Sustainability, second-hand clothing, and new green topics have long been an integral part of fashion magazines—and yet fast fashion continues to boom. How does that fit together? At Fashion Talk at VIENNA FASHION WEEK 2025, experts discussed consumption, responsibility, and the true value of fashion.
The panel discussion featured Sarah Lehner (Wienerin), Michael Steingruber (Der Standard), Maria Ratzinger (Entrenous), Valerie Zehethofer (Die Presse), Desirée Fellner (Mediengruppe Österreich), Stéphane Gaboué (fashion journalist, casting director), Brigitte R. Winkler (Kurier, Aurum), Nunu Kaller (activist, author), and Nathalie Großschädl (Falter). At the Fashion Talk, initiated by Wonder We Want and moderated by Julia Rauch, they highlighted the tension between luxury, mass consumption, and moral responsibility.
Quality before quantity
The discussion focused on the fact that fast fashion continues to be consumed en masse despite its well-known problems—on the one hand because of its easy availability, and on the other because of its low prices. At the same time, the panel agreed that the path to more conscious consumption should lead through quality and durability: it is better to buy less, but rather high-quality favorite pieces that can be worn for years. The experts also appealed to politicians, saying that legal regulations are needed to clearly trace the fashion value chain. Consumers themselves should also critically question brands, as supposedly sustainable labels often make empty promises, and luxury brands are no exception.
Sustainability in your own wardrobe
Finally, the panel gave specific tips for personal consumption: Before making a purchase, consider whether it is really necessary and who will benefit from it. Shop locally to strengthen the domestic economy. Find a responsible use for clothing that is no longer needed, such as repurposing it. In general, buy second-hand more often and repair or recycle items instead of constantly consuming new ones. The conclusion of the VIENNA FASHION WEEK 2025 Fashion Talk between sustainability and fast fashion: Fashion should bring joy, but it should also go hand in hand with responsibility!
Verena Schinnerl
Journalistin, Medienliebhaberin und (fast) immer fröhliche Optimistin aus der Steiermark. Spricht gerne, viel und am liebsten in ein Mikrofon. Ist oft unterwegs oder im Stress, aber immer für ein gemütliches Zusammensitzen zu haben. Mag ihre Kater, Kaffee und ihr geordnetes Chaos.