This is an edited extract from ‘Wear Next, Fashioning the Future’ by Clare Press (Thames & Hudson Australia), out now.
IMAGINE: The fashion world is built on genuine beauty. The appeal of a garment extends right back through the process of making it, whether that’s by skilled hand or sophisticated machine. The people who make our clothes are treated with respect. Materials are regenerative and biodegradable, recycled or upcycled. The fashion industry exceeded its 2030 climate targets, and reached net zero a few years later. It operates safely within planetary boundaries. Sharing and repairing clothes is convenient and inviting. Slow, local fashion is flourishing. But if you prefer, there’s a high-tech digital solution for everything. Apps connect circular fashion services, or you can change your look every hour by dressing your avatar. Greater government regulation means that new clothing from global brands is much more sustainable than it used to be. There is also less of it. We used to pretend that fast fashion was a democratising force, simply because
