π² Can sustainable fashion market ethically *and* effectively?
It's a BIG question, but here are 5 takeaways from last week's Conscious Fashion Collective Membership roundtable last week that explored this topic... β β(Shoutout to our member roundtable speakers Jacqueline D. Schumann, Jordan Hitchcock, Maithili Chodankar-Rault, and Genia De Marco!)β β β1οΈβ£ Marketing is a Neutral Tool β Itβs How We Use It That Matters
Many people associate marketing with manipulation, but itβs ultimately a tool. When used with clear values and integrity, marketing can educate, inspire, and shift consumer behavior away from overconsumption. β Marketing can even be a tool for systemic change. Ethical marketing is about educating consumers, shifting narratives, and advocating for systemic change in the fashion industry as well. β β2οΈβ£ Community Engagement is Key
Ethical and effective marketing strategies prioritize real engagementβlistening to customers, co-creating with communities, and fostering dialogue instead of just broadcasting messages. β β3οΈβ£ Founder-Led Brands & Small Businesses Have an Authenticity Advantage
Instead of just using the same tired buzzwords over and over again, small and founder-led brands can share their personal values, tell authentic stories, and directly engage with their community. In an era where consumers are more skeptical of greenwashing and looking for authenticity, this direct connection is a genuine advantage over large corporations. β β4οΈβ£ Ethical Marketing Can Reshape the Status Quo
Sustainable fashion brands can use disruptive-style marketing to break conventional consumption patterns rather than reinforce them. Brands, organizations, and creators can redefine fashion norms (repair, reuse, resale, and rewearing) and encourage more mindful purchasing. β β5οΈβ£ Storytelling Over Perfection
Instead of portraying an unrealistic image of sustainability, brands should focus on sharing their journey including challenges, progress, and areas for improvement. Ethical messaging also acknowledges diverse financial and cultural realities β sustainable fashion won't look the same for everyone.
β¨ What do you think of these takeaways? I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on ethical marketing too.
β
Members: Find the recording of the full roundtable discussion in our Session Library!
Do circular business models have a positive environmental impact on the fashion sector? While many have intuitively believed that it would, there hasn't been standardized data to back up this assessment β until now.
WRAP has released an updated methodology for measuring displacement rates tested by preloved and repair platforms eBay, Vestiaire Collective, Depop, The Seam, SOJO and brand Finisterre.
The resulting report is provided us with insights into the environmental savings of circular business models for both resale and repair.
Today inside of theCFC Membership, we'll be hearing from Erin Allweiss, a sustainable fashion PR expert who co-founded No.29, a PR and brand consultancy that represents sustainable fashion brands artists, and organizations that aim to have a positive impact on the planet.
No.29 has worked on PR campaigns for some of the most renowned sustainable fashion brands, including Veja, Knickey (now Subset), Ansea, Asket, and Mara Hoffman. Theyβve secured placement in publications such as Vogue, Forbes, Glamour, Fast Company, and Harperβs Bazaar.
If you're seeking to deepen your knowledge, expand your network, and build business partnerships in circularity, Untangling Circularity's cohorts could be a great opportunity for you. Their upcoming cohort is centered around Circular Textile Materials and they also have an upcoming mini coalition, Marketing for Circularity.β
Have you applied for the Redress Design Award yet? I shared about this design competition last month, but here's a reminder if you needed it! Applications close next week.
As the worldβs leading sustainable fashion design competition for educating and empowering emerging designers globally, Redress is challenging designers to design a contemporary collection using waste textiles and guided by circular design strategies. Prizes include development funds and mentorship with Orsola De Castro.
ROUNDABOUT is a dynamic platform for experiences, dialogue, and discovery that provides a robust knowledge base with resources to reshape Africaβs future through sustainable and circular practices.
ROUNDABOUT is seeking a creative and motivated Social Media Intern to join their team. This internship is ideal for someone passionate about sustainability, fashion, and digital storytelling. As a Social Media Intern, you will play a key role in enhancing ROUNDABOUT's online presence, crafting compelling content, and fostering community engagement. University credit and a stipend available.
Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago is inviting designers and organizations to apply to showcase their work in a community-centered event β from a fashion show or community market to a panel discussion or workshop β in Chicago this fall. (Organizations do not have to be based in Chicago.)
π Dive Deeper: Become a CFC Member
π» Weekly Events: Attend networking, workshops, and industry expert Q&A sessions
π Exclusive Resources: Unlock time-saving templates, tools, and guides, plus member-only discounts
π₯ Community Support: Participate in monthly feedback sessions and access our community forums 24/7
π’ Visibility Opportunities: Get featured in a member spotlight interview and get added to our public directories