Latest articles in Background

Who makes our clothes? Fashion Production Explained

Ever wondered who actually makes your clothes and how fashion's supply chain impacts workers' lives? This deep dive unpacks how fashion production works and explores what’s needed for meaningful change in the industry. FashionUnited interviewed Kim van der Weerd, a former factory manager with a background in human rights, who advocates for a...

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The Gen Z dilemma: eco-conscious but addicted to fast fashion

One of the most-read articles on FashionUnited in October was about unauthorised Shein outlets -- pop-up shops that pretend to be by the Chinese internet giant but are simply riding on the brand's popularity. Pop-up shops opened in Dutch cities such as Arnhem, Utrecht and Rotterdam, offering clothes at extremely low prices. These shops have been...

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The future of fashion: is less more?

A confession. My original research question was, “What if the fashion industry simply made less clothes?” (Over)production, reducing speed and seasons could be the answer to almost everything?!, was my thought process. As in: for sustainability in the clothing sector and more broadly: in the pursuit of a circular economy (see text frame below)....

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From design, supply, distribution, marketing to retail: How AI is being used in the fashion industry

Attention fashion brands and retailers: how you can use Artificial Intelligence to make your business more intelligent and/or efficient “Artificial intelligence (AI) can make the fashion industry smarter,” said Matthew Drinkwater, head of the Fashion Innovation Agency at the London College of Fashion and specialist in new technologies and their...

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'Digital Twins': The Digital Product Passport is coming, here is what you need to know

DPP: The who, what, where and when, and how to prepare The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is coming. All products on the European market will have to be provided with a product passport, also known as a “digital twin”, in the (near) future: a digital file that provides comprehensive information about the environmental impact of a product...

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What exactly does “regenerative” mean in fashion?

The term “regenerative” is popping up more and more often. But what does it actually mean? And what are regenerative agricultural practices and is there such a thing as regenerative fashion? Many different approaches “‘Regenerative’ is not a defined term,” states Sanne van den Dungen. She is co-founder of Raddis Cotton, an organisation that...

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“Sustainable Textiles”: what are next-gen materials, biobased materials and recycled materials? (When is a material truly recycled?)

“About two-thirds of the raw materials used in the fashion industry are synthetic materials. Synthetic materials, also known as artificial or man-made fibers, are basic materials made by humankind in factories. Unlike cotton and wool, for example, these fabrics do not come from nature. But not everyone knows that synthetic fibers come from...

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What if we can wear our favourite clothes for longer?

Background: A closer look at the EU law 'Right to Repair' that is in the works [and the fashion industry] 1. The Rise of Repair, also in the fashion industry ”Well, I'm obviously in the repair bubble, but I dare say the repair domain is growing,” Sieds Wijnja, founder of repair platform Jafix.com which develops DIY manuals for consumers and...

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Sale and special offers: a closer look at the discounting practices in the fashion industry

Discounting has become somewhat of the norm in the fashion industry today, with clearance culture emerging as the solution to excess stock for many retailers and brands. But could this practice be doing more harm than good? This background piece looks at sale and discounting practices. Contents • In fact, there’s not always a sale on • What...

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What is the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) legislation? What does it mean for the fashion industry, and what can you do to prepare?

Good news from Brussel. ‘A victory for people and the environment.’ Lara Wolters on X, tweet from March 15, 2024: “Due Diligence passed in Council! People and planet prevailed over cynicism. Thanks so much to the Belgian Presidency for all its efforts!” On Friday, March 15, the EU voted in favor of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence...

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Comprehensive reporting on sustainability is or will become mandatory: Here's what you need to know about the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

“Traditionally, financial reports have been the main focus of corporate reporting,” explains fashion professional Melissa Wijngaarden. Many companies compile annual reports that recount their activities over the last year. An integral part of this report is the financial statements, which summarize the company's financial situation. This allows...

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Plagiarism in fashion: Why is there so much counterfeiting, and is it even allowed?

Trends have always traditionally been dedicated by the runway.The apparel industry looks to runway designs, haute couture as well as ready-to-wear,for inspiration. Designs are reinterpreted for a wider audience or diluted and made more accessible while being sold at ever-lower prices. Source: the article ‘Fashion: from catwalk to closet’ Some...