We’ve always believed in the power of partnerships and in fashion’s ability to drive meaningful change. That’s why, as proud partners of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNFLN), we were honoured to co-convene a high-profile panel discussion in the SDG Media Zone during the United Nations General Assembly on 20 September in New York.
On stage discussing their works that provide local solutions to key global fashion themes, including intersectional environmental justice, cultural identity, social inequality, gender inequality, overconsumption, and textile waste colonialism, were Redress Alumni, Damini Mittai from India, Jann Bungcaras from the Philippines, and Isabella Li Kostrzewa from the USA, in a conversation moderated by Redress’ Founder, Dr. Christina Dean. Watch the panel here (time stamp: 05:51–25:44).
Off the panel stage, we’re proud to announce more SDG-aligned Alumni who have officially registered their commitments on the global UNFLN platform: Aarushi Kilawat (India), Aashita Jain (India), Lívia Aguiar de Castro (Brazil), Louise Boase (Australia), Magdalena Malbran (Argentina), Rachel Clowes (UK), Rose Brown (UK), Ruwanthi Gajadeera (Sri Lanka), Ruyin Tian (China), and Silvia Acién Parrilla (Spain).
Redress’ Inaugural Designer Delegation at NYC Climate Week
As an Asia-focused NGO driving the shift toward circular fashion, it’s a no-brainer that we believe Asia must be front and centre in the dialogue about climate change. That’s why we organised our inaugural designer delegation to NYC Climate Week, with thanks to TAL Apparel.
Three Redress Alumni designers, Pei-wen Jin, Damini Mittai, and Jann Christian Bungcaras, joined the prolific, dawn-til-dusk schedule of panels, networking, roundtables, and more events that pulled every lever the world has to combat climate change — including regenerative farming, finance, AI technology, equal partnerships, social justice, and gender equality.
Reflecting on the delegation, Redress’ founder Dr. Christina Dean said, “Bringing Asian fashion designer voices into the global conversations is key to driving sustainable and inclusive change. For the majority, we are not seeing enough Asian fashion related solutions discussed at these milestone gatherings. Asia accounts for some 60% of global exports of garments and textiles1, with approximately 60 million workers being employed in Asia’s garment manufacturing.2 Asia is also hit hardest by climate change3, with the region heating up faster than the global average. We want to see more Asian solutions and Asian pioneers within the global dialogue. Our first delegation was only a small step towards this.”
On why fashion designers must be more aware of climate change, the alumni also shared insights:
Redress Alum, Pei-wen Jin, Founder and Designer, peiwenjin, Taiwan said, “As fashion designers, our choices ripple beyond materials and production, shaping social and environmental systems at large. By deepening our awareness of climate change, we can act responsibly, listen and collaborate with others, and collectively contribute to meaningful, systemic change.
Redress Alum, Damini Mittai, Founder and Designer, Koaka Collective, India said, “The fashion industry, which influences all aspects of life, is more culturally important now than ever before. Climate change is real and urgent. Designers can no longer solve one particular problem – like waste reduction for example – in oblivion and isolation. Instead, we must embrace intersectional, sustainable solutions to help create a just, equitable future for both people and planet.”
Redress Alum, Jann Christian Bungcaras, Founder, Creative Director and Designer, Jann Bungcaras Fashion House, Philippines said, “When acting collectively, us fashion designers have the power to create a seismic shift towards fashion’s circularity by dictating our preferences, throughout the supply chain, that we want our designs created using pre-existing materials over virgin ones and that we want people-centric products that cares for workers and users alike.”
This is one of many projects supporting our 330+ alumni from 50+ regions, fostering connections, learning, and career growth through circularity and sustainability.