A special action in Alexandroupolis hosted businesses that through fashion make the world a little better. The event was the first event for “Sustainable Fashion” in Northern Greece, and took place on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 17:00 pm to 21:00 pm at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Thrace, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Chamber of Evros. Attendees had the opportunity to meet products and chat with ecosustainable brands, thrift shops, producers and designers who are part of the sustainable fashion and textile ecosystem. The event included a product exhibition and an active dialogue on trends and developments in the industry, with the aim of discussing and exchanging innovative opinions and ideas, as well as the difficulties faced by sustainable businesses.
Sustainable fashion is a movement that aims to reduce the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment and society. It encompasses ethical and responsible practices in every aspect of the fashion supply chain, from design and production to consumption and disposal.
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste accumulation. Sustainable fashion seeks to address these issues by promoting environmentally friendly materials and production methods, reducing waste, and ensuring fair labor practices and working conditions.
Some examples of sustainable fashion practices include using recycled and organic materials, implementing closed-loop production processes, and reducing carbon emissions through transportation and energyefficient practices.
In addition to environmental benefits, sustainable fashion also has social and economic advantages. It supports local and small-scale producers, promotes fair wages and working conditions, and contributes to the preservation of traditional artisanal techniques. Overall, sustainable fashion is a crucial movement in promoting responsible consumption and production practices, and it is a growing trend in the fashion industry that we can all support by making mindful choices in our fashion purchases and supporting ethical and sustainable fashion brands.
The chamber of commerce and the greek association of fashion designers were participants. With them was the President of the Hellenic Association of Fashion Designers, Orsalia Parthenis. The exhibition ended with a cocktail and networking event.
The action was organized by Fashion Revolution Greece - Lighthub, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace and the Art Museum of Metaxios Soufli in collaboration with the Economic and Social Security Fund. new University of Athens - Research Centre for Sustainable Fashion. Co-financing by the EuropeanCommission. The dialogue was led by Fiori Zafeiropoulou, Head of the Research Center for Sustainable Fashion at the Athens University of Economics & Business & Founder of a Fashion Revolution of Greece and Joy Koumentakou, Joy Artivist and Brand Strategist of Fashion Revolution Greece.
Mr, Orsalia Partheni, President of the Greek Association of Designers of Fashion, took them to Alexandroupolis to experience the circular Economy of B. Greece. He talked to us about how Greek designers respond to the urgent need for sustainable fashion and what are the challenges of the industry. Christodoulos Topsidis,
President Chamber of Evros and Founder of Lighthub, supported young people in the local community who venture into sustainable fashion. Following the thread of the supply chain, the dialogue was initiated by the community’s textile workers and George Tsiakiris, President of the Soufli Silk Art Museum and silk producer. Soufli has a historical tradition in silk production, being the first silk production in Europe since Byzantium. G. Tsiakiris recommended the innovative sustainable initiatives of the RESILK Museum, reuse of silk waste and Vegan Silk, vegan silk.
Angela Giannakidou, President of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace Project RIZA spoke about the role of traditional motifs in today’s garment.
Emmanuella Kouroudi, Director of Sustainability at Thracian Ginning Mills, noted the strangeness of exporting Thracian cotton of the highest quality around the world, while in Greece many buyers do not even know that cotton is being produced in our country.
Meropi Ververi from PENELOPE LOOM HERITAGE, who brought her loom with her from Thessaloniki, referred to the spread of weaving art as a sustainable slow fashion practice.
Vasiliki Zafiria Ypsilanti showed us the silky scarves of MANTILITY and talked to us about the community of designers she has created, as well as the way in which MANTILITY supports local artists.
Areti Bofiliou from Pletino, a group of Pomak women from Mountainous Xanthi who create knitted accessories, talked to us about the contribution of the group and its contribution to the community.
Eleni Mavrogeni, Coordinator of Fashion Revolution Greece has introduced the new Wear Your Origins Award female empowerment and inclusion program, which will give the opportunity to 20 women to be educated in sustainable fashion and co-create sustainable Capsule Collection that will tell the stories of their tradition and culture, and of their personal struggle to escape violence and social exclusion.
Vera Bogiari from Wasteless Design talked to us about the importance of ethical economy through reuse, through the creation of cloth sanitary napkins and other sanitary ware made of organic cotton and hemp.
Argyro Mytilinou showed us the underwear of the Oratia brand made of 100% certified organic hypoallergenic cotton.
Lizeta Fotoglou, circular economy artist introduced the incredibly innovative brand Re-Lak that turns electronic waste from old computers into fashion products.
Elli Sfika from Amalthea AthensUnique Bag Stories talked to us about how she managed to rid her brand of animal skins and get eco-friendly options, such as pineapple skin.
Valentina Vassilatou with the VALENTINA VASILATOU Conscious Swimwear brand came from Athens to show us the ecological swimsuits and sportswear from recyclable fabrics and unique designs from rare ocean fish.
Eleni Petrides from Worldwild talked about the holistic philosophy of the brand and how her eco-friendly garments bring us closer to nature.
Georgia Chioni from SKiN iT Fashion, Maria Triandafyllidou from TRIAMIA and Anastasia Dosi with the eponymous brand ANASTASIA DOSI talked about their future plan to join the sustainable market by introducing products from recycled materials and ecological raw materials.
Maria Karaba and Vicky Maridaki from ATHOS PALLAS is a European Fashion Agency that helps to set up new brands while supporting
sustainable practices and alternative materials such as seaweed fabric.
Eva Kokkali with The Modeva Closet (Vintage & Preloved items from all around the globe) and Rania Samara with Cirkel talked to us about enhancing a sustainable lifestyle through buying second-hand clothes. They also referred to how the new public appreciates the high quality and uniqueness of used clothes. The discussion ended with the establishment of another innovative initiative to be held in June 2023, the Fashion Revolution Summer School. The Athens University of Economics and Business in collaboration with leading universities and sustainable fashion institutions in the USA, Europe and Latin America are organizing an educational journey of the global protagonists of sustainable fashion focusing on global trends and heritage. More than 25 top teachers will travel to Greece to teach students and industry professionals from all over the world. The program is aimed at those who want to acquire the new skills and tools of sustainable and circular fashion and at the same time gain access to critical research and networks necessary to thrive as fashion revolutionaries.
Goals and potential shifts in the fashion industry towards sustainability include:
Reduce environmental impact: The fashion industry is known for being one of the most polluting industries in the world. Therefore, a major goal is to reduce its environmental impact by using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon emissions.
Promote ethical and fair trade practices: The fashion industry has been criticized for exploiting workers in developing countries. As a result, many companies are now focusing on promoting ethical and fair trade practices, ensuring that workers are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and have access to basic human rights.
Increase transparency: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact that the fashion industry has on the environment and society. Therefore, companies need to be transparent about their production processes, materials, and sourcing to build trust and loyalty with consumers.
Adopt circular economy principles: Instead of the traditional linear model of “take-make-dispose,” a circular economy model focuses on reducing waste and maximizing the use of resources by reusing and recycling materials. The fashion industry can adopt these principles by designing products that are meant to be recycled or repurposed, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Shift consumer behavior: Ultimately, the success of sustainable fashion relies on consumers’ willingness to adopt more conscious consumption habits. Companies can help shift consumer behavior by promoting sustainable products, educating consumers about the impact of their choices, and making sustainable options more accessible and affordable.
These goals and potential shifts are not exhaustive but are some of the key areas that the fashion industry is focusing on to become more sustainable.
The dialogue organized gave the participants the opportunity to present their businesses and innovations. The presentation was moderated by the artist and Fashion Revolution’s strategy expert, Joy Koumendakou, together with Fiori Zafeiropoulou, head of the research centre for sustainable fashion at the Athens University of Economics and Business and founder of FASHION REVOLUTION. Each speaker had about 3 minutes for his/her presentation. After presenting their companies, it was pointed out by all of them that in Greece it is very difficult to find raw material and they are forced to go abroad. So despite the difficulties we are all working for a “green Europe”.
Distinguished speakers also attended, including the President of the Chamber of Evros, Christodoulos Topsidis, a representative of the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, the President of the Union of Greek Designers, Orsalia Partheni, George Tsiakiris, President, and founder of the Museum of Silk Art, Angeliki Giannakidou, President, and founder of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, mentors of the Light Hub, and many others. Approximately 100 SMEs participated in the exhibition as visitors. At the same time, the media campaign team recorded brief interviews with all the participants.
10 years have passed since the death of thousands of workers at the Rana Plaza plant. It is with great sadness that we see that human life continues to have no value, to be tyrannized and lost unjustly. The tragic accident in Tempi is further proof that we must continue to demand even stronger, more united and more coordinated respect for human rights and safe working conditions. We decided to proceed with the organization of the Sustainable Fashion Fair and the Community Dialogue of Northern Greece in Alexandroupolis on Friday, as we have an even greater responsibility to fight for the transition to a society that puts man and the planet above growth and profit. In a society of responsibility, respect, security, equality, transparency.
We are looking to discover the environmental footprint in “dangerous” and “garbage”, but fashion also creates “garbage” and waste.... Here we have either limited or we are trying with environmentally friendly methods to reduce our footprint !! Yarns friendly to both humans and the environment! Sustainable and friendly production and processing processes! Smart practices and reuse of materials, we do not throw away anything that can be reused. And all this through the rebirth of craftsmanship, the sustainable approach to production and without discounts on the modern look that fashion urgently asks for!
George Tsiakiris President, the Soufli Silk Museum Textile Designer, MetaxourgosFashion Revolution has been organizing awareness-raising activities in Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki since 2015, through the City Leaders of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace and Thessaloniki. Now it’s time to celebrate the innovative sustainable fashion businesses that have been created and move on to acceleration in Evros and Northern Greece.
We have come to consume ourselves. Let’s pick up the thread all over again.
GiannakidouDuring the event, several speakers shared their insights on the importance of sustainable fashion and the challenges faced by the industry. The speakers highlighted the need to move away from the traditional linear model of “take-make-dispose” to a circular model that promotes the reuse and recycling
One of the key themes of the event was the importance of regenerative practices in the textile industry. Experts emphasized the need for sustainable and ethical sourcing of materials, as well as the adoption of circular design principles that prioritize durability, reparability, and recyclability.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you? How would you define it in your own words?
Have you ever thought about the impact that your fashion choices have on the environment and the people involved in the production process?
If yes, how do you approach this issue?
If no, why not?
What are some of the challenges that you face in trying to be a more sustainable consumer of fashion?
How do you try to overcome these challenges?
Have you made any changes to your fashion consumption habits in order to be more sustainable?
If yes, what changes have you made?
If no, what changes do you think you could make in the future?
How can you encourage others to be more mindful and sustainable in their fashion consumption?
What actions can you take to raise awareness and promote sustainable fashion?
What is your personal perception of sustainability in fashion?
What is your favourite item of clothing and how often do you wear it?
What is the manufacturing process of the garment you choose to buy?
What steps can you take to support sustainability in fashion, such as buying clothes from sustainable sources or recycling your old clothes?
What is the importance of sustainability in fashion and how can it be achieved?
What steps can be taken at the business level to improve sustainability in fashion?
How can the consumer be encouraged to improve the sustainability of fashion?
How can sustainability in fashion be improved?
Fashion Revolution is the largest global movement fighting for a safe, fair, clean and transparent fashion industry. The movement’s vision for the future is a global fashion industry that saves and restores the environment and people more than growth and profit. Fashion Revolution operates with local offices in more than 100 countries around the world. FR GREECE has been conducting awareness, education and advocacy actions with the industry and the State since 2013, following the collapse of the Rana Plaza plant in Bangladesh. FR GREECE is a voluntary movement with City Leaders in various cities and islands of the country.
In March this year, the European Commission adopted an EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles. The strategy was announced in the new 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan, which identified textiles as a
key product value chain requiring urgent action in the EU due to its high resource use and high impact on the environment. The strategy foresees that, by 2030, textiles on the EU market should be durable and recyclable, made largely from recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in an environmentally friendly way, while respecting social rights.
It introduces a number of instruments that should work in synergy to achieve this objective, such as the proposal for a new Ecodesign Regulation, which establishes mandatory minimum requirements for the inclusion of recycled fibres in textile products, making them longer and easier to repair and recycle;and the Digital Product Passport for all regulated products; which contains mandatory information on circularity and other environmental aspects. The strategy also recognises the role that Member
States’ public procurement can play in incentivising more sustainable production and consumption and promises to introduce mandatory green public procurement criteria. Although the strategy appears to be well equipped to make textiles more environmentally sustainable, many civil society organisations argue that more should have been done to address the social aspects and human rights of garment workers.
At the same time, the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) Directive, adopted in February, establishes an obligation for large companies to assess, prevent and mitigate adverse human rights impacts throughout their value chain. However, the proposed CSDD Directive it covers only very large companies, leaving out of scope small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent more than 90% of the textile sector.
More information about the event: www. lighthub. gr/small-but-perfect
www. eventbrite. com/e/sustainablefashion-exhibition-north-greecetickets-566244922807
Link for our website about Small But Perfect: www.lighthub.gr/small-but-perfect
www.lighthub.gr/en/small-but-perfect/ small-but-perfect-meet-the-exhibitors/
More information about the organizers: greece. fashionrevolution. org/gr
msl. aueb. gr/#/Research-Centrefor-Sustainable,-Ethical-&-CircularFashion-and-Textiles-(FRFashtech)
www. lighthub. gr
www. silkmuseum. gr
emthrace. Org
Link for application form docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
Link for our video we.tl/t-vCfHY6Pwtm
drive.google.com/drive/
