The lineup for Source Debates, the inaugural content space for Source Fashion, Europe’s premier responsible sourcing event, which will take place at Olympia London from February 18–20, 2025, has been revealed.
Located in the center of the exhibition floor, Source Debates seeks to address some of the most important and controversial issues in sustainable fashion and encourages participants to have candid conversations with sourcing and sustainability specialists, other fashion brands and retailers, and industry experts. The area will question the status quo and investigate workable answers to the most difficult problems facing the sector.
Designed to be an interactive forum, Source Debates provides a unique opportunity to learn and uncover fresh perspectives on what meaningful change could look like. Safia Minney MBE Founder of Fashion Declares says, “We are running out of time – we need to radically shift to a post-growth fashion and textile economy, and fashion retailers and brands need to unite to make this a reality. My panel on regenerative fashion, as well as the Source Debates on legislation and collaboration are examples of how the industry can get involved in sometimes difficult conversations but share ideas on how fashion needs to overhaul its ways of working if we want to secure a more sustainable and ethical future.”
Tuesday 18th
Simon Platts
11:30 – Back to the future – how do we produce less and make the same amount of profit? Is it even possible? Simon Platts, CEO and Founder – Recomme
In a world of fast fashion and instant gratification, the urgency to rethink our consumption patterns and production models has never been greater – but how realistic is this shift in thinking and behaving?
13:30 – Can authentic language around sustainability build trust or is it just greenwashing? Mike Coates, Assistant Director, Fashion Retail Enforcement – CMA and Miles Lockwood, Director of Complaints and Investigations, Advertising Standards Agency
This session debates the use of authentic language, building trust, and what could be perceived as (and legally seen as) greenwashing. Through peer discussion and expert insights, we’ll examine the latest guidance on ethical sustainability communication – but also discuss if it’s possible to be both authentic and honest (and often imperfect), without being misleading.
Sherin Hosni, Apparel Export Council Egypt
14:30 – Is sourcing in North Africa a viable alternative to Asia? Sherin Hosni, Executive Director – Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE), and Giovanni Beatrice, Founder – Forward in Fashion
With supply chains shifting and the demand around sustainable and nearshore sourcing growing, North Africa is being touted as the next big thing for the fashion industry. But does it really have what it takes to compete with Asia?
Wednesday 19th
Safia Minney, MBE
11:00 – Taking the lead: Who steps up when legislation (and the Government) falls short? Safia Minney MBE, Founder and Executive Director – Fashion Declares!
When policy falls short, where do we turn? How can we collaborate, innovate, and lead the way in driving impactful sustainability initiatives without waiting for government mandates?
Geraldine Wharry
13:30 – Designing tomorrow: Is speculative thinking the key to fashion retail’s future? Geraldine Wharry, Fashion Futurist – Trend Atelier
Speculative design – used by major organisations and governments – to prepare for long-term risks. This conversation will try and unpack what might stand in your way of being able to do this and how we can help you shift to being an organisation that’s prepared for future disruption.
Thursday 20th
11:30 – Can fashion brands embrace sustainability without the fear of being perfect? Jonny Rowe and Joe Russell, Co-Founders – Land of Plenty
This session looks at encouraging small wins, while questioning the common fears surrounding building out sustainable practices and the role storytelling and branding to help overcome these.
Sasha McFarlane, Future Proof Fashion
13:30 – Why does innovation struggle within fashion and what mechanisms are needed for a better chance at success? Sasha McFarlane, Executive Director – Future-Proof Fashion
Why does innovation struggle within fashion and what mechanisms are needed for a better chance at success?
