Barcelona’s World Retail Congress was transformed earlier this week when Junk Kouture took to the catwalk to cast the talents of a collection of young designers into the spotlight and highlight the message of sustainability in fashion.
Attending the event at the invitation of Deloitte, the retail and market research specialist and proud partner of the Junk Kouture platform, the entourage brought the Opening Night Party to life by showcasing the fashion creations of ten of ten young designers taking part in this year sustainable fashion competition.
Recognised as the world’s largest of its kind, Junk Kouture is on a mission to encourage and empower talented and passionate youth worldwide to join the climate action movement. Its unique programme offers young creatives access to a year-round, free academic programme focused on fashion, sustainability, and addressing climate change.
Students are challenged to design and create haute couture from waste and recycled materials that can be modelled on world stages.
This week, that world stage took the form of none other than the World Retail Congress currently underway in Barcelona.
The 2023 Congress is throwing a particular spotlight on sustainability in retail, having been marked as the launch event of a major new report outlining the progress of sustainability in the fashion retail space. Conducted by Deloitte, the research paper explores, among other points, the adoption of technology within the fashion industry to power quick sustainability wins that can ‘translate into long-term gains.’
Deloitte US research has found that inaction on climate change could cost the world’s economy $178 trillion by 2070. However, the report goes on to celebrate the regulations and legislation being introduced around the world to establish real, verifiable metrics reporting and spur-on the action required to tackle the crisis.
“Consumers today expect the retailers and brands they buy from to really care about sustainability and their impact on the environment. It is now becoming a non-negotiable demand that a retailer is working towards Net Zero emissions and refocusing their supply chains to offer more sustainable products,” said Ian McGarrigle, chairman, World Retail Congress.
“Deloitte’s report gets to the very heart of this issue around sustainability – that the cost of doing nothing now is far higher than starting out on the journey. What the report also shows is that retailers can find ways of harnessing the innovation, the technology, and resourcefulness for which the industry is known to deliver meaningful solutions not just for the planet but for the benefit of consumers and their businesses.”
Supporting the launch event, Junk Kouture delivered its signature spectacle of innovative and creative sustainable fashion with pieces produced by designers spanning Europe and the US.
“Mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis is a monumental task that requires all of us to take action,” said Jennifer Steinmann, Deloitte Global Sustainability & Climate Practice leader. “Working with Junk Kouture to further their mission will help unleash the creative brilliance of future generations, continue to empower them as they embrace sustainable living, and provide them with opportunities to express their unique capabilities as they advance climate action.”
World Retail Congress’ Ian McGarrigle, added: “The Opening Party of World Retail Congress – while typically spectacular, was even more memorable this year with the inclusion of a fashion show from Junk Kouture.
“It visually brought home the important message from our knowledge partner Deloitte’s 2023 report focused on Sustainable Retail. It will take something bold, radical, and engaging to transform the sustainability of the retail industry but there are organisations out there leading the way, and doing it in style.”
