Fashion Revolution Week UAE 2025 is all about reimagining the fashion industry from the ground up. Marking the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy – when 1,134 garment workers were killed in Bangladesh when an 8-story building collapsed due to structural failure – this year’s theme, ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’, underscores the power of community-driven change and the need to redesign fashion with ethics, equity, and environmental care at its core.
From April 21st to 27th, a full week of free events, including expert panels, a digital fashion showcase, hands-on workshops, and community gatherings, will explore sustainability from every angle.
Whether you’re a designer, student, consumer, policymaker, or just curious, you’re invited to join the movement. Attend an online panel, vote for your favorite sustainable look, or swap your wardrobe at an in-person event. Every step forward counts.
Below we’ve listed the week’s sessions that you can sign up to join here!
Digital Sustainable Fashion Showcase
The #FR25 Digital Sustainable Fashion Showcase offers a virtual platform for students, hobbyists, and emerging designers to present their eco-conscious creations. From upcycled garments to zero-waste designs, the showcase celebrates creativity and sustainability. Viewers can support their favourite looks by voting online, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Exploring AI’s Role in Sustainable Fashion
A panel discussion titled ‘Can AI Help Fashion Become More Sustainable?’ will explore the intersection of technology and ethical fashion. Moderated by Araceli Gallego, Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution UAE, industry experts, including Dr. Irina Raicu of Microsoft, designer Tanushri Roy, or Dr Deepak Ranganathan the panel will explore how AI can drive transparency, efficiency, and innovation in the fashion supply chain.
Honoring Cultural Heritage
‘Fashion & Its Roots: Moving Forward, Appreciating the Past’ is an online panel that highlights the significance of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary fashion. Speakers like Selyna Peiris and Aishwarya Lahariya will discuss how preserving artisanal techniques contributes to a more sustainable and culturally rich industry.
The People Behind Our Clothes
Behind the glossy imagery of fashion are the hands that sew, dye, embroider, and cut. Behind the Seams: The Struggles of Fashion’s Makers brings together designers and change makers to discuss the invisible challenges garment workers and artisans continue to face. From fair wages to better representation, this session centers the people who stitch our values into what we wear.
Creative Upcycling and Circular Fashion
‘Beyond the Bin’ is a panel that explores how upcycling, recycling, and innovative practices like jugaad are transforming fashion waste into valuable resources. Changemakers like Jack Ostrowski, Akanksha Kaila Akashi or Wen Hsiu Chang will share their experiences in pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and fostering a circular economy.
Slowing Down the Race
The rise of ultra-fast fashion has challenged even the most committed ethical brands. Are We Going Backwards? examines the growing tension between trend-chasing platforms and values-based labels. This conversation dives into how marketing, pricing, and public perception are shaping the future of sustainable fashion—and what can be done to shift momentum back towards purpose.
Fashion, Food, and Community Connection
The week concludes with in-person events, including a community gathering at InterContinental Dubai Marina and a Clothes Swap at Capital Education Dubai Campus. While volunteers set up the swap, guests can take part in a Furoshiki workshop, learning the Japanese art of wrapping with fabric instead of paper.
Fashion Revolution Week UAE 2025 is more than a series of events; it’s a movement toward a transparent, regenerative, and equitable fashion industry. By engaging with these initiatives, individuals can contribute to a global transformation, one conscious choice at a time.
For more information and to register for the events, visit Fashion Revolution UAE and follow @fash_revuae on social media.
