £2 trillion for the SDGs, CFC was created to overcome the divide between leaders from the fashion industry and the SDGs. The initiative, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), champions fashion as an influential industry to address the world’s most pressing issues by driving change through advocacy, education and the engagement of industry stakeholders to create a sustainable future for all.
“Following a one-year pilot phase to discover what the fashion industry understood about the SDGs and what else could be implemented, the CFC immersed itself into the retail event sector, and specifically trade shows to connect with brands and retailers at the beginning of the buying cycle. The CFC is delighted to have aligned with 460 conscious fashion brands, and engaged with global brands, including representatives from GAP, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, G Star RAW, Target, American Eagle, Madewell, DKNY and Marks and Spencer to learn what fashion companies are doing to align with the SDGs,” said Kerry Bannigan, Founder, CFC.
During the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, CFC co-hosted a reception at the SDG Media Zone with Lenzing Group, Avery Dennison and Phaze, revealing its one-year pilot programme findings, and spearheading a conversation on sustainable fashion driving tomorrow’s economy, which included Eileen Fisher, INC and World Bank Group Connect4Climate. Industry impact commitments shared at the event included: Lenzing Group pledging to become the first carbon neutral fibre producer in the world; Eileen Fisher committing to circular design with RENEW – taking back over 1.2 million pieces since 2009; and the Avery Dennison Corporation joining the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 Network as part of the company’s support of a global transition to a circular economy.
Commenting on its official launch and future action, Kerry Bannigan added: “Our aim is to help businesses learn and integrate the SDGs into their business models, to develop meaningful multi-stakeholder partnerships and initiatives which secure a future where no one is left behind. The potential for change when you engage the fashion industry is enormous. If we work together to shape the future of fashion, we will create dynamic impact, lasting change and deliver on our core mission to make the SDGs a reality.”
