Sustainable Style Across the Continents was an online youth panel hosted in Slovakia, bringing together around 30 young participants to explore sustainable fashion through local realities and international perspectives. The discussion focused on how fashion choices are shaped by culture, economy, and geography, and how young people can move toward more responsible consumption.
The panel opened with a welcome and a presentation of local activities, followed by a closer look at fashion in Slovakia, from traditional clothing practices to modern trends. Mgr. Martina Kubicová presented key facts on textile waste in Slovakia, highlighting that the average person discards 10.6 kg of textiles per year. While some clothing is reused or donated, a significant amount still ends up in landfills. Participants were also introduced to emerging Slovak sustainable fashion brands such as Donee The Label, Abraka, and We Are Not Sisters, showing that alternatives to fast fashion already exist locally.
An important international dimension was added through a guest contribution by Hamza Bouksim from Morocco, who shared insights into sustainability practices in North Africa. His perspective allowed participants to compare European approaches—often driven by policies, awareness campaigns, and circular economy strategies—with practices in Morocco, where reuse, repair, and long-term garment use are deeply rooted in daily life and necessity. This comparison encouraged reflection on how different contexts shape consumption habits.
During breakout discussions, participants shared their own shopping routines, questioned fast fashion myths, and explored ways to make sustainable fashion more accessible for young people. Practical tools such as Cost Per Wear (CPW) and Impact Per Wear (IPW) were introduced, helping participants evaluate clothing choices beyond price alone. One idea strongly resonated throughout the panel: “the best clothing is the one that has never been made,” prompting reflection on the true environmental cost of new garments.
The panel concluded with a shared reflection, where participants highlighted how the discussion broadened their understanding of fashion’s global impact while grounding sustainability in the Slovak context. Many expressed interest in continuing international exchange and developing joint initiatives. Overall, the panel confirmed that sustainable fashion is a global issue with local solutions—and that young people in Slovakia are ready to actively shape the conversation.