Being philosophical about sustainability

Sustainable Fashion Conference

The first edition of the Sustainable Fashion Conference was held today, on March 14, 2019. The event is part of APLF’s aim at establishing itself as the Sustainable Sourcing Platform in the Asia Pacific Region. The conference was featuring a range of panelists from various backgrounds and was well attended. It kicked off with an attempt at giving a definition of sustainability. The importance of education, the benefits of customization of consumer products, the necessity of collaboration between different sectors of the fashion industry, and the rationale behind the implementation of blockchain technology were among the topics being discussed.

Sustainable fashion in the Andes

Dr. James M. Vreeland – Naturtex

Alpaca, naturally pigmented Pakucho are some of the Andean natural fibers from Peru that American anthropologist turned garment manufacturer James Vreeland introduced to APLF’s audience today. Naturtex was the first organic cotton manufacturer of its kind to be certified as Fair Trade in the Americas. The Lima-based mill produces organic fabrics while nurturing a sustainable way of life for local farmers and weavers in the region.

Leather reborn: have your caricature drawn at APLF!

Isabel Tong – Local illustrator and the founder of local fashion and illustration brand ISATISSE.

Fashion designer and illustrator Isabel Tong uses POSCA markers to draw caricatures of APLF’s visitors on leather canvas. The accustomed to life performance artist, who drew on denim before, says she enjoys giving a new life to leather. Leather Reborn is an experimental project to promote the beauty and versatility of leather by inviting artists to express themselves on leather. It is organised by APLF and powered by Leather Naturally. Hides are provided by the Brazilian tannery JBS.

Why invest in Ethiopia?

Bold reforms undertaken to open up the country’s economy, tailored incentives provided to foreign investors, market access advantages and dedicated industrial parks are part of Ethiopia’s attractiveness today according to Abebe Abebayehu Chekol, Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner who described the sourcing and investment opportunities in Ethiopia at a seminar today. The country owns the 7th largest livestock population in the world and exports of leather reached US $ 133 million in 2018 which makes it a preferred investment destination for leather.