Panel Talk | Enabling the Circular Fashion Transition by 2030: ICFWC 2025 Leeds

On 21 May 2025, as part of the International Circular Fashion Week Conference 2025, we hosted an in-depth panel discussion titled:

“Enabling the Circular Fashion Transition by 2030”

The panel explored how the fashion industry can move beyond ambition towards meaningful, systemic change — addressing circular business models, transparency, consumer behaviour, and the vital role of community in scaling circular fashion.

🎤 Chair

Jax Temple-Smees

👥 Panellists

Esther Pugh – Senior Lecturer, Leeds Beckett University

Dr Ranis Cheng – Senior Lecturer in Fashion Marketing

Sam Hudson-Miles – Course Director: Fashion

Dawn Wood- Fabrication Craft

Natalia Wilmott – Jewellery Designer

Marta Bujwicka-Colman – Founder, Aberdevine Ltd

🌍 Panel Discussion Themes

Redefining Circular Fashion for 2025 and Beyond

How is circular fashion evolving, and what critical shifts must happen before 2030?

Supporting Brands Still Early on Their Journey
2. How can we actively support and engage fashion brands that are not yet sustainable to begin their transition?

Shifting Industry Norms
3. What practical steps can circular fashion leaders take to influence the wider fashion system and encourage more responsible business models?

Making Transparency Accessible
4. How can smaller brands embrace transparency without the large budgets of big corporations?

Consumer Influence and Mindset Change
5. How do we move consumers away from overconsumption and towards valuing repair, reuse, and rental?

Bridging the Gap Between Circular Brands and Retail Channels
6. What opportunities exist to bring circular fashion brands into mainstream shops or commercial spaces?

Community Power in Scaling Circular Fashion
7. How important is community in driving systemic change, and what successful local engagement models have you seen?

This panel forms part of International Circular Fashion Week, organised by Circular Fashion Incubator CIC, bringing together education, industry, culture, and community to accelerate the transition to a circular fashion system.

📌 Learn more:
https://circularfashionincubator.co.uk