Stella McCartney is set to launch a United Nations fashion industry charter for action on climate change.

While announcing the charter in next month’s climate talks in Poland, the designer will make a firm business case for sustainable fashion and large-scale low-carbon production.

“We really don’t have long now, to change things. But I honestly believe it’s doable – I couldn’t do what I do if I didn’t believe that,” McCartney told the Guardian.

‘Guilt and fear’

“There is so much guilt and fear attached to talking about sustainability and that’s not helpful. What is essential is for the big players in the industry to come along with me, because that changes the price point.”

Other fashion brands are expected to sign the charter, which has been initiated by the UN climate change secretariat, on December 10.

“It’s not about peer pressure, it’s about making them excited,” McCartney continued.

“Who wants to talk about this season’s colour or the next It bag? The sustainability conversation is really the only one that I am interested in having.”

Brands

Chief executives of up to 40 international high fashion brands will witness McCartney’s launch of the charter at fashion industry conference Voices.

“Prospects for lab-grown alternatives to leather are the kind of topics I find sexy now,” McCartney said.

“Fast fashion is responsible for the lion’s share of environmental impact, so they are the most important element in affecting real change.”

• Read: Adidas and Stella McCartney just launched the second pair of 100% vegan Adidas Stan Smith sneakers

What do you think of the charter? Tell us in the comments section below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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