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UK fashion and textile sector in

crisis due to post Brexit trade

arrangements

Thrifting is the key to zero-to-little

The new post-Brexit trade agreement has drastically arrangements including VAT on all goods shipped waste as New York tries to lessen
changed the order of business and Tarde in the UK into the EU by the end of February, or British brands
but one such sector that has faced the most will die”, said Designer Katharine Hamnett.
difficulty is the Britain’s fashion and textile industry its annual textile waste
which is worth £35billion. The red tape and travel The consumers on both sides of the English
restrictions are upsetting complex international Channel are refusing purchases because of the
supply chains of the fashion industry. Over 400 unexpected VAT and tariff charges and the smaller
prominent fashion experts have written a letter to companies that also help support the UK’s fashion In terms of recycling and trying waste control, Will Textiles ever have their turn? The time might have come as
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the gravity industry do not have enough funds to maneuver and Raskin pointed out, ““the issue of textile waste has not gone away, and yet the awareness has picked up,”
of the situation. do business amidst these new rules. pointing to the fact that it is now or never to take a stand.

“The deal done with the EU has [left] a gaping hole While the UK govt. spokesperson said, “We are “The first ReFashion week three years ago was just highlighting the thrift and reuse sector and produced
where promised free movement for goods and working closely with businesses in the fashion exclusively by DonateNYC,” she said. “Last year, my organization got involved to really make it a cross-sector
services for all creatives, including the fashion and industry to ensure they get the support they need to experience because we realized this isn’t a problem the government or private sector alone can solve.”
textiles sector. Yet we have been disregarded in this trade effectively with Europe, and seize new
deal and our concerns overlooked. Without urgent opportunities as we strike trade deals with the To make people aware about how lack of waste management is a big issue, a play for New York City’s waste
attention these issues will jeopardise the immediate world’s fastest growing markets.” network was arranged. As in years past, designers Heron Preston and Eileen Fisher, as well as Fashion
and long term future of the sector.” fashion experts Revolution are taking part.
say in the letter to Boris Johnson. The UK Cabinet Office said it was working carefully
with businesses in the fashion industry to regulate to “As one of the sustainability stylists I can assure you’re in for a treat,” said Gabriel Garmon. “We worked so
“Many firms could be weeks away from going under. the new trading environment and was responsive hard to showcase how rewarding thrifting truly is and emphasized the importance of zero-to-little waste. The
We need a radical overhaul of customs that some businesses were facing challenges. production of this year’s show is also amazing. I love the concept.”

February/March 2021 February/March 2021