By Tirzah Rezende

The recent edition of São Paulo Fashion Week, which took place from April 9 to 14, not only marked the largest fashion event in Latin America with 57 editions, but also highlighted the commitment to sustainability and inclusion in the industry. We spoke with sustainable fashion journalist Julia Codognoto get her perspectives on this theme and its relevance to this year's SPFW.

The journalist reflected on the representation and valorization of the Northeastern culture in this edition, especially through brands such as Catarina Mina and Marina Bitu. She highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in a country as diverse as Brazil, and how the participation of brands from various regions in events like SPFW enriches the delivery and promotes inclusion and diversity in Brazilian fashion.

On the role of new brands in promoting values such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion, Julia highlighted the importance of events such as SPFW in promoting these values. She specifically mentioned initiatives adopted by participating brands, such as the more sustainable materials promoted by Vicunha, the recycled fabric of Repreve and the partnership between Marina Bitu and Senac Ceará in the development of a bioplastic.

Regarding the impact of the collections presented in this edition on the public debate on sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility, the importance of collective collaboration in the industry to achieve a positive impact was highlighted. The potential of Brazilian brands such as Amapô Jeans and Dendezeiro to positively influence the international fashion industry in terms of sustainability and inclusion was also evident.

Julia also shared her thoughts on the relationship between valuing the ancestral knowledge of the artisan communities of the Brazilian Northeast and the promotion of sustainability in contemporary fashion. She highlighted the opportunity that fashion brands must eternalize ancestral knowledge and promote social development through the valorization of local culture.

Finally, regarding the challenges that fashion brands face when adopting sustainable practices in a highly competitive market like SPFW, Julia mentioned the need for research, investment in lower-impact materials, and an ethical attitude throughout the supply chain, among other aspects.

In short, this year's SPFW has demonstrated the Brazilian fashion industry's growing commitment to sustainability and inclusivity and offers a hopeful vision for the future of sustainable fashion in Brazil.