People should be put before profit - this is one of the conclusions of the public talk that took place in March 2023 in “East Gate MallOffice Spaces”, and was organized by MFA in collaboration with Fashion Weekend Skopje. The event was part of the “Small but perfect” project, designed as a fashion accelerator to develop useful tools and instruments for accelerating small and medium fashion enterprises to transition to circular and sustainable models, supported by the EU’s COSME program.
The word quality is not so synonymous with luxury, but is a factor of sustainable and responsible development.
The debate entitled “Small but perfect: the energy of design for people and the environment” was attended by: Aleksandra Spasevska - journalist and activist member of “Fashion Revolution Macedonia”, Nathali Ristovska - designer of sustainable fashion and researcher of new technologies for the production of textile, as well as, founder of the Yova brand. Furthermore, the Italian designer Arslan Dodo who is on the top 90 list of world leading designers and companies and who came to Skopje especially for this event, Carlo Stronati - representative of the fashion brand Errea. Moreover, Milena Donevska - brand manager in Magnetik Retail company and Alexandra Trpeska, also known as “Majestic” an influencer who represents activism and sustainable fashion.
The circular economy means a progress away from the traditional, linear economic model, which is based on the principle of make-take-consumediscard.
This model relies on large quantities of cheap, readily available materials and energy. Not to mention, Aleksandra Spaseska pointed out that a crucial part of this model is planned obsolescence, i.e. deviation from the practice of designing a product so that it has a limited lifespan so that consumers have to buy it again. Quality must be a connecting element that links design to production at the highest level through a complex interconnected chain in action that is not a self-referential situation, but integrated into an efficient and common system.
In this panel, Nathali Ristovska and Aleksandra Trpeska suggested possible measures such as waste prevention, eco-design and circular mechanisms that can save companies or individuals money while simultaneously reducing overall annual greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the production of the
We all need to be activists and constantly demand accountability from manufacturers. Prof. Dr.
materials we use daily account for 45% of carbon dioxide emissions. The Italian designer Arslan Dodo, shared his experiences with the present audience about his global work that relates to segments of lighting used in the creation of fashion campaigns. Innovations move the world, fashion and design are those factors that have always been pioneers in introducing the new, was his conclusion.
The guest from Italy also held a masterclass dedicated to Italian design in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje within the framework of the Days of Italian Design. Key notes from the masterclass centered around moving towards a more circular economy and how that can bring benefits such as reducing pressure on the environment, improving the security of supply of raw materials, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, stimulating economic growth and creating new employment opportunities. In the public debate Milena Donevska emphasized that consumers will get more durable and innovative products that will increase the quality of life and save money in the long run
The Energy of Design for People and the Environment”?
Gordana Vrencoska
Consumers will get more durable and innovative products
Milena Don evska
Innovations move the world, fashion and design are those factors that have always been pioneers in introducing the new
Designing with a purpose in mind.
The complete lifestyle is significant, not just our attitude towards clothing. Every small step counts: such as the use of natural materials and hand-crafting brings us closer to nature; even rice waste, which is our locally produced food, can be used in the production of materials and clothes. The longevity of the products and quality workmanship also provide greater importance and opportunity for their further use by the next generations. Additionally, the education of consumers on all possible levels about the principles of sustainability is also just as important. Not to mention, supporting local traditions and small domestic design brands, as well as, establishing an environment for greater transparency of large companies about their contribution or impact on the environment. We all need to be activists and constantly demand accountability from manufacturers. And finally, to illustrate how design can offer excellent solutions for the preservation of our planet, our natural resources, our humanity and our soul” - concluded Prof. Dr. Gordana Vrencoska, who was also the moderator of this debate.
The 26th edition of Fashion Weekend Skopje took place within the “Days of Italian Design”, a worldwide project initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through Italian embassies, cultural institutes and trade agencies to promote Italian design and architecture. This year’s theme was “Quality that enlightens. The energy of design for both people and the environment.”
Circle all the terms below that relate directly to your business. Anything that doesn’t, make into a list and stick it up somewhere in your workplace to prompt further consideration.
Education of consumers
Multi-life design
Longevity
Macedonian Fashion Association (MFA)
www.mfa.mk
Supporting local traditions
Social responsibility
Ethical business model
Fashion Weekend Skopje (FWSK)
www.fashionweekendskopje.mk
Teaching, learning and applying human-centered techniques to solve problems in a creative and innovative way
Revolves around a deep interest to understand the people for whom we design products and services
Have the intention to improve products, services and processes
Following the Public Talk, we organized a photo shoot featuring six forwardlooking designers and SMEs. Our main objective was to showcase circular products and services that inspire the next generation of designers: How Vintage and Secondhand concepts Take-Off. The shoot highlighted vintage and secondhand concepts, ethical brands, and accessories created with the environment and environmental footprints in mind. Additionally, we explored the role of design in the future of waste.
We also examined social responsibility in the fashion industry. Macedonian, a sustainable, zero-waste clothing label Bastet Noir, served as inspiration. Their designs are made to order tailored to clients’ measurements and are produced locally by a community of single female parents in North Macedonia. By shifting the focus from profit-maximization to prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet, and critically examining the practices along the supply chain, fashion brands can gain insight into their social and environmental impact. This leads to greater transparency and accountability to their customers, while also strengthening their commercial resilience.
As part of this event, we also recorded video interviews with the designers, SMEs, and associations involved. These interviews explored who is doing what, why they are doing it, and how they are achieving their goals.
To be inspired, watch it here
The following day, we displayed the incredible work from the photo shoot at the photo-exhibition. The event made a resounding impact and attracted a larger audience. View the full collection of photos here
Businesses that aim to put people before profit can prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in their operations, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and distribution. They can set clear sustainability goals, develop better environmentally-friendly production methods, as well as, invest in durable materials and technologies. In addition, enterprises can be more accountable and transparent in their day to day operations, especially when it comes to issues such as labor practices, environmental impact and supply chain management. Furthermore, regular reports on these topics can be published, engaging with all of the stakeholders to collect feedback, and implement various systems to measure progress and development.
Moreover, shifting the perspective of different businesses to put people at the forefront involves moving away from a purely financially-driven approach, to one that considers social and environmental impact of
their operations. In order to achieve this, businesses can reposition and reframe their metrics for success, moving beyond financial indicators and incorporating new social and environmental measures into the decision-making processes. In regard to other shifts, businesses can foster and prioritize innovation and collaboration recognizing that combatting complex environmental and social challenges requires a multi-faceted stakeholder approach. Some actions that can be taken to encourage this is partnering with NGOs, academic institutions, and other enterprises/organisations to share knowledge and resources, collaborating to develop fresh innovative solutions. To build on that, businesses can encourage the active engagement of their customers and stakeholders in the development as well as implementation of their circular strategies, hosting events and workshops, soliciting feedback and promoting the significance of awareness and education.
The COSME EU program is a European Union initiative designed to support the competitiveness and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. COSME stands for “Competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” and it is a funding program that provides financial and non-financial support to SMEs in various industries, including the fashion industry.
The program additionally aims to improve the business environment for SMEs, facilitate access to finance, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage the development of innovative business models. The program offers a range of support measures and services, some of which include mentoring and training programs, business development, access to finance and internationalization support, as well as, matchmaking and networking events.
Furthermore, COSME focuses on supporting the development of circular and sustainable business
models in the fashion industries, including initiatives to promote sustainable production methods, waste reduction, as well as, encouraging socially and ethically responsible business practices.
In small groups, discuss and note down the challenges faced by small and medium fashion enterprises in transitioning to more sustainable and circular models.
Next, create a mindmap brainstorm: What kinds of tools and instruments might be useful for accelerating this transition?
Useful tools and instruments
Explore the EU’s COSME program, then answer: How might the program support these businesses in making this shift?
Here are several worksheets and tools that could be developed to help businesses develop their action plan around putting people before profit:
Sustainability Goal Setting Worksheet
This worksheet would guide businesses through the process of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) sustainability goals. It could include prompts to identify areas for improvement, establish priorities, and track progress.
Value Chain Mapping Tool
This tool would help businesses identify the social and environmental impact of their operations, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product or service. It should include a visual representation of the value chain, along with prompts to assess the impact of each stage and identify opportunities for improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement Template
This template could help businesses engage with their stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, and community members, to gather feedback and build meaningful relationships. It could also include prompts for conducting surveys, hosting focus groups, and developing communication strategies.
These questions can be used to assess the current state of an enterprise’s practices related to prioritising people instead of profit, and to set goals for improvement.
To what extent does your business prioritize the well-being of employees, customers, and community members over profits?
How transparent is your business about its social and environmental impact, and how does it hold itself accountable for improvement?
How does your business engage with stakeholders to gather feedback, build relationships, and co-create solutions?
To what extent does your business integrate circular economy principles into its product and service design processes?
How does your business assess and mitigate the social impact of its operations, including labor practices and community engagement?
How does your business measure success beyond financial metrics, like employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and environmental sustainability?
How does your business contribute to the greater good, such as supporting local charities or advancing social justice causes?
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Small but Perfect www.small-but-perfect.com
Map and monitor your entire supply chain sustainabill.de/en/supply-chain-due-dili gence/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjMiiBhA4EiwAZ
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COSME
single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/ smes/cosme_en
Tractivity
www.tractivity.co.uk/blog/ stakeholder-engagement-plan
Fashion Revolution Macedonia www.instagram.com/fashion_ revolution_macedonia/
Accelerator Flashback –Reflections, Figures And Results www.fashionforchange.eu/ accelerator-flashback/ Ideo www.ideo.com/people/tim-brown
Bastet Noir bastetnoir.com
