The disruption of the fashion industry ecosystem this year has only reinforced the importance of sustainability as more paramount than ever.

To that end, the CFDA teamed up with luxury consignment retailer TheRealReal on a new sustainable fashion podcast series. Titled ‘Circle of Influence,’ it will tackle everything from rebuilding the fashion ecosystem to the intersection of race and sustainability.

Hosted by industry veteran Julie Gilhart and Sara Kozlowski, the CFDA’s VP of Education + Sustainability Initiatives, voices in the series will include guests ranging from designer, brand, editorial, education, climate, materials and NGO – experts who will share their unique perspectives. The intent is to dig deep into the issues while identifying opportunities for accelerated momentum as we navigate towards building a new more sustainable, just and equitable future.

The series launches today with five episodes, including the below topics:

Episode 1: A New Lens for a New Future

with Steven Kolb of CFDA and Julie Wainright of The RealReal; co-moderated by Sara and Julie Gilhart.

In “A New Lens for a New Future”, we’ll talk with The RealReal’s CEO Julie Wainwright and the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s CEO, Steven Kolb on leading fashion by way of both mission and purpose … On why sustainability matters now more than ever and how brands big and small are making sea change. And lastly, how, from their viewfinders, 2021+ fashion moves forward.

Episode 2: Future of Fashion Week

with Victor Glemaud, Jamie Pallot of Sensorium and Beth Buccini of Kirna Zabete; moderated by Julie Gilhart

As NYFW shifts to a mostly virtual calendar and the global fashion system re-calibrates to a COVID-19 world alongside unprecedented societal, economic, cultural and economic shifts – brands are applying ingenuity, and new approaches to presentation. As reflection of brand identity – many designers are choosing to hybridize presentation, editorial, + commerce experiences through digital platforms, integrating a Phygital approach to retail – with sustainability, technology and innovation central to change.

Episode 3: Wardrobe for the Future

with Giusy Bettoni of C.L.A.S.S., Kristy Caylor of For Days and Jonathan and Sarah of Jonathan Cohen; moderated by Sara

Wardrobe for the Future begins with the question, “What’s in the closet for the future of fashion?” From idea to invention, the intersections of fashion, technology, bespoke, and innovation have never been more promising. New methods of creation, storytelling and materials are leading the way to a fashion future that is circular, safe, regenerative, and beautiful. Centered on the unique ways that new brand models and design systems are transforming, there is no one size fits all approach. This session will feature the voices of fashion founders on what’s in store as we look forward to hopeful tomorrows.

Episode 4: Race & Sustainability

with Abrima Erwiah of Studio 189, Rachael Wang and Tracy Reese of Hope for Flowers; moderated by guest editor Marjon Carlos

Race and the intersection of sustainability: While much of fashion is course correcting and reworking its production praxis and textiles for a more sustainable future, we haven’t as of yet tackled the issue of race and environmentalism. All too often the most vulnerable communities to the fallout of pollution are those of color. Like all of society, the issue of environmentalism is

stratified along racial lines and in order to create a brighter future for all, we must expand the dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion with this sphere.

Episode 5: Race & Sustainability (Part 2)

with Abrima Erwiah of Studio 189, Rachael Wang and Tracy Reese of Hope for Flowers; moderated by guest editor Marjon Carlos

New episodes will be released throughout December covering a new topic each week – the perfect, informative listening as we head into the holiday season.

Click here to listen to the first five episodes.