Business Leaders

ABOUT

The Ethical Fashion Source Expo launched in November 2009 as the Global Sourcing Marketplace, based at Chelsea College of Art and design.
The event was attended by designers, fashion professionals and entrepreneurs, and designed to make it easier for them to source and use ethical materials and manufacture in their collections.

Traditionally it has been difficult for designers and fashion brands to ensure they have an ethical supply chain, as it has been difficult to find reliable information. This event, following on from the Spotlight on Sourcing Seminars, has the power of change to future of fashion production.

As well as young designers and established ethical brands such as “Frank & Faith”, “Ascension” and “Luflux”, the high street was well represented. Visitors attended from a range of large retailers including Marks & Spencers, Topshop, and Ted Baker.

WHAT PEOPLE SAID ABOUT IT…

“The Global Sourcing Marketplace brought together an impressive combination of sustainable enterprises working along the design supply chain. The marketplace provided many insights, tools and leads to move our business forward. That, combined with the inspirational stories of everyone in attendance, made it a really wonderful and fruitful two days.” Benita Singh, S4Style, Visitor.

“We are from India where sustainable textiles are very very very niche. It was amazing to see the lively community of designers, brands and researchers in London, and it made us feel we are part of a large family. Thanks EFF.” Gijs Spoor, Zameen, Exhibitor

“It’s really inspiring to see so many ethical suppliers with such a variety of products. I’ve made contact with some really interesting companies and am excited about the prospect of developing new designs with them.” Julia Smith, Designer, Visitor

EXHIBITORS The event was the first of its kind and brought together over thirty ethical/eco suppliers from all over the world. Including ethical garment and textile manufacturers, suppliers of organic and fair-trade cotton, representatives of cooperatives and community groups, eco-colour dye and printing specialists, suppliers to leading retailers, designers and pioneering brands. More information on exhibitors.

The Global Sourcing Marketplace was run in partnership with some of the most established global networks of suppliers and experts in the ethical, eco and fair-trade fashion fields, including the Fairtrade Foundation, the World Fair Trade Organisation, MADE –BY and the Textiles Environmental Design project at Chelsea College.

SEMINAR PROGRAMME, 2009

FRIDAY 20th November
11am An Introduction to Sustainable Sourcing

ETHICAL FASHION FORUM

TAMSIN LEJEUNE

12pm Effective supplier partnerships: The Business Case

ZAMEEN

GIJS SPOOR

2pm Ethical production : Best practice from the High Street

CLARE LISSAMAN, SUPPLY CHAIN EXPERT

4pm Ethical Production in Africa

MANTIS WORLD

PRAMA BHARDWAJ

6pm Supporting Cooperative Suppliers

PANCHACHULI

MARY KING

&

ARTISAN LIFE

CLAUDIA SUAREZ

SATURDAY 21st November
11am Sustainable Sourcing: New business / new designer focus

CHOOLIPS

ANNEGRET AFFOLDERBACH

12pm Sustainable fabric sourcing and the BioRe foundation

REMEI AG

DIANE GERTH

2pm Sustainable print and dye processes

AURA HERBAL TEXTILES

ARUN MOHANLAL BAID

4pm Sustainable production in the UK

ARDALANISH ISLE OF MULL WEAVERS

ALEX CONNELL

RE: FASHION AWARDS EXHIBTION The event included a showcase of how sustainable fabrics can become high fashion, with an exclusive view of the iconic pieces designed for the RE:Fashion Awards 2008.

The designers including Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes worked with fabrics and components sourced from African manufactures and community groups. Alongside this designers worked with recycled and reclaimed materials to create the exclusive designs which were shown on the catwalk.

The pieces were shown exclusively for the first time since they were modelled by Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldof, Leah Wood andLeah Weller on the night. More information on the RE:Fashion awards.

PRESS The Global Sourcing Marketplace 2009 has been featured in the press including:: Treehugger Green My Style Eco-Chic Amelia’s Magazine Ecco-Eco Photography of the event courtesy of Sally Mumby-Croft. For press images please contact Amisha