Problems and Possibilities in the Global Fashion System

The fashion industry shapes our everyday lives. Come learn of the global influences on what we wear, and stay for the repair cafe!

Part 1: The Presentation Dr. Jimil Ataman (Assistant Professor of Sustainable Innovation, U of A) will lead a discussion on the global forces that influence what we wear. She will examine the labor and supply chains behind our wardrobes and highlight the creative alternatives already emerging to build a more sustainable and equitable fashion future.

Part 2: The Repair Café Following the discussion, we invite you to put sustainability into practice. Bring an item of clothing that needs mending—whether it’s a missing button, a small tear, or a hem that needs fixing.

Local upcycling designer Josephine Nakafeero and volunteers from the Department of Human Ecology will be on hand to offer guidance, demonstrate repair techniques, and help you extend the life of your garments.

• Who should attend: Everyone is welcome. You do not need sewing experience to participate in the repair café.
• What to bring: Your curiosity and one or two items of clothing in need of repair.
• Note: Light snacks will be provided.

About the Speaker: Dr. Jimil Ataman is an Assistant Professor of Sustainable Innovation in the Global Fashion Industry at the University of Alberta. Her research examines sustainable fashion production and consumption, following the "slow fashion" community through their daily work to transform how clothing is made, bought, and sold.