Thanks to my lecturer, Miss Anisa, I recently had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a meaningful event. The panel discussion and art exhibition were held on April 25, 2023. The event occurred at The Analogue Room, located in the Mandala Club. This club is the hub for Asia Pacific's most dynamic and empowered membership community, fostering conversations, creation, celebration, and connection.
Set within a beautiful heritage building, Mandala Club's interior left me in awe. Every corner exuded delicate charm, making me wish to spend an entire day there, basking in its atmosphere.
The panel discussion featured a remarkable lineup of experts:
Brandy Dallas, Founder of Sans Faff
Martin Bonney, Lecturer in charge of BA Hons Fashion & Textiles at LASALLE College of The Arts, Singapore
Raye Padit, Founder of The Fashion Pulpit
Jacqui Hocking, CEO of VS Story - A Redhill Company, was moderating the discussion.
The theme of the panel discussion centered around the question, "Who made my clothes?" This topic aligned with the ongoing revolution in the fashion industry. As part of Fashion Revolution 2023, in collaboration with Mandala Club, Miss Anisa curated this panel to discuss the pressing need for radical change. Additionally, the participants were treated to an exclusive exhibition showcasing the works of Singapore-based artists Eduardo Enrique, Kevin Lau, and Rowan Chanen. The event also offered cocktails and refreshments in The Library Room.
Before the discussion, Miss Anisa brought up the Rana Plaza accident on April 24, 2013. Over 1,100 people, predominantly garment workers, passed away when the Rana Plaza factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, collapsed. Many others were injured, and the survivors faced an uncertain future. This year has marked the tenth anniversary of the tragedy, prompting reflection on what has changed since then.
One topic that particularly intrigued me was the role different stakeholders should play in promoting fashion sustainability. Should it be designers, consumers, or the government? Surprisingly, all the panelists shared the same view: the government should play the most significant role. I shared their opinion, considering Singapore's reputation for strict laws. Implementing related restrictions on fashion industry players seems fitting for the country.
During the Q&A session, another thought-provoking question emerged: which is more sustainable, wearing affordable fast fashion brands multiple times or expensive sustainable brands sparingly? This question intrigued me, especially given the higher cost of environmentally friendly fabrics often associated with sustainable brands in Singapore. It's natural to question whether individuals who can't afford pricier sustainable brands should be allowed to turn to fast fashion without criticism or guilt. Raye, the owner of The Fashion Pulpit, shared his perspective, emphasizing that it's not about the price tag but rather about how frequently the clothes are worn. Even if a person wears sustainable garments only a few times and discards them, it still contributes to waste.
I extend my gratitude to Miss Anisa for coordinating this event. I am thrilled to have been able to contribute and be a part of this thought-provoking discussion, learning about the impact of fashion on the environment and connecting with like-minded individuals. I hope there will be more events like this to continue raising awareness about fashion sustainability in Singapore.
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