This Fashion Month, we decided to try to take a perennial debate—that usually plays out over group texts, subtweets, and sleep-deprived internal monologues—public. We asked designers, buyers, stylists, retailers, photographers and editors the big questions: How do you feel about capital-f Fashion right now? Is it broken? How can we fix it?
What we heard in response was that everyone—to a one—is affected by the tectonic shifts in how people consume fashion media and shop for clothes. Also? That these changes provide some of the most exciting opportunities for new creative voices and innovative business ideas that we’ve seen in decades. Across a diverse range of players, there’s a surprising amount of consensus about what needs to happen. Below, 36 insiders weigh in on the future of fashion.
HOW TO FIX FASHION
1) Admit we have a problem. 2) Believe fashion is worth saving. 3) Understand that change equals opportunity. 4) Know that excluded voices are essential. 5) Don’t try to speak for everyone. 6) Let your customer show you the way. 7) Change the conversation on fast fashion. 8) Establish sustainability as a business model. 9) Sell consumers on responsibility. 10) Fashion shows need to matter. 11) Rethink your calendar. 12) Realize that ‘See now, buy now’ isn’t for everyone. 13) Final thoughts.
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The first step is admitting we have a problem…
The second is believing fashion is worth saving.
Understand that change equals opportunity.
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Previously excluded voices are essential to the solution.
But don’t try to speak for everyone.
Let your customer show you the way.
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Change the conversation about fast fashion.
Sustainability is a moral duty—and a business model.
Sell consumers on paying for responsibility.
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