How do circularity principles apply in the textile and fashion sector? How can eco-design help us build more sustainable business models? What are some of the main obstacles and challenges in the transition towards a more sustainable fashion? These are only some of the thoughts raised during the event: “Here and Now. The future of sustainable fashion is on”, which was organized and hosted at the evocative Prato Textile Museum on June 8th. 

This STAND Up! local event took place in the framework of the EU Green Week 2023. The museum welcomed more than 40 students in fashion and design from the Prato area, as well as experts and entrepreneurs from the Italian fashion, textile and design sector.  

During the panel on Eco-design for sustainable fashion: projects, materials, supply chain, business models, Orsola de Castro, founder of Fashion Revolution, captivated her audience by reflecting on the need to come back to a sense of community in fashion : “We should re-value local, traditionally circular fashion circuits”. Green Entrepreneurs Niccolò Cipriani, Founder of RIFÓ and Claudio Calabresi, Co-owner of Nova Fides textile companies also shared their valuable experiences and challenges in this sector. Students and participants also attended the masterclass on “Regenerative models: the role of business design and innovation in the Circular Economy” by Nicola Cerantola.

Importantly, the event was the occasion to present the campaign Eco-Innovators on Board and introduce “real-life” eco-innovators from the Mediterranean who have participated in STAND Up! such as the founders of: Ohoskin (Adriana Santanocito), DeleiteWear (Laura Fernandez), MiniMO (Barbara Annunziata), VEA Wear (Patrick ElZoghbi), and Zerow (Gabriele Rorandelli).  All in all, this was an inspiring event both for students as well as experienced professionals.