One thing is for certain: for fashion executives, climate week is going to be intense. While much of the processing and actioning will happen in the months that follow, it’s important to find time during the week to connect, says Allweiss. “So much of our climate work can be hard and heartbreaking,” she explains, pointing to political polarization, supply chain shocks, and the sustainability recession. That’s why more lighthearted sessions like The Fable Fund’s good news open mic night on Monday are so vital. “We need these moments to come together, support one another’s work, and remember that we’re not alone.”
The event rundown
The Nat Gala
When: Sunday, September 20
Where: Halo 28
What: Gala and afterparty raising funds for nature conservation, with a specific focus on oceans and water. Expect a mix of industry leaders, celebrities, activists and financiers, as well as an afterparty hosted with Spotify and Coral Gardeners, supporting a new coral garden in Tahiti. The Nat will also host a series of closed-door roundtables throughout the week, and on Tuesday, a private dinner will be dedicated to scaling regenerative agriculture.
Columbia Fashion, Energy, and Climate Summit
When: Monday, September 21
Where: Pulitzer Hall, 3rd Floor Lecture Hall, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs
What: Full-day summit exploring how energy systems, materials, markets, finance, regulation, trade and culture are transforming the fashion industry, and what it will take to build a more resilient, competitive, circular and climate-conscious fashion system. The Global Fashion Agenda policy masterclass will be a highlight.
Solutions House
When: Monday, September 21 to Wednesday, 23
Where: Midtown Manhattan
What: Now in its fifth year, Solutions House brings together world-leading climate innovators, advocates, and solutionists to move climate solutions from the margins to the mainstream. The main fashion event, Merch is the Message, takes place on Monday afternoon, but stick around for the evening event, Corporate Leadership and the Race to Deliver.
Good News for a Change
When: Monday, September 21
Where: 1 Hotel Central Park
What: An aperitivo of optimistic climate storytelling, including an open mic, during which attendees will be invited to share good news to fuel hope around the climate crisis. The event is co-hosted by Patou board member and The Fable Fund founder Akash Mehta, and ecology professor Tom Crowther, who will be launching his new book, Nature’s Echo, at the event.
Convening the Next-Gen Materials Transition
When: Tuesday, September 22
Where: Fashion Institute of Technology
What: A forum connecting the organizations, innovators, and industry leaders accelerating the adoption of next-generation materials. Co-hosted by Eco-Age, Canopy, Fashion for Good, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Building Fashion’s Circular Future: Financing, Consumer Behavior, and Regulation
When: Wednesday, September 23
Where: 41 Elizabeth St Ste 302
What: A morning with the operators and experts that cover the full post-purchase circularity world: resale, repair, rental, upcycling, take-back, and recycling. Speakers include ELV Denim, Cotopaxi, Dôen, The RealReal, and Crocs. Co-hosted by communications agency No.29, digital product passport startup Alu, post-purchase innovator Alternew, circular logistics infrastructure company Fillogic, and secondhand search engine Beni.
