<p>Join us for a dynamic panel discussion at New Zealand Fashion Week.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hosted by Mindful Fashion, this discussion will bring together experts from across the value chain to discuss innovative ways to unlock circular systems from a unique Aotearoa New Zealand perspective. From designing for local circular systems and using regenerative materials, to exploring circular economy from an indigenous perspective, incorporating circular business models that keep garments in use and establishing scalable recycling solutions, this panel won’t be leaving anything behind.<br>
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Learn about the structural limitations of the status quo and businesses driving for change to create circular and regenerative fashion systems in an Aotearoa New Zealand context.</p>
<p>Our speakers will unpack innovative ways that businesses can create new value chains and business models which genuinely help to reduce resource extraction, reduce emissions and immense waste streams in our industry while keeping a just transition front and centre. We will discuss the importance of taking a system wide view, and look at opportunities for businesses to move towards circular systems across the life cycle of products in the New Zealand context.</p>
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<p><strong>Speakers</strong></p>
<h4><u>Emma Wallace | Managing Director, Kowtow</u></h4>
<p>Bringing with her an extensive 25 year background in the industry, Emma joined Kowtow a decade ago and alongside founder Gosia Piatek and the team, has grown the Wellington clothing brand internationally. Driven by a passion for sustainability and making positive impact, in 2019 she stepped into the role of Managing Director. Emma joined the board of Mindful Fashion NZ in 2023, contributing to their work of supporting a circular, innovative and collaborative fashion industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.</p>
<h4><u>Emily Miller-Sharma | General Manager, Ruby</u></h4>
<p>General Manager of Aotearoa fashion label RUBY &amp; designer for Liam, Emily Miller-Sharma is a passionate advocate for the local industry &amp; sustainable business practices. Emily’s design process has always been an investigative one, from exploring what can be achieved using the bias in patternmaking to pushing for meaningful change in the clothing industry.</p>
<h4><u>Johnnie Freeland | Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngai Tūhoe</u></h4>
<p>Johnnie is a wayfinder, systems navigator and whakapapa centred designer.<br>
He brings together more than 30 years’ knowledge and lived experience of serving community and in guiding and navigating a range of Iwi, Māori community and public sector organisations in working to achieve better outcomes with Māori. He utilises mātauranga Māori in designing Oranga Motuhake/well-being pathways, with whānau, hapū, iwi and organisations.</p>
<h4><u>Vanessa Thompson | Director of Supply Chain, Go Well</u></h4>
<p>Vanessa Thompson is the Director of Supply Chain and Textiles at Go Well Consulting, a Sustainability consultancy working with a variety of businesses to identify innovative opportunities to move towards a more circular, regenerative and inclusive economy. ﻿Vanessa’s expertise helps clients to evaluate and understand the complexities of their supply chains, introduce new and innovative materials, and realise the potential and opportunities that circular business models can play in realising a fairer and more sustainable fashion industry.</p>

Future fashion: Unlocking a circular fashion economy in Aotearoa