Cathedral show highlights need for fashion rethink

A sustainable fashion show at a cathedral hopes to highlight the impact of the textile industry on the planet.

Fashion on Earth will explore clothing "created in harmony with nature" and include a makers market, poetry, live readings, pledges, music performances and a catwalk.

Run by Sustainable Fashion Week [SFW], the event at Bristol Cathedral will be set against the backdrop of artist Luke Jerram's immersive exhibition Gaia: Our Home Planet.

"We want people to come away feeling something rather than just having information," said SFW founder Amelia Twine.

"There is increasing evidence that fashion is killing the Earth, and we’re inviting people to join with us now to rethink their relationship with clothing and nature," she added.

Ms Twine said the show was taking a different approach to SFW's usual events, by incorporating performance, poetry and display, "where we would normally opt for the power of skills learning, swaps and talks".

Lauren Reed, stylist and director of the community catwalk, said: "Community is key to change.

"The creative inspiration for the runway comes from looking at the current state of the Earth's soil and how we can work towards a regenerative approach."

She added: "If a community can pull together like this we are unstoppable."

"Creating fashion that acknowledges planetary boundaries and our interconnectedness with nature is so important," said Emma Hague, of South West England Fibreshed.

She said: "Using the gravitas of the cathedral to frame this conversation not only amplifies what we are exploring at Fashion on Earth, but also gives us a platform for celebration."

Ms Twine explained that while fast fashion brands such as Shein were still growing, there was a "massive uptake in awareness" around sustainable fashion, including a huge rise in second-hand shopping.

According to a study by online thrift store Thred Up, sales of pre-loved clothes are predicted to overtake fast fashion by 2030.

The designers chosen for the event use a variety of textiles, including reclaimed fabrics, certified organic cotton and local, regenerative wool.

The models on the night will be people from the local community with representation from Able Model Management, which offers modelling opportunities to those who feel misrepresented.

They will be supported by make up and beauty students from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

Fashion on Earth takes place at Bristol Cathedral from 18:30 GMT on 6 November.

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