Sustainable Fashion project drives industry change

A Glasgow Caledonian-led project to foster sustainable fashion skills across Europe has culminated with a conference in Madrid.

Sustainable Fashion Employability Skills (SFES), led by Dr Lindsey Drylie Carey, involved universities in France, Portugal, and Spain, and had the backing of luxury brand Harris Tweed Hebrides and Tendam, one of Europe's largest retail groups.

Designed to foster sustainable fashion skills and develop new business models, the three-year initiative was funded by Erasmus+.

The project culminated with the Slow Fashion Fast Change conference at the Costume Museum in Madrid on June 23.

Dr Drylie Carey presented the final results and a student from each partner university spoke of their experiences.

Throughout the week, students, staff and industry partners met different retailers and brands involved in the sustainable future of the fashion industry.

Outputs from the project, including a White Paper, a Contemporary Skills for Sustainable Fashion module, and the Sustainable Fashion Employability Skills survey are available to download via sfes.eu.

Dr Drylie Carey said: "It has been a great adventure for all involved in the SFES European Project.

"A huge thanks goes to all the team and the student participants for their input and dedication.

"All the participants have embraced sustainability and have been equipped with skills to enter a fashion industry which is striving to become more sustainable every day."