FASHION REVOLUTION: HOW THE EMBASSY OF SWEDEN IN MANILA PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH STYLE

The Embassy of Sweden in Manila launches the exhibition Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles to promote sustainability in fashion

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE EMBASSY OF SWEDEN IN MANILA

H&M also participates in this momentous exhibit

The world’s population consumes about 62 million tons of clothing per year, and only 20 percent of that is re-used or recycled. Since the year 2000, global clothes production has more than doubled, and the average person now buys 60 percent more items of clothing every year and keeps them for about half as long as they did 15 years ago. It takes 10,000 to 30,000 liters of water and two to four kilos of chemicals to produce a kilo of treated cotton. At least 15 to 30 percent of the plastic pollutants in the oceans consists of microplastics and 35 percent of that comes from laundering synthetic textiles.

Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries hopes for consumers to become more conscious and mindful of their fashion consumption. He believes that the better informed people are, the greater the pressure that can be exerted on companies to act sustainably. This is the reason why he spearheaded the Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The exhibition, which runs until April 30, highlights Sweden’s active role in promoting sustainability in fashion—one of the most polluting industries of the world.

Travel brand Houdini supports Fashion Revolution

Curated and produced by the Swedish Institute, with the help of researchers and sustainable fashion experts, the exhibition highlights the fashion industry’s major environmental challenges, showcases Swedish solutions, and guides consumers to contribute effectively to a more sustainable world.

Dan Wigforss of Houdini and BabyBjorn, Tina Colayco of Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries, and Dan Mejia of H&M Philippines

Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles is supported by major Swedish brands H&M Philippines, BabyBjorn, and Houdini Sportswear. H&M Philippines features key pieces made out of sustainable textile from their Conscious Collection, while Houdini and BabyBjorn exhibit clothing and baby-carriers that are all made out of recycled or upcycled products.