A dynamic systems approach to enable sustainability in the global fashion system

Fashion production and consumption are dynamic processes that generate economic growth,

incur social injustices and undermine ecological integrity. Despite the interdependent systemic

nature of these processes, that play out at different scales, little attention is focused on the

‘systemness’ of these global fashion issues. In this paper, insights generated by literature review

findings and stakeholder interviews were iteratively drawn upon to produce a dynamic series of

causal loop diagrams (CLDs). These CLDs capture system dynamics at several stages of the global

fashion system, including cotton production, garment manufacturing, fashion buying, fashion

consumption, clothing disposal and second-hand trading. Research highlights include the systemic

implications of profit maximisation, as well as the identification of potential leverage points to

transition this creative industry onto sustainable trajectories. Implications for creative economy

oriented research, practice and policy decision making are discussed.