“IS GREEN IN FASHION?” ANALYSING THE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION OF FASHION BRANDS AND THE ATTITUDES OF GENERATION Z CONSUMERS TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Abstract

"This paper deals with “green fashion” in marketing. Young people are interested in eco production and are seeking “eco” brands, at least that's how they declare it. Fashion brands want to fulfil the wishes of their customers. But there is still one question: are companies´ promises and statements true or is it only marketing and greenwashing? We have tested their sustainability reports and statements here involves. The main goal of the paper is to evaluate whether the environmental discourse is having an effect on young consumers (young people from generation Z) and whether they behave ecologically or not. Additionally, we are interested in getting to know the customers’ attitudes towards “green fashion”. This study involves two analyses (both critical discourse analysis): (1) the environmental discourse of leading European fashion brands and (2) interviews with young consumers on their attitudes to, and buying behaviour of, fashion. Additionally, there also are implications for the fashion industry."