We welcomed almost 300 of you to the second annual Clean Fashion summit at Somerset House’s River Rooms on Thursday 20th April 2023. The theme was ‘Land in London’ in collaboration with Estethica and Trash Club, bringing people together to discuss amplifying smaller players in the ethical fashion movement and how much space this physically takes up in London.
The concept was simmering a few months prior and we partnered with The Stitch to bring to life an eco-fashion map, encouraging our community to share some of their favourite wholesome places in London as a means to map out and share hidden places often overlooked as the emphasis is often on “buying” sustainably overshadows experiences. Iconic parks like Primrose Hill and Mudchute were mentioned; recycling themed concept stores such as Are You Mad and family-ran or zero-waste restaurants such as Silo also made the cut.
The Talks
The Clean Fashion Summit hosted two panel discussions. Colèchi co-founder Tina Wetshi, who dazzled in double denim, moderated the opening panel, which focused on “Local and Alternative Fashion Eco-Systems” and the panellists were Fiona Uwamahoro (PhD student and researcher at the London College of Fashion), Katy Mason (creator of Trash Club), Kristina Bull (circularity advisor from QSR Partners), Lotte Selwood (founder of the shop Are You Mad), and Shannen Maria Samuel (designer and creative director of Bleaq).
The overall emphasis of this panel was to take small action and be the person that makes the change on your doorstep whilst highlighting the importance of supporting small initiatives that are often underfunded yet ran by passionate people. An audience member made a great point by highlighting that each purchase we make acts as a literal vote and the popularity of an item is an indication as to whether a brand should continue producing. Also there are many other experiences beyond clothing – for example, on Earth Day, Are You Mad partnered with the local community and the brand North Face to clean up Ripple Nature Reserve in Barking, with all plastic collected going back to their store in Soho for upcycling.
The next panel was moderated by Colèchi co-founder Piarve Wetshi, whose quick wit and personable demeanour set the tone for an engaging discussion on “Land in London”. Panellists for this discussion were Alice Holloway (historian from London Urban Textiles Commons), Nicholas Okwulu (founder of non-profit organisation PemPeople and creative workspace Livsey Exchange), Orsola de Castro (author, designer and founder of Estethica), Rebecca Morter (founder of Lone Design Club), and Vickie Hayward (founder of Company, Place).
This was a perfect follow on from the first panel, providing actionable solutions as to how we can engage with people and spaces in London. For example, Nicholas, who considers himself as a “urban activist,” encouraged the audience to work on local initiatives with their neighbours, contact their local MPs, and learn about the abandoned sites in their communities. He mentioned the importance of leverage, which meant to use what you already have to do something new or better.
When asked which cities felt ahead of the current “sustainability” curve, Orsola mentioned that there is plenty that London can learn from Berlin and Bombay, particularly around field-to-fashion.
Today for the first time in a long time I felt like we are the resistance.
Orsola de Castro
Thank you for reminding me why we do what we do.
However, Alice who touched on generational land ownership in England, dating back to the events following William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066, and how they are linked to the current state of our country was the history lesson we all needed to hear. Her speech enthralled the audience, and she received a round of applause.
In between panel discussions, guests observed the Land in London exhibition curated by Tilda Trevitt and Emily Lamb in collaboration with Trash Club and assisted by Jahnavi Sharma. These beautiful clothes and accessories were inspired by the Earth and designed by local designers with the idea of localness in mind.
The Exhibition
The exhibition included Again & Again, Clara Chu, Emily Lamb, Emma Blythe, Fine Tilth, Joshua James Small, Justina Alexandroff, Kayd Freud, Laura Teasdale, NS Gaia, Redress Laboratory, Revival London and Under Her Eyes. The exhibition provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on what was discussed in the panel and get more information from the speakers.
The Workshop
As the day turned to night, one of our exhibitors, Laura Teasdale, made an in-person appearance and led a two-hour special Japanese Clothing Repair workshop for those who had attended the panel discussions earlier. The ambience was soothing as people learned hand mending techniques and created various stitch patterns on cloth supplied by Piarve’s marketplace Last Yarn.
Thanks to our sponsors Brewgooder, Dash and Showerings, as well as everyone who attended this event. We hope to see you all again next year!
