Writing by AVANTELIER, Image by Michael De Groot
What are the key events of 2025 set to define the future of sustainable fashion? This article will introduce the major sustainable fashion events and summits of the year, while also highlighting AVANTELIER’s 2025 goals, showcasing their commitment to ethical practices, innovation, and driving meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.
The year 2025 is set to be a watershed moment for sustainable fashion. With the clock ticking toward 2030 — the industry’s deadline to halve its carbon footprint in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement — the urgency for tangible progress is greater than ever. A series of impactful global events will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and advocates to tackle the most pressing challenges. According to Vogue Business, 2025 is a pivotal year for sustainable fashion as the industry faces mounting pressure to halve its carbon footprint by 2030, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. However, progress has been slow. Large-scale conferences often prioritise discussions over actionable change and frequently exclude the vital voices of garment workers, notes Katrina Caspelich of Remake. Experts like Reformation’s Kathleen Talbot now lean towards smaller, focused events, such as Fashion For Good’s strategy sessions, which are better equipped to tackle specific issues and drive impactful solutions.
At AVANTELIER, we recognise the significance of these milestones. As a sustainable fashion platform dedicated to fostering ethical values and innovative solutions, we view 2025 as an opportunity to align our goals with broader industry movements and push for meaningful, measurable change.
Why 2025 Matters for Sustainable Fashion
The road to sustainability is filled with challenges, from waste management and supply chain reform to the slow adoption of next-gen materials. Here’s why 2025 is so critical:
1. Accountability: Industry stakeholders must show clear, measurable progress toward carbon reduction and ethical production goals.
2. Innovation: Scaling the adoption of sustainable fabrics and production methods is a top priority.
3. Inclusivity: Uplifting the voices of garment workers, grassroots advocates, and underrepresented communities.
4. Global Action: Synchronising efforts across regions to align with climate goals and address systemic issues like waste and overproduction.
Key Events Driving Change in 2025
International Day of Zero Waste
When: 30 March
Where: Global
The International Day of Zero Waste, spearheaded by UNEP and UN-Habitat since its inception in 2022, will spotlight fashion and textiles for the first time in 2025. This annual UN-led event aims to raise global awareness of waste reduction, with a special focus this year on addressing the mounting issue of textile waste. Topics will include innovative recycling methods, strategies for waste minimization, and legislative measures being implemented in regions like Europe and the United States. Growing activism in countries heavily impacted by textile waste, such as Ghana and Chile, further highlights the critical need for action, as does the release of the first US federal report on textile waste.
Biofabricate
When: 1–3 April
Where: Paris
Web : https://www.biofabricate.co
A leading event for next-gen materials, Biofabricate attracts innovators, scientists, and brands exploring bio-based solutions. Attendees can expect groundbreaking advancements in bio-leathers, sustainable pigments, and biodegradable textiles.
Global Fashion Summit
When: 3–5 June
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
Web: https://globalfashionsummit.com
The Global Fashion Summit, organised by the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), returns for its 16th year under the theme “Barriers and Bridges.” This year’s focus is on turning sustainability challenges into practical solutions while amplifying the voices of underrepresented stakeholders, including those from manufacturing countries.
Although previously criticised for favouring discussion over tangible outcomes, the GFA is addressing these concerns by hosting events in production regions and prioritising diverse representation among speakers. Despite past frustrations, industry leaders such as Dounia Wone of Vestiaire Collective view the summit as a crucial platform for advancing meaningful progress in sustainable fashion.
Future Fabrics Expo
When: 24–25 June
Where: London
Europe’s largest sustainable materials trade show, the Future Fabrics Expo, continues to grow in importance as brands face looming sustainability deadlines to transform their fabric portfolios. Since its launch in 2011 by The Sustainable Angle, the Expo has spotlighted innovative, low-impact materials, making it a key event for the industry. The challenges facing next-generation materials were underscored in 2024 with the bankruptcy of Renewcell, later revived under the leadership of former H&M CEO Helena Helmersson. Alongside showcasing groundbreaking fabrics, the Expo features a dynamic talk programme where innovators share insights on scaling their solutions and how brands can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable material adoption.
Walk Your Values
When: 11–16 September
Where: New York
Remake’s *Walk Your Values* initiative at New York Fashion Week highlights secondhand fashion, workers’ rights, and ethical consumption. By leveraging NYFW’s platform, it amplifies local activists and challenges overconsumption, promoting sustainability and fairness across the industry.
Textile Exchange Conference
When: 13–17 October
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
The annual Textile Exchange Conference, set for Lisbon in 2025, gathers industry leaders, raw material innovators, and circularity experts to foster collaboration. With its expanded format, including supply chain field trips, the event focuses on aligning diverse perspectives to advance impactful and enduring sustainable fashion solutions.
AVANTELIER’s Commitment to 2025 Goals
As a platform dedicated to selecting and showcasing ethical fashion, AVANTELIER views 2025 as a pivotal year to further strengthen our impact. Here’s how we plan to drive meaningful change:
+ Curated Ethical Selections:
We take pride in offering ethically produced, locally crafted goods. Our carefully selected designer brands and hand-crafted pieces embody the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. We believe that the meticulous attention to detail and artistry of handcrafting significantly enhances the product’s value. These one-of-a-kind items not only offer consumers exceptional exclusivity but also foster a deep, long-lasting connection, akin to the appreciation of art—an investment in timeless taste.
+ Storytelling Through Immersive VR:
Our platform goes beyond simply showcasing products; we use cutting-edge VR technology to amplify the stories, insights, and initiatives of eco-conscious brands. By immersing consumers in the creative spaces of designers and providing an intimate look at their production processes, we aim to connect people with the values driving sustainable fashion. This virtual experience enhances understanding, enabling consumers to feel more engaged with the brands they support.
+ Collaboration for Sustainability:
We are dedicated to collaborating with designers and innovators to explore and implement next-gen green materials. By sharing knowledge and resources, we aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Together, we will move toward a future where eco-conscious choices shape every aspect of fashion production.
+ Pre-loved Goods:
At AVANTELIER, we are passionate about curating collections that blend ethically produced designs with high-quality pre-loved pieces, creating a sustainable wardrobe with lasting value. We believe in the power of circular fashion—giving garments a second life and allowing them to continue telling their unique stories. By offering pre-owned items that are just as valuable and timeless as new, we encourage conscious consumption and a deeper connection to the clothes we wear. “Sustainable fashion is about timeless pieces you’ll cherish and re-wear, each with a story to tell.” – AVANTELIER
Join Us in Shaping the Future
As the fashion industry approaches its critical 2025 milestones, AVANTELIER remains committed to driving meaningful change. Beyond finding ethical goods, we are dedicated to fostering dialogue around innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable practices that create lasting impact. Standing at the forefront of this transformation, we invite you to join us in paving the way toward the industry’s shared 2030 goals.
Together, let’s inspire and lead the charge for a more sustainable and equitable future.
