Safia Minney, a leading figure in ethical fashion and founder of the sustainable clothing brand People Tree, as well as the advocacy group Fashion Declares, is pushing for a radical shift in the fashion industry to combat the climate crisis. She argues that the industry needs to significantly reduce the production and consumption of new clothing—by as much as 75 to 95 per cent—based on scientific evidence about the environmental impact of fast fashion. This shift would challenge the current model, which prioritizes speed, large quantities, and low-cost labor, and could lead to job losses in countries where garment work is a crucial, though often unstable, source of income. Minney proposes a shift from mass production to a system centered on value, craftsmanship, and regenerative agriculture. She highlights the millions of skilled handweavers in India, Bangladesh, and across Africa, whose traditional techniques could play a key role in a more sustainable, low-volume fashion industry. By investing in these skills, new livelihoods could be created outside of the industrial centers where many garment workers now live, offering more stable and meaningful employment. For Minney, a fair transition to a more sustainable fashion system is not just about reducing carbon emissions. It also involves considering who benefits from the changes, who bears the risks, and whether the new system supports people in building secure and dignified lives. She distinguishes this approach from conventional sustainability efforts, which often focus on improving existing practices—such as ensuring fair labor conditions, reducing overtime, and using eco-friendly materials or recyclable fabrics. Minney emphasizes that for designers, buyers, and merchandisers, this transformation requires more than just incorporating a few artisanal items into collections. Brands need to rethink their production schedules to allow for the time-intensive process of handcrafting garments and textiles. This includes forming close partnerships with craft communities, understanding their capabilities, and offering design input to ensure that the final products are high-quality and desirable to consumers. In Bangladesh, Minney has been involved in training programs focused on design, production, and quality management, as well as the use of safe, GOTS-certified dyes and certified organic cotton. These efforts aim to trace the journey of a garment back to the farmers who grow its fibers, ensuring that both the people and the environment are respected throughout the process. Minney will continue this dialogue at an upcoming event in London, titled "Craft, Clothing & Circularity: Out of Fashion," which will bring together makers, repairers, and activists to explore how craft and circular practices can support a truly regenerative fashion system.