The latest edition of FashMash Pioneers saw us exploring fashion and the circular economy with Jane Shepherdson CBE.
Once described as the most influential person on the high street, Jane was awarded a CBE for services to UK fashion retail in 2015. Now in her role as chair of My Wardrobe HQ, as well as a director of the London Fashion Fund, Jane spoke with Rosanna Falconer about what is holding the industry back from circularity, as well as the optimistic green shoots coming through in innovation.
You can watch the full interview via YouTube above. Here are some of the brilliant highlights in the meantime:
ON RENTAL
"Rental allows us to be more responsible, but also enjoy the creativity of fashion that we love... [but] it is not a panacea. It’s not going to solve all of the sustainability issues the fashion industry is facing. It’s a plank in the bridge that takes us to where we need to get to.”
ON BUY-IN
"Number one you need leadership that really believes change is necessary (not because it’s expected and that’s what the press is after). That’s a hard thing to find. Then it’s convincing business that in a sense you can’t afford not to. The case has to be put that being sustainable will save you money in the longterm, and make your business a better one."
ON CONSUMERISM
"You can’t say to people you can’t have that new dress, it’s just not going to happen. You have to give people a viable alternative. And an exciting one."
ON SWEATPANTS FOREVER?
"Fashion is notoriously cyclical, we get used to one thing and five minutes later we’re completely bored of it. As much as I love slobbing around in sweatpants, I’ve missed opportunities to get dressed up."
ON HOPE
"We got a bit addicted to fashion, chucking stuff away... We’ve been forced to go cold turkey and I think that’s a good thing. People are changing their relationship with fashion and that’s what needs to happen."
All ticket proceeds from this event went to Smart Works, thank you for your donations.