In the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne’s city centre, down the road from the shopping mecca of Northumberland Street, there resides a vibrant and diverse mix of creative businesses that are pioneering ethical and conscious values within their community. Whilst some bigger corporate fashion labels are seen to be taking steps towards a fairer industry, there are a number of independent fashion brands that have their finger on the pulse when it comes to sustainability, emerging like wild flowers. In the North-East, there is a growing line-up of independent fashion businesses with a conscience, each with their own personal stamp.The ‘Northern Sustainable Fashion Revolution’ provides a platform for this diverse group of pioneers, as the first event in the North of England taking part in the international ‘Fashion Revolution Week’, marking the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, 2013.

Organised by contemporary embroidery artist Melanie Kyles and ethical clothing brand Uncaptive, the five-day festival combines ethics, craftsmanship, education and sustainability within the fashion industry. The event will begin at the central hub of culture and creativity in Commercial Union House at Ampersand Inventions and B&D Studios, leading up to a finale catwalk in the luxurious ‘Strawberry Thief’ suite of Beeronomy. An exciting line-up of events and interactive installations aim to raise awareness of fashion practices, the effects of fast fashion, and progressions being made through technological innovations and creative solutions. Guests will have the opportunity to partake in hands-on activities, learn from local industry professionals and academics, and explore the future of fashion in a more conscious era.

The dynamic programme includes a mixture of panel discussions, fashionista challenges, industry talks, creative workshops and live fashion displays, including features from the fashion programmes of Northumbria University and Newcastle University Fashion Society, so there is something for everyone from curious shoppers to creative professionals. Features include styling yourself sustainable with Trendlistr and their colourful curated vintage, observing the expertise craftsmanship of fashion-meets-illustration brand Osseus, challenging your knowledge in a Fashion Revolution quiz or choosing from a range of inspiring and informative industry talks to attend, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the fashion industry as a whole, the amazing ethical and sustainable fashion businesses based in the North-East, and to see how increasingly accessible and more conscious fashion is becoming in today’s climate.