The first real transnational alliance of European fashion councils and institutions is founded by 25 European fashion organizations aiming to empower a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive European fashion ecosystem. During a two-day summit in Frankfurt at the end of March 2022, Fashion Council Germany brought together the most leading European fashion organisations to form a coalition of change, with the support of Messe Frankfurt and its global Texpertise Network.
Inspired by the words of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth calling for the reinforcement of the fashion industry on European level, the Alliance aims to be a strong common voice advocating for and accelerating the transition of European fashion towards a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive creative future.
With the Frankfurt Agreement, the European fashion organisations decided to join this new industry coalition and the intention to develop collectively an active and reactive strategy for the industry’s need to change in the next months.
The Alliance is created to strengthen and enlarge a new network of councils and institutions to develop a common understanding of practical objectives of how the fashion industry and its multiple actors, support organisations and indirectly SMEs and large companies and professionals, can collectively help to transform the industry and protect the planet and all its inhabitants better. With this Alliance, the European fashion organisations who are representing a large and unique part of the fashion industry, aim collectively to reinforce European fashion on a sustainable, inclusive, innovative and promotional level and to accelerate the translation of these objectives into realistic actions and policy recommendations.
With this one-of-a-kind network of European fashion councils, promotion institutions, incubators and clusters the new Alliance aims not only to share, educate and research market knowledge, contacts and best practices but also to advocate at European level with different economic, political and social stakeholders for a prosperous future.
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, stated in her opening speech at the Frankfurt summit on 23rd of March 2022: “Fashion is a key industry for creative design. I know that you have come together today, to discuss amongst others, the possibility of creating the European Fashion Alliance. I personally think this is a brilliant idea. See me as a facilitator and count on my support.”
Pascal Morand, President Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode says: “The new European Alliance echoes the New European Bauhaus and the major challenge it represents: Fashion can and must pave the way. It is at the crossroads of economy and culture, of the noblest hand-made know-how and of the most advanced technologies, of aesthetics and functionnality, of inclusion and diversity. Creativity is its breathing and sustainability henceforth its unsurpassable horizon. It is even more important now to share, carry and materialize these values at the European level and this is why the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has joined the new European Alliance”.
For Pepa Bueno, Executive Director of the Asociación de Creadores de Moda de España: “European fashion associations have in their hands a powerful tool to make our continent a better and more habitable place, an example for good practices in the fashion industry as well as an innovation tool with a direct impact on the citizens well-being. Fashion has the ability not only to reflect but also to transform society. The fact that we have joined several councils from all over Europe creates a collaborative framework with huge prospects raising great hopes and expectations.”
Carlo Capasa, Chairman Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana adds: "Today it is more important than ever that the fashion system demonstrate cohesion in affirming the European common values, with sustainability, social responsibility, creativity, high product quality and durability at the forefront. These are inalienable values, which for years have been at the core of CNMI's strategy through many initiatives and projects to encourage major changes in the fashion industry to actively respond to contemporary issues. We are very happy to join forces to pursue these values together."
Scott Lipinski, CEO Fashion Council Germany comments: “The future can only be redesigned if we create networks of knowledge, action and advocacy, accept our differences and support each other in filling the gap - but also measure steps of change. Always with a transnational, transectorial and transitional mindset. This is our vision of the European Fashion Alliance. An Alliance that already proved itself to be close to policy making and industry stakeholder. Let's join forces and make a difference.”
Federica Marchionni, CEO Global Fashion Agenda explains: “Global Fashion Agenda is striving to accelerate impact in the fashion industry and alliances are key to achieve the urgent change required. We are proud to be joining forces with fellow European fashion organisations. By doing so, we can share knowledge, align targets and drive action at scale.”
The first summit in March was supported by Messe Frankfurt, the world’s leading organiser of textile trade fairs. Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network, a combination of a global network and expertise in the international textile business held in high regard worldwide, currently comprises 60 international events for the entire textile sector including the segments of Apparel Fabrics & Fashion, Interior & Contract Textiles, Technical Textiles & Textile Processing, and Textile Care. Today, 21st June, the European fashion alliance uses this international platform to present its vision & mission during a panel talk.
The EFA members invite other similar mindset organizations to support its mission and ambition to create a better future by joining the alliance. The next summit of the European Fashion Alliance will take place during Gran Canaria Swim Week by Mode Cálida from the 18th till 21st of October 2022.