Fashion Industry Adapts to Extreme Heat

The fashion industry is no longer able to ignore the practical implications of the climate crisis. With temperatures reaching 41 degrees celsius in Paris during men's fashion week in June, shows were rescheduled to early morning to avoid blistering afternoon heat. Designers are now incorporating cooling technologies and lightweight materials into their designs to help people cope with the heat.

## Impact on Fashion Design Designers such as Jonathan Anderson and Rick Owens are showcasing semi-transparent and lightweight clothing in their collections. At Dior's SS27 men's show, Anderson showcased suits crafted from translucent silk chiffon, while Owens featured inflatable black puffer jackets with miniature electric fans to keep wearers cool. High street retailers such as H&M are also adapting, designing their autumn collection with lighter materials in anticipation of soaring September temperatures.

## Festival Fashion and Climate Change Festival fashion is also changing due to the climate crisis. Attendees at festivals such as Maiden Voyage, Houghton, and Boomtown are wearing scarfs, bandanas, and balaclavas as face coverings to protect themselves from dry and dusty conditions. Sustainable fashion advocate Brett Staniland notes that people are now thinking about more than just looking good when they leave the house, they are also considering whether they will be able to breathe and stay cool.

## Structural Impact on the Fashion Industry The extreme heat is not only impacting fashion design but also the structure of the industry. Attendance at some shows at Paris Fashion Week men's fell by as much as 50%, and trips to the high street were down by 6.2% in the UK in June. Climate activists such as Emma de Saram and Tori Tsui argue that the fashion industry's response to climate change is inadequate, and that adaptation alone is not enough. They suggest that the industry is co-opting and using extreme heat as an opportunity to create or expand a market, rather than addressing the root cause of the problem.

The fashion industry's response to climate change is a complex issue, with many different perspectives and approaches. While some designers and brands are adapting to the changing climate, others are criticized for not doing enough to address the root cause of the problem. As the climate continues to change, it is likely that the fashion industry will be forced to adapt and evolve in response.