Ahead of the highly anticipated fashion design contest, the Afrika Fashion League hosted a thought-provoking session as part of the AFL Power Series.
Renowned writer and sustainable fashion expert, Sharmon Lebby, led the discussion on the pressing topic of “Designed and Redesigned: Tackling Fashion’s Waste Problem.”
Sharmon Lebby, celebrated for her insightful contributions to the intersections of environmentalism, social justice, and inclusivity within the fashion industry, brought her expertise to the forefront.
As the founder of Blessed Designs, an ethical fashion brand and consulting firm, she has consistently advocated for sustainable practices.
Lebby’s extensive experience includes serving as President of the Ethical Network of San Antonio, Chair of Fashion Sustainability for the Texas
Fashion Industry Initiative, Creative Director for Revolution Thrift, and Board Member for Intersectional Environmentalist.
During the session, Lebby shed light on the alarming impact of fashion waste on the climate. To address this pressing issue, she introduced the concept of zero waste and emphasized the importance of the 4 Rs of sustainable fashion: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose.
Additionally, she shared timeless principles with the audience, encouraging them to “Love what you have,” “Buy second hand,” “Shop
small/ethical,” and “Invest in Quality.”
The engaging discussion prompted insightful feedback and questions from the participants, highlighting their newfound understanding and
eagerness to implement sustainable practices. Adebayo Ilupeju, Convener of the Afrika Fashion League, expressed optimism about the contestants’ readiness to apply their learnings at the upcoming AFL90MinutesChallenge.
The AFL90MinutesChallenge is a competition where contestants are tasked with creating marketable apparel using limited resources and time.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, the event promises to showcase the creativity and innovation of participants in addressing fashion’s
waste problem.
By fostering dialogue and education on sustainability in fashion, the Afrika Fashion League and Sharmon Lebby are paving the way for a more
environmentally conscious and socially responsible industry. With initiatives like the AFL Power Series and the AFL90MinutesChallenge, they are empowering designers to make a positive impact while promoting creativity and entrepreneurship in the fashion landscape.