Fashion: it’s a decision we face every day. And yet, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the incredible waste and exploitation that can be linked with the fashion industry, especially with fast fashion. Obviously, if we’re starting to ask where our clothes come from and who is making them, surely the way clothing is produced is changing, right?
Sophia Yang, the visionary behind Threading Change*, found herself deeply disheartened during her second visit to COP25, one of the premier forums for climate change dialogue. Amidst over 500 events, only one addressed sustainability in fashion—a sector with vast global repercussions and notorious clothing graveyards in the Global South. Even more perplexing was the absence of meaningful discourse on the environmental and humanitarian crises perpetuated by the industry’s major players—largely conglomerates and luxury brands. Instead, superficial solutions dominated the conversation.
How is it possible that, on the one year anniversary of the UN sustainability charter, the fashion industry reps were only discussing band-aid solutions to their environmental impact? Where was the acknowledgment of fashion’s human dimension—livable wages, working conditions, human rights, and pollution? Despite claims of pioneering change, Sophia perceived only minimal efforts, compounded by the absence of youth representation. This glaring disparity spurred her realization that “people aren’t adequately engaged or consulted about fashion industry issues.” Change was imperative.
A serendipitous moment, facilitated by increased free time amid COVID restrictions, prompted Sophia to delve into Vancouver’s fashion landscape, her current residence. Two revelations emerged:
- The issues were more complex and went beyond problem-solving the industry’s issues at the consumer level.
- Simultaneously, she noticed that beyond small, community-led efforts, there were no youth-led organizations focused on ethical fashion.
Thus, Threading Change was born. Central to its ethos was being ‘for and by youth,’ recognizing their significant role as consumers in the fashion industry. Collaboration and education aimed to steer them away from harmful industry practices. Since its inception in 2020, Threading Change has expanded globally, boasting liaisons, coordinators, and volunteers from diverse regions such as India, Europe, South America, and Africa.
One flagship project, funded by The Youth Harbour Action Grant, was the launch of the Global Innovation Story Map. Addressing pushback encountered while educating people on unethical brand practices, the Story Map showcased sustainable and ethical fashion entities worldwide. Threading Change aimed to illustrate a network embodying their mission rooted in the Six F’s: Feminist Fossil Fuel-Free Fashion Future.
Another hallmark event promoting circularity and garment waste reduction was their clothing swaps. Post-COVID restrictions, a large-scale swap invited ethical brands virtually connected during the pandemic. Grant support facilitated brand participation, enhancing attendee-brand interactions. Given their popularity, Threading Change now organizes four swaps every five months, made feasible by increased funding from the Youth Harbour.
The overarching challenge was shifting fashion’s linear trajectory, marked by mass-marketed trends in the Global North and exploitative labor in the Global South. To close the circle, comprehensive solutions addressing human rights, equity, pollution, and policy changes were imperative. Sophia emphasized the necessity of improving working conditions globally and holding brands accountable for garment waste, particularly in regions like Chile and Africa.
Despite the industry’s global impact, Sophia noted the surprising intimacy within the fashion community. Direct engagement with executives revealed an opportunity for cordial and collaborative activism—a different approach to effecting change.
Threading Change meticulously tracked their impact, demonstrating the economic viability of circular and sustainable fashion alternatives. Quantitative metrics included pounds of diverted clothing waste, event attendance, and youth participation, while qualitative measures encompassed volunteer retention and community engagement.
Since 2020, Threading Change has achieved significant milestones, including UN Youth Intervention speeches, COP28 presentations, and prestigious awards. Global collaborations have flourished, fostering widespread interest in their initiatives. Looking ahead, plans for global expansion, policy advocacy, and larger-scale programs underscore their commitment to transformative change.
In Sophia’s words, “we’re facing a double-edged sword.” While renowned for clothing swaps, Threading Change aspires to broader recognition for their consultation, education, and policy engagement efforts. As they continue to weave their vision into reality, their global impact steadily unfolds, threading together a more sustainable future for fashion.
*The Threading Change Headquarters are located on the unceded, traditional and ancestral xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories.
