Revolutionizing Fashion & Textiles

Fashion is a global industry worth $2.4 trillion, employing around 50 million people.  It is said to be one of the world’s most polluting industries.

In SHIFTA’s Short Course in Revolutionizing Fashion & Textiles, you will learn about the social, cultural, environmental and economic effects of the fashion & textile industry on our planet and people and how we can revolutionize the industry. 

This course will give you a 360° view of the industry and walk you through each stage of the fashion industry processes. 

Will discuss how, through alternative strategies in design, supply chain, marketing and mindset shift, we can revolutionize the fashion and textile industry to make it a positive impact industry.

We will also discuss systemic issues in the fashion industry such as inclusion, diversity, decolonization & representation and explore the power of new narratives and storytelling. 

Once you’ve successfully completed this course, you become an innovative changemaker in your work and industry. 

• Discover, develop and demonstrate a clear understanding of the social, environmental & economic considerations in fashion supply chains.

• Understand textile materials and the concept of sustainable fabric sourcing and fabrics social and environmental impact.

• Understand the sustainable development goals and how the fashion industry and your own personal and professional goals can align. 

• Communicate and debate confidently the sustainability perspectives around fashion and textiles in relation to planetary boundaries and human equality. 

• Develop innovative ideas to contribute to a Fashion Revolution by critical thinking, thoughtful process and creativity. 

• During this course you will draft your own manifesto to communicate what is important to you and how you want to approach sustainability in your work. 

1. Introduction to Revolutionizing Fashion: The state of the fashion industry now and how we got here? 

   1. Defining revolutionizing and reimagining in the context of the fashion and textile industry

   2. Historical overview of traditional fashion and textile practices

   3. Identifying the need for change and innovation in the industry

2. Sustainable Practices and Circular Economy: How do we reimagine & revolutionize fashion and textiles?

   1. Purpose over profit for long term well-being for all. 

   2. Sustainable Development Goals

   3. Understanding a Circular Economy- strategies to design out waste.

   4. Case studies of successful sustainable and circular fashion initiatives

3. Materials and Technological Innovation in Fashion and Textiles

   1. Overview of technological advancements, digital platforms and tools shaping the industry

   2. Innovations in textile materials, including sustainable and high-performance fabrics

   3. Exploring alternative and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques

   4. Case studies of brands utilizing new materials, manufacturing processes and supply chain transparency technology

4. Media, Marketing & Creative: Future Trends and Consumer Engagement in Fashion and Textiles

   1. Understanding evolving consumer trends and demands 

   2. Shifting the mindset:  Inclusion, diversity, decolonization and the power of Storytelling

   3. The importance of collaborations- common value to build more impact

5. Learning + innovation+ leadership = impact +influence

   1. Your manifesto- What is your why? What motivates you?

   2. Reflect, reimagine and revolutionize

Final project: Developing a revolutionized and reimagined fashion or textile concept, considering sustainability, technology, materials, and consumer engagement.

• Fashion & textile designers, freelancers, brands & entrepreneurs

• Textile manufacturers and sourcing agents.

• Sustainability copywriters, content strategists and community managers

• Anyone working in fashion and fashion education. 

• Anyone interested in sustainability, activism and making a change for good.

• Flexibility to combine training with the rest of your professional and personal responsibilities. 
• Tutored training. The trainer will accompany you to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the program. 
• Resources available on campus. 
• Practical activities. 
• Synchronous videoconferences with teachers. 
• Videoconferences are held between 18h -22h CET compatible with all time zones. 
• Workload: 15h per week.