On February 20th, industry professionals, students, and alumni gathered together at ESMOD Paris to discuss the hot button issue that is sustainable fashion. On this day, rather than simply harping on the major ecological issues within the fashion industry, the goal to come up with concrete solutions to adapt and begin shifting production and manufacturing processes
The day began with a screening of Sakina M’sa’s documentary: Mode d’évasion. In this film, the designer and philanthropist shows audiences the program she launched with the female prisoners detained at Fleury Mérogis Remand Prison. This moving experience proved that fashion is a major part of these women’s re-entry into society.
As for the “Designers Focus,” participants were able to meet and chat with multiple designers and learn about their brands. The designers present are as follows: Arielle Levy, the founder of the label Une Autre Mode est Possible; François Laurendeau, an ESMOD alumnus and the creator of the brand Maison Geneviève, which upcycles military materials; designs from the ready-to-wear knitwear brand Les Racines du Ciel, the brainchild of an ESMOD professor; designs from the brand and association Les Chausettes Orphelines which gives a second life to old socks; the designer of La Bananeraie who presented her selection of fanny packs, all of which are made entirely from upcycled materials.
Participants were also able to become acquainted with the various production procedures of numerous different textiles, from those that are very well known to those that are more rare. Click here for more information regarding our “textile” focus.
In addition, the association UpTrade was kind enough to come and present their eco-conscious efforts. They are constantly trying to collect the left-over stock of unused materials from many different brands in order to give them a second life in the hands of fashion students and young designers. The company Chargeurs PPC also described their efforts in this cause by presenting their recycled interlinings and fusible adhesives. This eco-friendly strategy is certainly one more designers should adopt.
Participants were also able to become acquainted with the various production procedures of numerous different textiles, from those that are very well known to those that are more rare. Click here for more information regarding our “textile” focus.
During the afternoon, 2 round tables took place which allowed participants a chance to reflect and listen to those who have already began putting eco-conscious theories into practice. Two groups of industry professionals gave recommendations to their current and future peers present.
- Transparence and know-how with:
Hubert Barrère (Lesage), Pascal Gautrand (Made In Town), Ali Rakib (Forweavers), Charlotte Billot (UpTrade), Anne Dupuy (specialist in natural dyes, mediated by Thomas Ebélé (SloWeAre)
- How to create your own brand in the face of environmental and social challenges with:
Sakina M’sa (Front de Mode), Christian Tournafol (Les Racines du Ciel), Alice Gras (Hall Couture), Arielle Levy (Une autre Mode Possible), Anouk Pepin (La Bananeraie), mediated by Liya Korjova (Artek Ermitage)
Overall, ESMOD’s Detox day was a very enriching experience for all involved and is sure to become an annual event aimed to continue the progress towards an ethical and eco-conscious fashion industry.
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