Conference Review: SFRA Conference, Copenhagen 13th of May 2019

Sustainable fashion has been the subject of extensive debate and claims over the past decade. Brands, networks, certification bodies, industry associations and consultancies all promote the notion of sustainable fashion. While the level of activity is impressive, however, there is often a lack of fact-based information about the actual extent of progress being made towards sustainability in the fashion industry. For instance, even though new and more sustainable materials and technologies are introduced almost every day, little data exist on the actual uptake of these solutions. More evidence and less rhetoric is needed to advance sustainable fashion to the next level. The aim of the Sustainable Fashion Research Agenda (SFRA) is to take stock of the current state of affairs in sustainable fashion. On the 13th of May 2019 in Copenhagen, the SFRA brought together critically reflective scholars and practitioners to take part in research-informed discussion about key aspects of sustainable fashion, including compliance, circularity and use. The aim was to inspire a more evidence-based discussion of sustainable fashion and lay the foundation for new forms of collaboration and partnerships between academia and practice. This conference review brings insights from the day and further highlights particular perspectives relating to matters of crafts research.