Sustainable fashion and textiles: A case for degrowth

Abstract

This third issue of the International Journal of Sustainable Fashion & Textiles (SFT 2.1) presents a varied collection of academic research and scholarship, an industry interview, and an exhibition review which we feel gives some insight into the diverse and innovative design thinking already taking place within the global fashion arena. To combat catastrophic climate-related risks of global warming by zero-emissions would require urgent global changes in policy and investment across all sectors of society, and commitment to change from governments, industry and consumers. The trajectory of ever-increasing production and consumption is not sustainable in a world where resources are finite. A paradigm shift is needed to redefine what is meant by prosperity, which has long been classified as economic growth. A shift from economic growth and prosperity towards sustaining the planets ecosystems and improving well-being needs to happen – the two concepts cannot happen simultaneously.