Geopolitical tension, tariffs, and political uncertainty have intensified pressure on the industry, and the pushback against sustainability reinforces a core truth: meaningful change has never aligned easily with today’s systems. The absence of sustainability from the State of Fashion Report 2026 shows how quickly priorities shift, underscoring the need to embed sustainability into top business concerns like supply chain volatility, circularity, operational efficiency, and reputational risk.
Despite the turbulence, businesses still have significant influence. Leaders can act with focus and in tandem, using their collective leverage across purchasing, innovation, policy, and culture to drive progress where it matters most.
In our opening keynote, we’ll examine what credible leadership looks like under pressure and how – and why – industry leaders can continue to push for progress.
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
