Redress Joins Forces with UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network: A New Era for Sustainable Style

Asia-focused NGO Redress has teamed up with the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network to push global fashion brands toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. During a recent panel in New York City, representatives discussed pressing issues in fashion, such as environmental justice, cultural identity, and textile waste.

Dr. Christina Dean, founder of Redress, emphasized that fashion needs a moral compass. She believes that brands must focus on sustainability and social impact—not just profit. “There are inspiring brands globally that do more than sell clothes; they drive positive change,” she said. Supporters of ethical fashion should protect and uplift those businesses.

Redress and the UN team pointed out that Asia plays a vital role in the global fashion scene. The region accounts for about 60% of the world’s garment exports and employs nearly 60 million workers in the industry. However, Asia is also facing severe challenges from climate change, impacting both the environment and lives.

“The Philippines is drowning in textile waste,” said Jann Christian Lim Bungcaras, a designer from the country. He argues that developing nations should not be the dumping grounds for waste, highlighting the urgent need for change.

Redress leads a global network of ethical designers who have previously participated in its sustainable design competition. Many of these designers joined the Redress initiative at the network’s launch.

The UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network promotes collaboration across industries to foster innovation and share knowledge, aiming to elevate the voices of those making a positive impact worldwide.

Kerry Bannigan, co-founder of the network, pointed out that fashion influences many societal aspects, from employment to cultural identity. “The choices we make today will shape the future,” she stated, stressing that fashion should benefit both people and the planet.

Recent surveys back up these sentiments. A study by the Global Fashion Agenda found that 66% of consumers worry about sustainability in fashion, showing a rising demand for change.

In summary, the partnership between Redress and the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network highlights the urgent need for the fashion industry to evolve. Emphasizing ethics and sustainability isn’t just essential; it’s also what today’s consumers are calling for.



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