Click to Renew: How online communities are fixing fashion

In this panel discussion we will hear from fashion designers, makers and practitioners from the Fashion Open Studio cohort and beyond who use digital platforms and tools to build online communities around upcycling, repair and clothing longevity. These digitally connected communities share creative solutions to urgent environmental challenges - such as waste, overconsumption and disposability - facing the fashion industry today.

Our speakers include:
- Hannah Robinson, Architecture Design Fashion Programme Manager British Council (Introduction)
- Patricia Sant´Ana from Supra.org, a digital community of fashion upcyclers in Latin America
- Tamsin Blanchard, Curator Fashion Open Studio at Fashion Revolution (Chair)
- Jodie Ruffle, member of CONGREGATIONdesign, textile designer and Senior Lecturer in Fashion Textiles at Middlesex University
- Layla Sergeant, Founder and CEO The Seam

We will hear from Supra.org a digital platform that brings together a community of recyclers and upcyclers in Latin America, to share and open-source their knowledge; CONGREGATIONdesign an anonymous art and design collective which gathers designers and makers in a virtual community to work collaboratively using upcycling techniques; and The Seam which connects a community of seamstresses across London with those in need of repairs and alterations.

This panel discussion is part of the Fashion Open Studio x COP26 programme, a series of international digital events in response to the themes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 created in partnership with British Council. Nine participating designers from across the world have been selected to open up their studios virtually to showcase their creative responses to fashion’s environmental impact

This talk will be held on Zoom and all ticket holders will receive a link to view on the morning of the event.