“Fashion Evolution: Consumer Power”

Innovation and Transformation of Conscious Consumption

Fashion has been gradually increasing its power as a catalyst for socio-environmental change; one that incorporates social values and environmental impact into core elements of apparel design.

Today, consumerism is playing an increased role in how corporations make decisions, hire workers, invest in factories, oversee management and other impactful processes.  For instance, the recent fatal factory incident in Bangladesh was a shock to many who didn’t realize the connection between the clothes on their backs and  the shoes on their feet and a distant factory in Bangladesh.

At this event, consumers like you who possess enormous buying power, will be empowered and informed – by top executives and the subject matter experts in the field – about the business practices, the latest technologies and innovations in the retail and fashion industries and how fashion is embracing sustainability and corporate responsibility.

After attending this seminar, you will feel globally connected and discover that a paradigm shift has occurred – because now the power belongs to you allowing you to make smarter choices as you become a more conscious consumer.

At the networking reception, you will connect with like-minded professionals as you exchange diverse opinions and new ideas over delicious, locally sourced wine and small bites.

We hope that you will leave this seminar and networking party with a new set of reference points and an amplified global perspective. Thank you for joining us!

Date: Thursday, November 7th

Venue: Scandinavia House

Address: 58 Park Ave. New York, NY 10016

Panelist: Faizun Kamal 

 Named as a Woman To Watch by the Tory Burch  Foundation, Faizun Kamal is a global icon for  women’s empowerment and social entrepreneurship.  Founder of SouceFK, Faizun addresses poverty by  partnering directly with Asian women artisans,  primarily Bangladeshi, and connecting them to global  markets and training. SouceFK uses hand crafted  techniques and fabrics that have been used in Asia  for centuries, which epitomizes true South Artisan artisanship and timeless style. The collection is for the discerning customer who recognizes quality and is inspired by the soul behind the work.

Panelist: Gia Machlin 

Gia is the President and CEO of EcoPlum, Where it Pays to Buy Green.   EcoPlum is an online boutique and digital magazine that makes it fun,  easy and rewarding to go green. Buying green at EcoPlum earns  EcoChipz rewards, good for coupons in its shop or donations to  environmental causes. EcoPlum aims to foster environmental  stewardship by informing and empowering consumers to make responsible choices.

Panelist: Manuela Fassbender

Manuela is the founding partner and creative director at MBF  Trend Consulting, Inc. — a New York-based boutique-consulting  firm established in 2001 and specialized in the U.S. and the EMEA  markets. With fifteen-plus years in the fashion industry, Manuela  provides Clients with a POV and insight into global industry  trends, delivering “… unique trends for unique markets.”  With the  launch of sustainability consulting, Manuela and her team work  with Clients to identify transparent tactics and strategies that  guide Clients through implementing the “shift” in an effective,  consequential manner that is both sustainable and profitable.

Panelist: Naomi Gross

 Naomi is the Full Professor and Assistant Chiarperson at  Fashion  Institute of Technology/ State University of New  York. Former  retail executive leveraging real-world  experience with research on  current and emerging industry  practices to create an interactive  and engaging classroom  experience. Advise online AAS degree  students living  locally and globally. Developed and coordinate  courses in  retail technology and sustainability; certificate in Retail  Management.

Panelist: Telicia Bunch

Telicia Bunch has 15 years of experience in the fashion industry as a  Technical Designer working with mass market and  contemporary designers such as Diane von Furtenberg, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren and J Crew.  She is currently the Director of  Technical Design of Kenneth Cole Productions.  Ms. Bunch holds BS in  Apparel Merchandise, Design,  Production from Iowa State University.