Hong Kong NGO Redress launches inaugural patrons programme to promote circular fashion

We do a quick-fire round with the five patrons and ask them how to build a circular fashion industry in Asia and beyond.

“Our industry is undeniably wasteful, from raw materials and water to energy, air and land use; every natural resource is tapped in the cycle. But it also provides a livelihood for millions of people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and will always be an important global economic driver. Introducing sustainable practices and circularity in the supply chain will have huge knock-on effects in reducing waste and safeguarding our resources,” Margaret Kutt, the vice president of product development of Newtimes Group of Companies, says. 

“I would love to inspire fashion designers to take a different path when they start their careers so that they will think of sustainability and creativity together. For too long, designers have been primarily led by creativity, and we need the next generation to think differently about this,” Dorian Ho, the creative director and CEO of Doriano International Ltd, says. 

Read more: ‘Bling Empire’ star Tina Leung is a fashion rebel with a cause

“I think there are pockets of the best and worst practices in Asia. So much beautiful, sustainable and nature-based fashion is coming out from the great craft traditions of Asia. At the same time, the worst and biggest fast fashion makers are also based in Asia. We need some concerted activistic action from leaders who can run ahead of the self-harming fashion curve and change its course,” Cherry Chan, the co-founder of Hass Lab, says. 

“These days, consumers are the real power players in the fashion industry. Each one of us is a consumer, and If we start asking ourselves a few simple questions while shopping—like, ‘How many times can I wear this?’, ‘Is this piece going to retire first or am I?’, ‘Will someone buy it if I sell it?’, ‘Will my future kids fight over this piece?’—we can help shift the industry towards circularity. When we reward pieces that are designed for longevity and sustainability, we’re joining a movement. It’s the simplest and fastest way to build the industry towards circularity,” Christy Wong, the CEO of Tung Ga Group, says.

Read more: This Singapore fashion startup is fighting fashion waste on multiple fronts

“Many people want to help the environment, but they often feel unsure about how to do this without hurting company profits. It’s important to educate everyone involved—investors, operators, designers and consumers. Right now, we are transitioning to using more recycled and upcycled materials, which can be more expensive than traditional methods. Industry leaders should demonstrate to smaller companies that sustainable fashion is an investment, not just a cost,” says Peter Hui, the founder and CEO of King of Knit Fashion Limited as well as honorary secretary of the Sustainable Fashion Business Consortium.

Meet more Tatler Asia’s Most Influential and Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow from the sustainability sector in Hong Kong. 

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