The Fashion Institute of Technology held its 17th annual sustainability conference with the theme “Ideas at Work,” which saw celebrities and brands such as Amber Valletta, “Fashionopolis” author Dana Thomas, Credo Beauty, Woolmark, and Another Tomorrow. The conference had a predominant cohort of the Gen Z generation, reflected in the tone and discussions surrounding the power of animators to spark climate action, circular designers, and green influencers to demand change.
The event highlighted three major trends for hiring managers to watch, which promote creativity, purpose, and innovation. The first trend was Earth-friendly communicators, as digital technology and tools such as ChatGBT rise in popularity. FIT’s “Earth Things First” campaign uses an app called Membit to create virtual statues dedicated to FIT’s climate-aware faculty, while NatureNeeds.help connects NGOs with creatives who want to make a difference.
The second trend was designers with intention, as young designers recognize the necessity of designing for sustainability and diversity. FIT graduate Monica Palucci acknowledged the risk of losing intention with sustainability and the need for more education for designing for a diverse range of sizes. On the other hand, resale pioneer Sarah Davis and other experts emphasized the importance of curbing overproduction and designing for quality, in line with circular fashion’s reigning ethos.
The third trend was rockstar disruptors, particularly musicians, who have an opportunity to make a difference in sustainability. Eco-influencer Isaias Hernandez highlighted The Citizen-T Project, launched at the event, which works to source merchandise from used goods, addressing the multitude of t-shirts sold each year at shows. This project caters to a white space where artists and conferences can source merchandise in a sustainable way.
Overall, FIT’s sustainability conference showcased how young people are innovating ways to make a positive impact on the environment. The FIT generation, as brand storyteller Cliff Medney describes, thinks differently and brings clarity of purpose, which ultimately fosters change. With the rise of Gen Z and their holistic perspective on sustainability, companies need to adapt to these trends and hire people who embody these values.
