University News Last updated 08 April 2019
Fashion students at Birmingham City University are set to host a conference this week highlighting the impact that fast fashion has on the environment and how new research can help ensure the fashion industry is more ethical.
The ‘SH:IFT’ conference takes place at the University’s Parkside Building on Wednesday 10 April and will see students discuss how the fashion sector is one the most polluting global industries.
Students presenting research at the event include Samantha Leason, who studies Fashion Business and Promotion and hopes to educate consumers of the impacts of shopping with fast fashion brands.
“My research found that most consumers believe that fast fashion brands do not make them aware of sustainability issues and that there is a gap in the market to better inform consumers with displays within the garments themselves.
“I also found that many consumers would be more inclined to pay attention to information on clothing labels if they were interactive.
The one-day conference will see students debate how they wish to shape the fashion industry and whether it can value people and the planet alongside profit.
Closing the event with a keynote speech will be British fashion commentator and Professor of Diversity in Fashion, Caryn Franklin MBE.
For more information and to book tickets, search ‘SH:IFT’ at www.bcu.ac.uk.