From Ethics to Innovation: How Fashion Leaders Are Shaping a Sustainable Future
At Joy Jensen, we believe in fostering meaningful connections—not only with our clients but also with like-minded business owners who share a vision for the future. To kick off the year, we hosted a table at the PayPal Australian Fashion Business Lunch in March, an event that brought together industry leaders to discuss the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and ethical business practices.
The panel discussion featured esteemed speakers Bianca Spender, Deborah Sams, Michael Elias, and Saskia Baur-Schmid. Together, they delved into the importance of ethical manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and the broader impact of business on the community.
Tackling Fashion’s Sustainability Challenge
The fashion industry has long faced criticism for its role in overconsumption and environmental waste. It was inspiring to hear from legacy brands such as Bianca Spender and Bassike about their efforts to shift towards more responsible practices. These businesses prioritise small-batch production, using ethically sourced materials and incorporating salvaged fabrics. Their ability to evolve with emerging recycling and sourcing opportunities demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability.
A Fresh Approach: The Anti-Consumerist Model
At the other end of the business lifecycle, Saskia Baur-Schmid’s newly established brand, Hyph_n, challenges traditional fashion industry norms. Built on an anti-consumerist ethos, Hyph_n operates with a made-to-order model, reducing waste and promoting thoughtful consumption. This approach is a stark contrast to an industry historically driven by volume and mass production, offering an alternative that aligns with modern sustainability values.
At Joy Jensen, we believe in fostering meaningful connections—not only with our clients but also with like-minded business owners who share a vision for the future. To kick off the year, we hosted a table at the PayPal Australian Fashion Business Lunch in March, an event that brought together industry leaders to discuss the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and ethical business practices.
The panel discussion featured esteemed speakers Bianca Spender, Deborah Sams, Michael Elias, and Saskia Baur-Schmid. Together, they delved into the importance of ethical manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and the broader impact of business on the community.
Closing the Loop: The Future of Fashion Recycling
The conversation also explored what happens at the end of a garment’s life. Michael Elias, founder of MANRAGS, introduced his company’s innovative fabric recycling initiative. Originally focused on repurposing old socks, MANRAGS has expanded into upcycling and donation programs, ensuring that textiles get a second life instead of ending up in landfills. His insights highlighted the crucial role businesses can play in creating circular solutions that benefit both the planet and the economy.
Key Takeaways: Applying Sustainability Across Industries
While the event centred on fashion, the lessons learned apply across all industries. Ethical sourcing, reducing resource waste, and considering the full lifecycle of products and services are principles that can be integrated into any business model. Smaller businesses, in particular, have a unique advantage—by focusing on quality over quantity, they can create more personalised, sustainable offerings that benefit both customers and the community.
One of the key messages from the event was the importance of being open to learning from both established businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. Many industries face similar challenges, and by sharing insights and experiences, we can collectively move towards more ethical and sustainable business practices.
Our table brought together business owners from diverse industries, including design, entertainment, fitness, retail, and finance. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and, of course, enjoy the stylish atmosphere of the event. As we continue these conversations, we remain inspired by the innovations and commitments being made to shape a more sustainable future in fashion and beyond.