Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The international fashion industry faces many challenges related to sustainable design, production, and distribution (De Brito, Carbone, & Blanquart, 2008). Sustainability refers to “aiming to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising future generations” (United Nations Sustainability, 2012, p. 1). Challenges related to sustainability in the international fashion industry consistently surface in supply chains. The industry has to respond to the fast pace of global pressures from competitors, changing trends, demands of customers, and relationships with suppliers. These pressures are accompanied by the intensive use of natural resources and unsatisfactory labor practices, resulting in impecunious conditions throughout the international supply chain activities (De Brito et al., 2008). We look at the evolving paradigm shift changing and creating new sustainable cultures in the global sustainable apparel supply chains. Stay tuned for an introspective focus on what are Merging and Emerging Cultures of Women + Geography, Natural Resources + Consumption, Consumerism + Design and their effects on sustainable fashion. Small groups will design a piece of clothing with impeccable fashion strategies and create a story of culture on how it became the piece of clothing including logo creation, mission statement, statement of vision, global fashion culture café, including location, service, dress code, theme, etc. -Where would it be located? What will they serve? What will the dress code be? What will the theme of the café be? etc. Groups present their results and engage in reflection and evaluation.