New York Business Consultants LLC

Sustainability and the Future of Fashion

Interview of Leyla Kazimova, Director Future Fashion Day

By Madeline Tanamal for New York Business Consultants LLC

1. Tell me briefly about Future Fashion Day.

It is a day when we celebrate ethical fashion and share knowledge about it, not only in terms of business, but also in terms of production processes, supply chain in general – economics of ethical fashion and its implications. We want to educate general audience about the opportunities and we want to deepen knowledge of those already in the industry. We want to show that ethical fashion is about style and uniqueness, because behind every piece of garment there is a story. And we want to tell that story.

2. How would you define sustainable fashion?

I prefer using the word ethical fashion because the word “sustainable” is already loaded with many both positive and negative connotations. As I have mentioned every piece of garment has a story behind and this story is about people, who work to make it, resources they use, and environment they change with every piece produced. That is why I would define ethical fashion as industry which is responsible for fair employee payments – social responsibility, fair market prices – economical responsibility, fair treatment of the environment and natural resources – ecological responsibility. On top of it comes design of course, because to me, among other factors that is what is driving the whole industry nowadays. The times have passed when sustainable fashion was bleak and itchy.

3. And with reference to that definition, why do you think it is important for fashion to be sustainable?

Because there is no other way for us unless we want to destroy the world we live in.

4. I would say that sustainable fashion is often more expensive than traditional fashion. How would you convince people to switch to sustainable fashion?

I would appeal to the story who and how produced this particular piece of clothes, I also would appeal to the timelessness of it. Last but not least – to the quality of it – it lasts longer, it is pleasure to wear it. I have many pieces of ethically produced clothes, but my favorites are sneakers made in Brazil. Great design! And I know exactly how the supply chain works with this label and I cannot really describe the feeling when I wear them! It is like I connect to those people who made it possible for me to wear these amazing shoes. And they are truly amazing, I must say, very comfortable and robust – I have been wearing them for 3 seasons already and for me it is really long.

5. How receptive is the world and are consumers with regards to sustainable fashion?

It is so different depending on where you are! If we take general audience – the knowledge is better in Europe (but this is only according my own observations of course). If we take Canada for example, it depends: in Vancouver, BC people are more aware about the issues in the ethical fashion industry than in Toronto, ON for example. Again, this is my own observation, and I have not been travelling a lot in Asia or in South America. But of course, the awareness is growing and unfortunately only after people hear shocking news similar to the Rana Plaza catastrophe.

6. What is your outlook on sustainable fashion?

It is the only way and therefore I am very positive that sooner or later ethical lifestyle will become not something special but our everyday normalcy. 

Bio & contact info: 

Leyla Kazimova is the director of ‘Future Fashion Day’, previous president of the environmental activist group oikos Konstanz and a passionate advocate for sustainability and civil society. Leyla is from Azerbaijan, speaks six languages and received her international education from Baku University, Konstanz and York University- a true global citizen.  Leyla holds a degree in Economic Cybernetics, a BA in British and American Studies/Business and is now.finishing her MA in  British and American Studies/Brand Management at the University of Konstanz, Germany.

Future Fashion Day was initiated by Leyla in 2013 as one of oikos Konstanz Chapter projects. Leyla’s plan is to develop Future Fashion Day into something more than a short term project.

To learn more contact: Leyla Kazimova at: Leyla.kazimova@gmail.com