The Third International Conference on Fashion and Sustainability (ICFS 2025) took place at Wuhan Textile University from October 27 to 29, bringing together leading scholars and industry innovators from China, Italy, the United Kingdom, and beyond. The event explored how emerging technologies are transforming fashion design, manufacturing, and education, with discussions centered on Material Innovation, Smart Wearables, and Sustainable Design.
Focus on Technology and Materials
Professor Xu Weilin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Party Secretary of WTU, highlighted the role of new textile materials, eco-friendly dyeing techniques, and plant-based dyes in advancing sustainable fashion. He stressed that integrating waste textile reuse into production systems is vital to building a greener industry ecosystem.
Smart Textiles and Energy Innovation
Professor Savvas Vassiliadis from the University of West Attica, Greece, discussed how smart textiles and energy-harvesting fabrics challenge and reshape modern fashion design.
Meanwhile, Professor Raul Fangueiro from the University of Minho, Portugal, presented his research on transforming agricultural by-products—like banana and pineapple leaves and marine waste algae—into high-value fiber materials through biological and physical processes.
Sustainability in Luxury Fashion
Professor Patsy Perry of Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, addressed sustainability within luxury fashion, exploring how craftsmanship and ethical practices must evolve to meet new global standards.
Redefining Fashion Education
Professor Tao Hui, Dean of WTU’s School of Fashion, emphasized the need to transcend regional boundaries in education by developing an inclusive and globally connected curriculum for future designers.
A Platform for Collaboration
The conference featured high-level dialogues, cultural exchanges, and exhibitions showcasing innovative achievements. Highlights included a dedicated “Belt and Road” forum, three parallel sessions, and a workshop on sustainable design education.
Shared Vision for a Green Future
Participants reached a shared consensus on strengthening global collaboration and innovation in fashion sustainability. Their insights outlined a forward-looking roadmap for the green transformation of the apparel industry worldwide.
