WHERE TO STUDY SUSTAINABILITY. FROM SHORT COURSES TO MASTER’S DEGREES.

A CONCISE MAP OF PROGRAMMES, BOTH PHYSICAL AND ONLINE. SUCH AS THE ONE SUPPORTED BY KERING AND CREATED BY THE LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION, A LEADER IN THIS FIELD THANKS TO ITS 11-YEAR-OLD RESEARCH CENTRE.

What business wants. Eco-minded designers, but also managers and many other figures. TO DRIVE REAL CHANGE.

The fashion world requires a radical paradigm change, and therefore the creation of new areas of expertise. In reality, from a consumer angle, a reversal of the trend is already visible if we consider the millennials and Generation Z. Indeed, research shows they’re willing to pay premium prices for eco-friendly products. Furthermore, we’re witnessing a global increase in the number of consumers defined as LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability). Since 2013 – the year Rana Plaza collapsed – more and more students have been showing an interest in eco-ethical issues, too, and they’re very active in their search for initiatives that involve opinion leaders and influencers. To satisfy the expectations of the new generations, education in sustainable fashion should start from the participation of businesses and people with the power to inspire. Over the last decade, companies in the sector have set up their own CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) departments to execute projects integrated into the value chain. This is why, for some time, human resources have been seeking personnel with an education in sustainability. When one thinks of fashion, however, one immediately thinks of creativity. So it’s no surprise that universities, academies and institutions have initially focused on ecodesign. But fashion is also about managing creativity. Accordingly, the last two years have seen the launch of various business courses oriented around green themes. Talking to CSR managers of fashion firms about their present requirements, what emerges is a clear need to recruit creatives, merchandisers, product managers and developers, buyers, retail and communication managers with a background in ecology, alongside individuals with reporting skills who can draw up the results. Businesses are calling for people who can handle this challenge, starting from a rethinking of processes to favour greater transparency, traceability and circularity. There’s a need for renewed awareness of the critical problems facing the industry and the entire planet, as well as new competences regarding the contribution that technology can offer in the activation of different business models.