Latest Articles in Background

“Sustainable Textiles”: what are next-gen materials, biobased materials and recycled materials? (When is a material truly recycled?)

“About two-thirds of the raw materials used in the fashion industry are synthetic materials. Synthetic materials, also known as artificial or man-made fibers, are basic materials made by humankind in factories. Unlike cotton and wool, for example, these fabrics do not come from nature. But not everyone knows that synthetic fibers come from...

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What if we can wear our favorite clothes for longer?

Background: A closer look at the EU law 'Right to Repair' that is in the works [and the fashion industry] 1. The Rise of Repair, also in the fashion industry ”Well, I'm obviously in the repair bubble, but I dare say the repair domain is growing,” Sieds Wijnja, founder of repair platform Jafix.com which develops DIY manuals for consumers and...

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Sale and special offers: a closer look at the discounting practices in the fashion industry

Discounting has become somewhat of the norm in the fashion industry today, with clearance culture emerging as the solution to excess stock for many retailers and brands. But could this practice be doing more harm than good? This background piece looks at sale and discounting practices. Contents • In fact, there’s not always a sale on • What...

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Plagiarism in Fashion: Why is there so much imitation and is it allowed?

Trends are traditionally dedicated by the runway. The apparel industry looks to runway designs, haute couture as well as ready-to-wear, for inspiration. Designs are reinterpreted for a wider audience or diluted and made more accessible while being sold at ever-lower prices. Source: the background article ‘Fashion: from catwalk to closet’ Some...

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What is the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) legislation? What does it mean for the fashion industry, and what can you do to prepare?

Good news from Brussel. ‘A victory for people and the environment.’ Lara Wolters on X, tweet from March 15, 2024: “Due Diligence passed in Council! People and planet prevailed over cynicism. Thanks so much to the Belgian Presidency for all its efforts!” On Friday, March 15, the EU voted in favor of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence...

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Comprehensive reporting on sustainability is or will become mandatory: Here's what you need to know about the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

“Traditionally, financial reports have been the main focus of corporate reporting,” explains fashion professional Melissa Wijngaarden. Many companies compile annual reports that recount their activities over the last year. An integral part of this report is the financial statements, which summarize the company's financial situation. This allows...

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The hidden costs of our purchases: True Pricing and the road to fairer price

You go to the store for a carton of milk or, if we focus on our industry, a new item of clothing. You pay the market or retail price based on what it costs to produce and sell that item. But did you know that you don't always pay the "true price"? Manufacturers and companies don't usually pass on all the costs to the end consumer. Just think...

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What exactly is greenwashing?

In this background piece, FashionUnited lists what greenwashing is, how common it is and what regulations and legislation are in the pipeline. Click on the arrows in the text to find out more Contents • What is greenwashing? How common is it and what are the drawbacks? • How to recognise greenwashing and when is it indeed a case of greenwashing?...

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The fashion system: The fashion seasons explained

Fashion expert José Teunissen was once quoted stating : "What characterises fashion is its urge to innovate. Every six months, fashion presents itself as a moment where the spirit of time is captured in a moment of absolute beauty." *Source: José Teunissen's chapter 'The universe of fashion' in Artez Press' book 'Fashion and imagination on...

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Making something new from something existing is 'in': This is upcycling

Which fashion designers are upcycling? How big is the upcycling movement? And how popular is it actually with the general public, i.e. the consumer? You can find more about upcycling in this background article. As always, we start at the beginning. Click on the icons in the text for more information. Contents • The meaning of upcycling (and how...

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How do you predict fashion?

Who predicts what will be trending in fashion? How does such a process work? To gain insight into this elusive area of the industry, FashionUnited questioned trend watcher Edwin van den Hoek. Edwin van den Hoek (1968) has been working in the fashion industry for almost 30 years. He graduated from the fashion academy in Amsterdam (then Montaigne,...

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How (not) sustainable is the fashion industry?

Fashion and 'sustainability' don't actually go together. A garment is usually made in such a way that it quickly goes out of fashion. In the fashion industry there is not only stylistic obsolescence, but also technical obsolescence. Some clothing is of such low quality that it tears, pills or loses its colour after a few wears and washes. Ideal...