A sustainable fashion event, Fashion on Earth, recently took place in the historic setting of Bristol Cathedral, aiming to raise awareness about the ecological impacts of the textile industry. The event, organized by Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW), showcased designs created "in harmony with nature," alongside an array of immersive activities, including a community catwalk, a makers market, live poetry readings, music performances, and a series of pledges to encourage sustainable fashion practices. The show's backdrop was artist Luke Jerram's Gaia: Our Home Planet—a breathtaking installation depicting Earth as seen from space, underscoring the call to rethink humanity's impact on the planet.

Shifting Focus to Sustainable Fashion

SFW founder Amelia Twine explained that this year’s event took a different approach, integrating performance, poetry, and visual displays over traditional workshops and panel discussions. "We want people to come away feeling something rather than just having information," she stated. 

Ms. Twine emphasized the urgency of rethinking society’s relationship with clothing and nature, saying, “There is increasing evidence that fashion is killing the Earth, and we’re inviting people to join with us now to rethink their relationship with clothing and nature."

With fashion's well-documented toll on the planet, Fashion on Earth seeks to inspire a community-driven shift toward sustainable practices. "The event is totally about feeling," added Twine, inviting attendees to explore their personal connections to clothing and nature.

Designs Rooted in Regenerative Approaches

The catwalk was designed by stylist and community director Lauren Reed, who drew inspiration from the current state of the Earth's soil and emphasized the need for regenerative approaches in fashion. "Community is key to change," said Reed. "If a community can pull together like this, we are unstoppable." The event highlighted textiles crafted from reclaimed fabrics, certified organic cotton, and locally-sourced regenerative wool, illustrating a commitment to environmentally-conscious fashion.

Emma Hague from South West England Fibreshed noted the significance of hosting the event in a cathedral. "Using the gravitas of the cathedral to frame this conversation not only amplifies what we are exploring at Fashion on Earth, but also gives us a platform for celebration," she said, underlining the power of connecting art, community, and environmental action.

A Celebratory Night of Art and Awareness

Throughout the evening, the cathedral echoed with the soulful voices of Oak Choir, a community group led by musician Rachael Dadd. This performance, combined with the visual beauty of Jerram's Gaia installation, added a celebratory and contemplative atmosphere to the gathering. The choice of local models—represented by Able Model Management and supported by beauty students from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College—further emphasized inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry.

Ms. Twine pointed out the cultural shift towards sustainable fashion, noting the "massive uptake in awareness," including a surge in second-hand shopping. According to a study by online thrift store ThredUp, sales of pre-owned clothes are expected to outpace fast fashion by 2030, signifying a promising move toward sustainability.

The event's community-centric approach and use of sustainable materials set an inspiring example for how fashion can evolve.