Beyond the Runway: Fashion, Activism & the Environment

“I want you to help me save the world. I can’t do it on my own.”

– Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood was one of the fashion world’s great disrupters. A passionate climate change activist she become one of the first designers to understand the impact of excessive production on the environment and to call for change from government, industry and fashion lovers.

Join Olivia Jordan Cornelius, a writer and former press officer for Vivienne Westwood Ltd and PETA UK, Jacinta FitzGerald from Mindful Fashion NZ, and Emma Wallace from Wellington’s much loved fashion label Kowtow and others, for a lively discussion on Vivienne Westwood, her global impact and the ongoing pursuit of a fashion industry where business, people, and nature all thrive.

Speakers:

Olivia Jordan Cornelius is a writer known for her intimate first-person essays, published internationally by titles including Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, The Telegraph, and Outside. Olivia was previously Vivienne Westwood’s Womenswear and Accessories Press Officer where she worked on the brand’s media coverage and London & Paris Week Fashion Week shows, as well as Vivienne’s Climate Revolution movement. Following Vivienne Westwood, Olivia was appointed Media Manager for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), where she held a key role in the group's vegan fashion activism across Europe. She also worked on the launch of the cult faux-fur brand Shrimps with DH-PR London. Olivia earned a BA in Art History from Victoria University, Wellington.

Jacinta FitzGerald is the Chief Executive of Mindful Fashion NZ, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2019 to strengthen the New Zealand fashion and textile industry. An experienced sustainability strategist, Jacinta brings more than 20 years of experience in the clothing and textiles industry to her role. Alongside her work with Mindful Fashion, Jacinta runs MakeGood, a consultancy that works with innovative apparel sector brands in New Zealand and globally to put circular and regenerative practices at their core.

Emma Wallace is the Managing Director of the Wellington-based fashion brand Kowtow. With a 25-year background in the industry, 10 years ago Emma joined Kowtow and alongside founder Gosia Piatek and the team, has grown the Wellington clothing brand internationally whilst ensuring sustainable and positive impacts are the priority.

Photo credit: SURGE animal rights campaign group protests against London Fashion Week 2017 for its pro-fur stance, despite growing opposition from major fashion labels. 2017. Photo by Penelope Barritt | Alamy stock Photo