The United Nations Environment Programme stated in 2023 at the introduction of its Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook that COMMUNICATING sustainable fashion is a creative opportunity. The organization is in response to the need to address the unsustainable patterns of production and consumption that are part of the present fashion system and are a major cause of waste, pollution, and climate change, MindanaoTimes reported.
The playbook acknowledged a strong element in the communication process: storytelling.
The Global Shapers Davao Hub's citizen-led initiative is centered around the same component. The goal of the Unstitch: Sustainable Fashion Forum was to rethink fashion through storytelling sessions and a clothes exchange party for the community. In conjunction with Fashion Revolution Week, a worldwide campaign that promotes sustainable fashion, the event was held in Poblacion Market Central.
A clothes exchange party served as the focal point of the event, bringing together guests, bloggers, and local sustainability advocates to swap clothes, exchange fashion advice, and start thought-provoking discussions. Another great Unstitch experience was the storytelling. The public forum included speakers from a range of fields, such as academia, government, fashion, and the community.
We often stress that we should take care of our own environmental housekeeping as environmental stewards. In a speech given by Mr. Al Bejelke Zarasate, the DENR Davao Region Chief of Human Resource Development, Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Davao Region OIC - Regional Executive Director, stated that while we should all take care of Mother Earth, we should focus our efforts on taking care of and nurturing our immediate environment.
Additionally, Attorney Dumagan said, "Let's embrace fashion with a purpose." Let's dress in a way that expresses not just our individual flair but also our dedication to a just and healthy world.
Talks were also attended by representatives of Davao City government.
The chair of the committee on education, science, and technology, Arts and Culture, Hon. Councilor Pilar Braga, sent a note endorsing the event. Councilor Braga posed the following provocative question: In times of crisis, what role should fashion serve in society?
"If fashion is to change and innovation is to become more sustainable, it has to go toward educating people about society and our roles within it. Fashion needs to help us achieve our objective of living longer, healthier, better, happier, and more tranquil lives in light of the current crises, the speaker stated.
Councilor Braga went on to say that she thinks Davaoeños will accept sustainable fashion easily as "many of us have adopted indigenous lifestyles." Additionally, we fervently promote and foster small and micro businesses in our community, particularly those who engage in sustainable production.
The environment and natural resources committee head, Hon. Councilor Temujin Ocampo, spoke during the occasion about the importance of sustainability as a core value.
"Remember that sustainability is a moral requirement and a duty we have to our world and future generations. It is not a fad. Let's select clothing that serves as well as looking well, he suggested.
Mr. Emi Englis, President of the Davao Fashion Design Council; Dr. Dennis Sumaylo, Humanities Chair, University of the Philippines Mindanao; and Ms. Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, Spokesperson and Manager of the Public Information and Relations Division, Davao City Water District, facilitated discussions among influential figures in the fashion, academic, and community sectors during the forum.
Unstitch was driven by its community. The Davao Bloggers Society and the Davao Digital Creators came together to organize a runway showcase, clothes exchange, and styling sessions. Micromedia Productions, a photo and video production company, expertly documented the event. San Miguel Brewery and Foodpanda supported the event.
Cheekie Albay performed a live DJ set that kept the Poblacion Market Central main hall lively till it closed. Poblacion, along with its predecessor Aldevinco Shopping Center, is deeply connected to the history of Davao City. It is home to local antique, pearl, and textile stores and has been a leader in sustainable fashion for over 50 years. It was an appropriate setting for discussions that shaped Davao City's fashion scene going forward.
It is a pleasure for Alsons Dev to collaborate on Unstitch with Global Shapers Davao Hub. In addition to serving as a springboard for new and small enterprises, Poblacion Market Central is a warm location for creative groups to come together and support deserving causes like eco-friendly clothing. AVP for Business Development at Additionallyns Development and Investment Corporation Jolla A. Soriaga stated, "We're honored to be a part of this group's endeavor to promote positive change in our neighborhood.
"Unstitch is an ongoing endeavor to enhance the accessibility, relatability, and significance of fashion and sustainability discussions through narratives," stated Jesse Boga Madriaga, convenor of Unstitch from the Global Shapers Davao Hub and a 2023 fellow of the Next Gen Assembly (Global Fashion Agenda Academy). "Reading stories gives us hope that we can all make a difference and engage in a way that benefits the environment and people." /BGNES