Time for a responsible fashion council?

Abstract

Fashion is one of the least regulated and most unsustainable global industries. It has recently come into the spotlight due to its social and environmental performance, which brought into sharp focus both the lack of adequate international regulations in the fashion sector and lack of compliance with existing ones. Despite the proliferation of voluntary initiatives, there is no single body that sets global rules in the fashion industry today, thus leading to lack of coordination and common standards around the world on anything from advertising to environmental performance. The chapter analyzes the current regulatory landscape in the fashion sector at the international level, including the existing standards and certification schemes as well as key initiatives in this sector. It explores the feasibility and possible mandate of a future global fashion council and its role in promoting sustainability across the industry.