LFW City Wide Celebration – Open Studio: A Panel with Our Supply Chain

Last night, 17th September 2025, members of Fashion-Enter Ltd / FashionCapital, had the privilege of attending Open Studio: A Panel with Our Supply Chain, moderated by the insightful Mimma Viglezio. Part of London Fashion Week’s City-Wide Celebration, the event brought together industry leaders Matt Weinert, Ross Barry, Alyona Bounetska and Anna Foster – Founder of E.L.V. DENIM, for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of fashion supply chains, the challenges we face, and the opportunities to build a more responsible industry.

From the outset, the conversation addressed one of the most pressing issues in UK fashion manufacturing today: the loss of traditional skills. The panel agreed that while skills erosion has been a persistent challenge, there is a real opportunity to bring them back through targeted education, investment in training, and closer collaboration between brands, manufacturers, and communities.

Consumer responsibility also took centre stage. The panel explored how brands and retailers must do more than simply promote new collections—they should actively work with the public to encourage mindful consumption and to champion repair, reuse, and recycling practices.

Another core theme was accountability. Fashion businesses, the speakers argued, have a duty not only to reduce their carbon footprints but also to support local economies. Local and nearshore manufacturing were highlighted as crucial strategies for achieving both sustainability and resilience in supply chains.

The discussion also delved into the realities of today’s volatile markets. Each panellist shared insights on how they navigate constant change while ensuring their teams feel supported and empowered. This human-centred approach was a reminder that people remain at the heart of fashion’s future.

Finally, the conversation turned to overstocks, a persistent issue across the industry. The panel shed light on where unsold items often end up, and importantly, how they are working to prevent waste by recommercialising stock and creating circular solutions.

The evening was an inspiring exchange of ideas, expertise, and honest reflections on the urgent need for change. It was clear from the discussion that sustainability is not a single initiative but a collective responsibility that spans consumers, brands, manufacturers, and policymakers alike.

We left the event energised by the passion and commitment of the panel, and motivated to continue pushing for a future where fashion is not only creative and innovative, but also sustainable, fair, and resilient.