The textile industry is one of the most polluting and exploitative industries in the world: more and more clothes are being sold at ever cheaper prices, clothing consumption has doubled globally within a few years and resource consumption is constantly increasing. In order to slow down this development, fast fashion consumption must be reduced and the range of fashionable, sustainable and fair clothing must be expanded.

In this context, Pro Helvetia offers young Swiss fashion brands the opportunity to take part in (on- or offline) coaching sessions in collaboration with Fashion Revolution Switzerland and with the additional support of The Zurich Silk Association ZSIG: the studios are offered individual coaching sessions by hand-picked experts, focusing on project creation and know-how building in the field of sustainability.

Consultation meetings with an expert covering  specific topics and answering individualised questions will be organised in the following 3 fields:

1. Sustainable design processes and product development:
   The topics addressed by these coaching sessions can include:
   circularity and recyclability in design, upcycling, choice of materials, material-saving design, fit, timeless/combinable design, quality, texture and price, packaging and product information, product care (microplastic, functional preservation, longevity), after life / recycling, new bio-materials information and research hub connections.
2. Sustainable production:
   The topics addressed by these coaching sessions can include:
   material and raw material origin, natural fibres, new materials, certifications, fair trade relations and labour conditions, supply chain management, supply chain technology and logistics, sourcing.
3. Business, brand and sustainability communication:
   The topics addressed by these coaching sessions can include:
   brand values and norms, sustainability communication and PR, consumer responsibility, marketing, branding and storytelling, business model and development, B2B.

The selected designers are:

• YVY
• SHE BORIN
• House of Creativ-ity
• Born of Nomad
• LARMA STUDIO
• The Second Story
• yuli
• sensato
• Xpersonnes