Sustainable Fashion in Perth: How the Circular Fashion Festival is Changing the Industry
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT HOLLY ADAMS
One of my primary takeaways from studying at NFC, as well as through my experience volunteering within the Fashion industry in recent months, is just how important sustainable fashion has become.
When I first began my journey with NFC in October last year, I was introduced to the Circular Fashion Festival, a program that celebrated local designers, creatives and sustainable businesses. They are kicked off with a weekend of pre-loved markets, runways and clothing-swap events in the heart of Perth's CBD, aiming to bring circular clothing to the forefront of the Perth fashion industry. I attended two of their runway events during this weekend, which allowed me to see some amazing upcycled pieces and looks from local Perth designers. It highlighted the importance of sustainability and introduced me to an amazing community of circular fashion heroes.
In March, I had the opportunity to be a part of their next series of events as a Volunteer and Circular Fashion Ambassador. The festival spanned over the course of twelve weeks, with themed clothing swaps, mending stations and sewing workshops. This program was more than just a clothing swap, it aimed to get consumers to quit fast fashion for good. I was able to attend the Festival's opening day, where I had the chance to meet like minded individuals passionate about sustainable clothing. I also brought in some of my own pieces for the festival's clothing swap, where I gave old clothing a new life whilst also taking home some pre-loved pieces that I will be wearing for years to come!
The program focused on giving each piece of clothing a new life, and gave me the chance to sit with myself and think about my own contributions to the fast fashion cycle in the past. It gives those who may not know much about ethical and sustainable fashion the chance to learn, grow and educate themselves on the importance of changing the way they shop.
This May, the Circular Fashion Council also announced their brand new program, the Business of Circular Fashion Incubator, which was designed to assist circular fashion designers and businesses ready to take their brand to the next level. It showcases how dedicated this team is in pioneering the future of sustainable fashion in Perth. Our local designers and businesses are truly our future in this regard.
If the Circular Fashion Festival were to highlight one thing, it's that Perth is one to watch in terms of Circular and Sustainable fashion. There is such a beautiful community of local creatives and designers who are truly passionate about changing the way we shop and it is the backbone of everything the local Fashion community in Perth stands for. I am so grateful to NFC for allowing me to broaden my horizons and get involved with local projects and events such as the Circular Fashion Festival, using the knowledge I have learned throughout my studies in the real Fashion industry.
RE: Fashion is in fact the future, and I am incredibly excited to see what the Circular Fashion Festival does next.