World of Fashion
Preparing Future Fashion Leaders to Establish ESG Criteria
by Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
The course has been set - more and more protagonists throughout the global clothing industry are massively and successfully involved in implementing due diligence concepts and guidance towards responsible supply chains. Nevertheless, it should be crystal clear to all industry protagonists committed to EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in the textile and clothing sector - the next generation in management must now be involved, get ready and prepared.
Cross-generational tasks need to be mastered - now. This is precisely where the University of Delaware’s remarkable side session in Paris in February came in at Paris for this year’s OECD Forum on Due Diligence for the Garment & Footwear Sector*: Directed by Dr. Sheng Lu, University of Delaware, gathering panelists from NGOs, educators, industry, and retail partners around the virtual table, the session explored on what it takes concerning curricula and beyond to equip Gen Z with critical knowledge in due diligence, sustainable sourcing, and supply chain transparency.
To address the future critical topic, Dr. Lu, Professor and Graduate Director for the University’s Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, chose a highly effective format for the discussion round: Serving as the lead moderator, Emilie Delaye, a Master Student at his faculty—representative of Gen Z herself—engaged the panelists with her critical, intelligent questions.
Furthermore, attendees such as industry professionals, students, international organizations, and policymakers gained insight into how U.S. college fashion programs have addressed the urgent demand for best education practices and educational gaps to date.
[*Find our full report on the 2025 OECD Forum for Due Diligence for Garment and Footwear Sector in The Needle’s Eye, March 2025 edition].
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Insight also into the broad program at the University of Delaware’s Fashion and Apparel Studies, by Prof. Dr. Sheng Lu: “Fashion companies are composed of people who make sourcing decisions and establish social responsibility criteria. Thus, Gen Z’s knowledge, vision, and passion are essential in shaping the future of the fashion industry and its due diligence practices.”
“Providing the know-how to the next generation is key to meet enterprise-wide sustainability commitments and goals – will enable us to align with upcoming regulatory requirements and industry best practices”. - Megan Dawson-Elli, Product Sustainability Manager at Tapestry, has their exemplary tool TrusTrace in place, a cloud-based web platform to map their supply chain.
Led the discussion: Master student Emilie Delaye, passionate about improving the fashion industry through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, demands more engagement by the industry for academic partnerships in curriculum development and talent preparation.
“Student trainees and associates from universities and fashion schools are an integral part of project works at Macy’s.” - Laurie Rando leads Macy’s Sustainability Center of Excellence, created in 2019 along with her initiative as Sr. Director of Sustainability. Her team is responsible for building and overseeing sustainable products and human rights strategies in the US and Overseas.