Five Resources to Learn About Fashion, Vol. 2

Written by Valentine Fabre

Discover educational resources, from books and magazines to in-person events, to develop a greater understanding of the fashion industry. 

Attend: Fashion Declares!

The Fashion Declares! initiative offers a large range of tools and resources from which to learn about, and take an active part in, the promotion of industry-wide change within sustainability and social justice.

Based in London but accessible from everywhere in the world, the non-profit hosts webinars and conferences year-round to promote eco-conscious and ethical practices in fashion. From their training on decarbonisation via the Carbon Literacy Certificate to the yearly Regenerative Fashion Conference held during London Fashion Week, Fashion Declares! aims to educate and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and transparency in the industry. You can find a large set of webinars available on their Patreon.

Read: The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History

Spanning over more than 30,000 years of history, The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History by Kassia St Clair offers readers a deep dive into the world of textile. The book explores key historical figures, places and events such as Tutankhamun’s mummy, the Silk Road and the boom of the Industrial Revolution, and offers insightful analysis of the social and political aspects of fabric.

Thanks to its unique angle, the book will equip you with excellent knowledge of the way textiles have changed the history of not only fashion — but the world. 

Listen: Manufactured Podcast

Co-founded by Jessie Li, who held diverse roles across the supply chain sector in China and Cambodia, and Kim van der Weerd, who has worked for manufacturers in Cambodia and has a background in human rights, Manufactured Podcast looks into the production process behind each piece of clothing, with a focus on sustainable practices.

Featuring experts from across the manufacturing sector, each episode delivers an insightful glance at textile production, factory management and the trading of traditional methods for more sustainable alternatives.

Flip Through: Marfa Journal

Taking its name from a desert city in the middle of Texas, Marfa Journal was originally a final project created by Alexandra Gordienko during her Fashion Communication studies at Central Saint Martins. Intersecting between art and fashion, Marfa is an incredible source of inspiration for those looking to develop their creative mind. Its cheeky yet contemporary approach to fashion, combined with a unique visual identity, allows the publication to showcase influential cultural figures such as Sofia Coppola, Chloë Sevigny, and Rachel Senott.

Subscribe: Remake

Created by social entrepreneur and climate change activist Ayesha Barenblat, Remake is a non-profit organisation that actively promotes a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.  

Based in San Francisco but operating worldwide, Remake developed specialised knowledge of human rights and sustainability, which renders their monthly newsletter an informative resource to learn about possible solutions for climate change and overconsumption.

Written by Valentine Fabre