Sarah Kent

BoF’s chief sustainability correspondent Sarah Kent discusses the rise of mycelium leather in fashion, with brands like Stella McCartney and Balenciaga leading the way. The potential $2.2 billion market for alternative materials hinges on scaling up production and reducing prices, as the industry strives for more eco-friendly options.

Sarah Kent, Chief Sustainability Correspondent for BoF, dives deep into the viral TikTok trend questioning luxury branding authenticity. She discusses how videos claiming 'superfakes' are made in the same factories as genuine goods have warped public perception and eroded trust. Kent highlights the implications of U.S.-China tariffs on luxury pricing and explores how misinformation spreads in the age of social media. This conversation reveals how brands must navigate a landscape fueled by skepticism, counterfeits, and shifting consumer attitudes.

Sarah Kent, the sustainability editor at BOF, dives into the critical issues plaguing labor in fashion, revealing alarming cases of child labor in India and slavery in Taiwan. She discusses how exploitation is entrenched in socio-economic systems, making change challenging. Kent emphasizes the necessity of transparency in supply chains, as brands struggle to trace their cotton's origins. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of major fashion brands and the impact of consumer choices on ethical practices, advocating for collective action to combat these systemic issues.

Sarah Kent, BOF's Sustainability Editor, dives deep into the troubling revelations surrounding luxury brands like Dior and Armani, connected to illegal sweatshops in Italy. She discusses how these brands obscure labor exploitation under the guise of high prices and Italian craftsmanship while ignoring systemic issues. Kent highlights the industry’s 'open secret,' where unethical practices persist despite audits. The conversation questions the balance between ethical standards and profitability, exploring how consumer trust hangs in the balance amidst these revelations.

Join Sarah Kent, the Chief Sustainability Correspondent, and Simone Stern Carbone, Luxury Correspondent, as they dive into the seismic impact of Trump's tariffs on the fashion industry. They discuss how luxury brands, previously insulated by European production, will now face challenges from import duties. Kent explains the unrealistic expectation of reviving US-based manufacturing, while Stern Carbone highlights the delicate balance luxury brands must maintain amid rising costs and price sensitivity. A thought-provoking look at the future of fashion in turbulent economic times!

Listen to BoF’s chief sustainability correspondent Sarah Kent discuss the challenges of marketing and scaling leather alternatives, the complexities of eco-friendly materials in fashion, the importance of transparent labeling, and the emergence of innovative materials like mushroom 'leather'.

Join Sarah Kent, a sustainability correspondent at BOF, and Shayeza Walid, a reporter focused on industry emissions, as they dissect fashion's climate crisis. They highlight how major brands like Inditex and Nike are falling short on emissions goals. Sarah reveals that no brand currently has a credible pathway to meet 2030 targets. They discuss the inherent conflict between profitability and environmental commitments and explore the broader implications of fast-fashion growth, including the urgent need for decarbonization strategies.

Sarah Kent, Chief Sustainability Correspondent, sheds light on the unsettling links between luxury brand Loro Piana and exploitative sweatshops. She discusses the systemic negligence in luxury supply chains, where profit often trumps ethical practices. Kent analyzes the growing scrutiny luxury brands face amid rising consumer demands for transparency and accountability. The conversation dives into the harsh realities of labor conditions in the fashion industry and the potential shifts in regulation that could reshape brand responsibility.

Sarah Kent, Chief Sustainability Correspondent at The Business of Fashion, discusses the precarious state of DEI and ESG initiatives in the fashion industry. She highlights the performative nature of many DEI efforts established post-George Floyd and questions the authenticity of current sustainability commitments. Kent warns that recent political shifts have led major brands, like Walmart, to retrench their initiatives, emphasizing the business imperative of meaningful change. The conversation probes the disconnect between ambitious promises and actual progress in a volatile landscape.

In this discussion, sustainability correspondent Sarah Kent, known for her insights on climate change's effects on fashion, delves into the alarming impact of extreme heat on garment production in South and Southeast Asia. She reveals how rising temperatures affect worker health and machinery efficiency, complicating factory operations. Kent emphasizes the urgency for the industry to adapt, highlighting the disconnect between consumer sustainability values and real-world practices. The conversation urges a shift from merely mitigating risks to embracing proactive climate strategies.