SUSTAINABILITY & NAIROBI FASHION WEEK

In a world where fashion stands as the second-largest contributor to global waste, generating over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, Nairobi Fashion Week is leading a transformative shift towards sustainability. Acknowledging the impossibility of achieving perfect sustainability and zero waste, we believe that now, more than ever, it is crucial for brands to embrace change.

Nairobi Fashion Week recognizes the challenges of achieving perfect sustainability in a dynamic business landscape. We understand that the fashion industry involves complexities that make absolute sustainability elusive, contributing to an alarming 20% of global industrial water pollution. However, this acknowledgment fuels our commitment to navigate the path to responsible fashion.

As the fashion industry significantly contributes to global waste, with one garbage truck of textiles being wasted every second, the need for brand responsibility is paramount. Nairobi Fashion Week serves as a beacon, urging brands to embrace sustainability not as an unattainable ideal but as an imperative.

Embracing Imperfection in Pursuit of Progress

Perfect sustainability may be an unattainable goal, but that doesn’t mean we shy away from the journey. Nairobi Fashion Week invites brands to join us in the pursuit of continuous improvement. Every step towards sustainability matters, contributing to a more responsible future. With approximately 60% of all clothing produced ending up in landfills within a year of production, even small changes can have a significant impact.

Our ethos recognizes the ever-evolving nature of sustainability. We acknowledge that being perfectly sustainable is challenging, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of taking meaningful steps. Nairobi Fashion Week is committed to progress—constantly evaluating, innovating, and challenging industry norms.

In this era of environmental consciousness, brands are no longer just entities; they are change agents. Nairobi Fashion Week invites labels to embrace the imperfection of the sustainability journey, recognizing that each effort contributes to a more responsible industry.

Sustainable fashion, in its various expressions, embodies ethical production, circular principles, a slower approach, and a conscious message. It’s about creating garments that not only minimise environmental impact but also consider the well-being of those involved in their creation. It’s a commitment to evolving practices, acknowledging that the journey towards sustainability is as significant as the destination.

Join Us on the Journey

Nairobi Fashion Week extends an invitation to brands—big and small—to embark on the journey towards responsible fashion. With the fashion industry projected to account for 25% of the global carbon budget by 2050, it’s not about achieving perfection overnight; it’s about committing to change, making strides, and collectively transforming the industry. Together, let’s redefine responsibility in the world of fashion, acknowledging that the journey is as important as the destination.