Industry dialogue: navigating complexity in the future of fashion

Abstract

ABSTRACT This industry dialogue, facilitated by Harriette Richards, co-founder of the Critical Fashion Studies research group at the University of Melbourne, is an edited version of an industry panel discussion that took place during the International Critical Fashion Studies conference at the University of Melbourne in February 2020. The panellists, Yatu Widders Hunt, Courtney Holm and Teslin Doud, were asked to reflect on how they approach cultural and material sustainability, think about ethics and responsibility, and navigate the complexity of the often competing or contradictory demands inherent in attempting to run profitable, sustainable businesses whilst remaining true to ethical convictions and commitments to Country and community. In addition to the original conversation, this dialogue also includes reflections from the panellists on how the global Covid-19 pandemic affected their lives and work and how they are sustaining hope in the face of crisis. We would like to acknowledge that this conversation occurred on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and we would like to extend our respects to Wurundjeri Elders past and present. In sharing this event, we hope to continue the tradition of gathering together for the purposes of renewal, knowledge-sharing and celebration.