In Europe, the demand for eco-friendly clothing continues to grow, with sustainable fashion accounting for a 23% market share last year, according to Global Market Insights. It’s expected that Europeans will purchase 10% more clothing made from natural fabrics and recycled materials produced without low-paid labor or harmful chemicals this year. However, the growth of sustainable fashion isn’t limited to Europe. Conscious consumerism is rapidly gaining ground in countries like China and India, approaching European levels. This shift is evident at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, where speakers from Southeast Asia emphasize responsible consumption and the growing interest in sustainable fashion in the region.
Last year’s BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow brought together delegations from 100 countries, including participants from the “Global South” and representatives from the UK, the USA, and European nations. This year’s summit, scheduled from August 28 to 30, will focus on sustainable fashion and the designers leading this movement.
Tinyiko Baloyi, a University of Johannesburg lecturer and the BRICS+ Fashion Summit participant, emphasized: “Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern but an absolutely critical factor in current industry decision-making, driven by increasing consumer awareness, regulatory pressures, and the undeniable environmental and social impacts of conventional fashion.”
The Summit’s program includes country-specific sessions featuring key players from China, India, and Indonesia, including government officials who are developing the textile industry, heads of fashion associations, and leading clothing and fabric manufacturers. Speakers from the USA, Russia, Italy, Spain, and other European countries, as well as from Latin America and Africa, will explore strategies for adopting eco-friendly technologies, advancing circular fashion, and utilizing innovative materials. Cultural identity will also be a central theme, serving as the foundation for sustainable fashion. Ten countries will showcase their fashion brands’ collections during the Summit. The highlight will be an exhibition featuring Russian fashion houses that draw inspiration from their regional heritage. The “Native Motifs” exhibition explores how national and cultural codes influence modern life through fashion.
Ali Charisma, Event Director of the Indonesian Fashion Chamber, commented, “The biggest potential for innovation in fashion lies in sustainability, technology, and cultural storytelling. Advances in eco-friendly materials, digital tools, and a focus on heritage will shape a more responsible and meaningful future for the industry.”
Alongside the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, Moscow Fashion Week will also be held, with notable participants like South Africa’s David Tlale, Turkey’s Emre Erdemoğlu, Brazil’s brand Artemisi, and others.
