THEME
The theme of the IAF Convention is ‘Transition of the Global Fashion System’ with transition being the operative word. The theme recognizes the fact that the demand from societies and from consumers, the restraints posed by the earth’s ecosystem and the possibilities offered by technology converge to create a necessity for rapid change. The pandemic really pressed home the point that merely adapting is not enough in 2021. The massive demand crisis caused by the pandemic exacerbated the structural problems that were already visible, as witnessed by multiple bankruptcies of large established retailers and brands before the pandemic.
New successful companies based on entirely different business models shape the industry’s transition, as do existing companies embarking on bold programs of change. Technology, particularly digitalization, plays a key role, as does better buyer-supplier collaboration. Transition will not involve the industry alone but requires all in the entire fashion ecosystem to work together. It requires a good and close collaboration with governments, creating regulatory environments that are supporting transition without stifling entrepreneurial drive. Educational institutes are engines of transition not only by training new employees, but also by actively nurturing new business.
Key message
This convention is a unique fashion industry event bringing together the entire global industry ecosystem to hear high level industry insights and to jointly discuss concrete actions involving the entire industry ecosystem to create faster industry transition.
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The transition of the global fashion system is not a single event but a continuous process that touches every link in the supply chain. From raw material sourcing to retail presentation, each stage is being reshaped by converging pressures: shifting consumer expectations, tightening environmental regulations, and the accelerating pace of digitalisation. For many established businesses, the pandemic served as a stark reminder that incremental adjustments no longer suffice. The structural weaknesses that had been building for years, including overcapacity, fragmented sourcing strategies, and outdated business models, were brought sharply into focus when demand collapsed almost overnight. Understanding these trends and their implications is essential for any organisation hoping to remain relevant in the years ahead.
The challenges facing the apparel and textiles industry are global in nature, yet their solutions often require coordinated action across borders and sectors. International federations, industry associations, NGOs, and public authorities all have a role to play in shaping a more resilient and responsible fashion ecosystem. The pandemic disrupted global supply chains in ways that few could have anticipated, forcing retailers to rethink their sourcing options and manufacturers to reconsider their relationships with buyers. At the same time, new environmental standards are being introduced at national and regional levels, adding further complexity to an already demanding operating environment. Dialogue among all stakeholders is therefore not a luxury but a necessity.
Technology is providing some of the most promising pathways through this period of change. Digital tools are enabling greater transparency, more efficient production, and closer connections between brands and the consumers they serve. Yet technology alone cannot drive the transformation; it must be paired with genuine commitment from leadership across the industry. The discussions planned for the convention aim to address these issues head-on, bringing together representatives from business, government, and civil society to share perspectives and identify practical ways forward. The hope is that by confronting the challenges openly and collaboratively, the industry can emerge from this period of disruption stronger, more adaptable, and better aligned with the expectations of a changing world.