Fashion is carving out a spot on the prestigious Davos agenda, with notable figures set to address critical issues. For instance, designer Stella McCartney will team up with Ellen MacArthur, a sailor and environmental advocate, to present initiatives aimed at advancing a circular economy—a model designed to cut energy use and waste. In late November, the duo gathered in London to spotlight a report from MacArthur's foundation, revealing that the fashion industry emits 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases annually, surpassing the combined emissions of international flights and shipping.
Also scheduled to speak is Chen Man, a photographer the forum credits with "revolutionizing fashion photography in China," alongside Irish activist and academic Sinead Burke. A familiar face in front rows at fashion shows, Burke—wearing a custom Burberry wardrobe tailored to her 3-foot, 5-inch frame—will deliver four talks over three days, covering fashion design, inclusion, and disability.
"From a disability perspective, the market represents 1.3 billion people with a spending power of $1.2 trillion," Burke noted. "The voices of this community are often overlooked in the design process, and that narrow approach leads to reduced profitability, limited creativity, and most importantly, a more ableist society."
She expressed feeling both honored and "a little terrified" that her debut at the forum involves addressing delegates, but "hearing about Davos and the thought-leaders, political forces, and business executives who attend each year reminds me of that lyric in Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Hamilton': 'It's 'The Room Where It Happens'.'"
Fashion has finally been granted entry.
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