Developing Sustainable Fashion Businesses at AFI Fashion Week 2020
This year’s AFI Fashion Week is about developing sustainable fashion businesses.
Did you know that the global apparel market is valued at over 3 trillion dollars?! Yup, it accounts for 2 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Sadly, it also generates 4% of the world’s waste each year. About 92 million tons to be exact.
Sustainability is very important to me. It is why as a fashion blogger, I feel that it is my responsibility to show you more than 1 way to wear an item of clothing. Because let’s be honest, we don’t need as many clothes as we buy and or own.
This is why I am looking forward to attending this year’s AFI Fashion Week to learn more about AFI’s plans on sustainability in Africa.
The two-day event is taking place from 12 to 14 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and from the schedule, it looks like one not to miss.
Can the fashion Industry minimise fashion wastage?
At the show, AFI will use its Masterclass platform to delve deep and look into how the fashion industry can curb fashion wastage, particularly in Africa.
The Masterclasses is aimed at encouraging collaborations and developing sustainable businesses, technology upskilling and innovation. AFI will host three Masterclass sessions; Fashion and Sustainability on the 12th, Creatives Corner on the 13th and Fashion and Technology on the 14th of March. I am particularly excited about the Fashion and Sustainability Masterclass.
Acclaimed speakers like Dr Erica de Greef, Laduma Ngxokolo, Vere Shaba, Tracey Chamber, Paul Currie and Dr Esther Mahlangu will be leading the talks.
The conversation will focus on sustainability in fashion within the African context.
Fashion and Sustainability
This session will discuss the economical influence of the industry and its vital role to preserve history and culture. Loyiso Mkize, Kitty Phetla and Sbusiso Mahone will be part of this hot solution-oriented discussion.
Creatives Corner
This will tackle the pressing issue in the creative industry, that has seen many of our artists taking to social media to voice out the lack of support from government and private businesses.
Fashion and Technology
The final day of the masterclass will look at technology and how it has changed the landscape and share insights on how the creative industry can take advantage of this new era, to grow businesses and restructure business models to reach global markets.
About AFI
AFI Fashion Week aims to redesign Africa’s future by positioning African creatives as leaders in narrating African stories.
It was awarded the coveted Franca Sozzani Award for developing and promoting African Fashion designers globally. AFI’s new strategy AFI4.0 has embarked on offering designers trade opportunities through the pop-up AFI Designer Marketplace.
To find out more follow:
Facebook: @africanfashioninternational
Twitter: @afi_sa
Instagram: @afi_sa
#AFIFashionWeek
For a blog post on how to build a sustainable wardrobe, click here