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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Vogue Business or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The Obroni Wawu October (OWO) event in Accra, Ghana, showcased the potential of upcycled fashion, blending traditional artistry with modern design
• This event, featuring thrift vendor pop-ups and DJ sets, highlighted Ghana's long-standing tradition of upcycling and sustainability in fashion, offering a blueprint for global fashion weeks
🔭 The context: The event featured collections from five emerging designers who utilized materials from Kantamanto, a major market in Accra known for its secondhand clothes
• This approach reflects a deep-rooted cultural practice in Ghana, where upcycling is not just a trend but a part of the cultural fabric
• The designers' work exemplifies a continuation of practices established by their ancestors
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The OWO event underscores the importance of sustainable fashion practices, particularly in a world grappling with environmental challenges
• By focusing on upcycling and zero-waste designs, the event demonstrates how fashion can contribute to environmental sustainability while preserving cultural heritage
⏭️ What's next: The success of OWO sets a precedent for other fashion events worldwide, emphasizing the need for sustainability and community collaboration in the fashion industry
• The event's model, which integrates upcycling and community engagement, could inspire similar initiatives globally, promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry
💬 One quote: "For me, OWO represents that alternative world where it's not just rhetoric, but where sustainability is truly a culture," (Liz Ricketts, co-founder of The Or Foundation)
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