Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a $1.85 trillion global industry, a powerful form of self-expression, and a driver of cultural and economic change. But behind its glamour, the industry faces mounting environmental and ethical challenges.
It’s an industry at a crossroads, responsible for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of industrial water pollution. I’m Sophia Kohler, a researcher, innovator, and advocate, and I founded Smart Fashion to explore these challenges and champion a more sustainable future for the industry I love.
Fashion is far more than a superficial pursuit. It is a complex, multifaceted industry that contributes significantly to the global economy and labor force. While its pre-COVID revenue reached an estimated $2.5 trillion with a labor force of 3.46 billion according to McKinsey (2023) and the World Bank (2022), today’s $1.85 trillion valuation reflects both resilience and evolving economic realities.
However, this influential industry also has its fair share of challenges. Fast fashion, characterized by rapid, trend-driven production, carries severe environmental and social repercussions. Recent data shows it accounts for about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of industrial water pollution worldwide, while consuming a significant portion of the world’s increasingly scarce water supply.
At Smart Fashion, our mission is to raise awareness about these pressing issues and champion sustainable practices within the industry. We believe in the power of informed choices and the potential for change when awareness aligns with action.
But fashion is not just about trends and consumption. It’s also a potent medium of self-expression and identity. Every garment, from conception to creation, is a testament to the harmonious blend of art, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It’s not just about the cut, fit, or color—it’s also about the chemistry of fabrics, the economics of production, the technology in manufacturing, and, most importantly, the sustainability of practices.
The textile industry has existed for centuries, shaping cultures and societies, and it will continue to evolve with time and technology.
So, join us at Smart Fashion as we navigate the multifaceted world of fashion—where style meets sustainability, economic contribution meets responsibility, and creativity meets STEM. Together, let’s envision and work towards a fashion industry that is not just powerful and expressive, but also conscious and sustainable.
A platform where sustainability meets style, innovation meets responsibility, and fashion becomes a force for good.