Regenerative Fashion
“While classic sustainable fashion focuses on resource preservation, regenerative fashion takes it a step further, actively restoring and replenishing the natural environment.”
Context
Mozambique’s textile industry has a rich history dating back to the 1940s with the production of sisal and cotton fibers for export. The decolonisation and the emergence of globalization brought significant changes, leading to a transformation in the fashion and textile sector. Challenges such as reliance on second-hand clothing and inadequate infrastructure hindered the growth of apparel manufacturing. Revitalizing pre-owned or discarded garments has emerged as a notable trend in Mozambican fashion, mirroring the burgeoning second-hand clothing market seen in America and Europe.
The traditional fabric, Capulana, is distinguished by its conventional cotton material embellished with diverse prints and a balanced fusion, embodying influences from both local customs and global elements. Historically drawing inspiration from the Indian sari and Indonesian sarong, Capulana has become a potent symbol of identity throughout Mozambique. Its versatility extends beyond cultural ceremonies to encompass various uses, ranging from traditional rites of passage to coveted tourist souvenirs and even haute couture.
Mozambique’s fashion week annually offers a dynamic platform for emerging designers and models to showcase their creative prowess. However, fostering the growth and sustainability of the industry requires substantial investment in textile education. By nurturing the talents of aspiring designers and equipping them with the necessary skills, the industry can secure a prosperous future characterized by innovation and excellence.
Globally, the fashion industry is geared towards fast fashion, largely contributing to climate change. The fashion industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions through transport, consumption and disposal, leading to landfill waste and ocean pollution from the microplastics generated by polyester. The fashion industry currently consumes a staggering 98 million tonnes of non-renewable resources annually, with a mere 12 percent of clothing material being recycled. According to the UNFCCC, the fashion sector, encompassing the manufacturing of all clothing worn by individuals, is responsible for roughly 10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to its extensive supply chains and energy-intensive production processes. The industry consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industry combined. It is therefore imperative to implement a global transition towards sustainable fashion, and more ambitiously towards regenerative fashion.
Regenerative fashion endeavours to counteract negative environmental impacts by facilitating the restoration of damaged ecosystems and the regeneration of healthy natural cycles. Regenerative fashion encompasses clothing that champions circularity, either by repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste or by embracing regenerative agriculture practices, which prioritize the soil-to-soil cycle. It is crucial for consumers to understand that conventional farming methods, relying on agrochemicals, can have adverse effects on both the environment and human health. In today’s world, fashion transcends mere style; it embodies a lifestyle, one that embraces beauty with responsibility.
