Our visit to Modefabriek this year was truly enlightening, especially with the thought-provoking talk by Lidewij Edelkoort. Her insights have given us much to contemplate about the future of fashion and the role we play in shaping it.
Lidewij Edelkoort, an internationally acclaimed trend forecaster, spoke passionately about the need to "slow down fast fashion." She emphasised that our current pace of consumption and production is unsustainable and destructive to both the environment and our sense of personal value.
She also delved into the profound impact of social media on Generation Z. This generation, growing up with digital technology at their fingertips, is both shaping and being shaped by real-time trends. She pointed out that social media's influence can lead to a superficial engagement with fashion, driven by the desire for constant novelty rather than meaningful style.
She foresees a future where creativity and craftsmanship reclaim their importance. She envisions the "Age of the Amateur," where creating by hand—whether through play, dance, culinary arts, or craftsmanship—brings joy, purpose, and pride.
Her vision includes a call to consumers to transform into collectors. She encourages us to view our wardrobes not as disposable items but as curated collections that tell personal stories and reflect our values. By treating our clothes with care and preserving them, we can make a significant impact on sustainability. This perspective also ties into the slow fashion movement, where each piece of clothing is chosen thoughtfully and worn with intention.
The respect for materials and craftsmanship is something Lidewij Edelkoort believes should be instilled in fashion education, starting from the very basics of textile creation. Her experience with the World Hope Forum, which she founded during the pandemic, also underscores the importance of global collaboration in fostering sustainable practices.
Her reflections on the future extend beyond fashion. She foresees a world where AI will dominate many aspects of work, necessitating a rethinking of our educational systems and our very identities. Amidst this upheaval, she remains optimistic, believing that creativity will play a crucial role in defining our existence and giving our lives meaning.
All in all, we should embrace sustainability, cherish creativity, and transform from mere consumers to thoughtful collectors. We left the Modefabriek deeply inspired by Lidewij Edelkoort's visionary ideas. Her words have given us much food for thought.
