Educational Work at Universities - fashion interACTION © FEMNET Social justice for all? – Review of the fashion interACTION Action Meeting in May 2025 Doughnut Economy, Plural Economics, Earth4All – the fashion interACTION Action Meeting on 10 May 2025 was all about alternative economic models that combine social justice and environmental sustainability. At the St. Georg conference centre in Cologne's southern city, committed actors from civil society came together to jointly develop ideas for action for a fairer and more sustainable fashion world. The meeting took place as part of the fashion interACTION network, a network for students and interested parties who are involved in the field of fashion and human rights. Rethinking the economy – with Dr Thomas Dürmeier from Goliathwatch Thomas Dürmeier provided the impetus for the content of Goliathwatch e.V. from Hamburg, who took a closer look at the current economic system with us. Central mechanisms of the capitalist economy were analyzed and critically questioned. It became particularly clear: The concentration of power in a few multinational corporations blocks sustainable development and equitable distribution. From thinking to acting In the second part of the day, it became concrete: In small groups, the participants developed two project ideas that should start in their immediate environment and trigger real change: Project 1: Making the True Costs of Fashion Visible This project addresses the issue of overproduction – one of the biggest blind spots in the fashion industry. The aim is to make visible and comprehensible the externalised costs, i.e. the social and environmental damage caused by the production of clothing but not included in the selling price. Educational formats are planned that make these complex connections tangible and stimulate discussions. Project 2: Second hand as a trend for teens The second project focuses on young teenagers. It shows ways in which second-hand fashion can be made more attractive and established as a cool statement in this target group. The aim is to convey sustainable consumption as a trend – beyond renunciation, but with a view to justice, style and self-empowerment. Creative energy and civil society engagement were tangible – and the developed approaches have the potential to have a long-term impact. You want to be there too? Then become part of our network and, together with us, shape the future of a socially and ecologically just fashion world. Join us now back
