Lianne Trowbridge, Programme Leader of Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, delivered a powerful keynote address, outlining strategies for embedding sustainability within the very core of creative industries and cultivating a deep sense of responsibility in the next generation of designers. Lianne's message resonated deeply with the conference's theme, emphasizing the crucial role of education in shaping future leaders who prioritize environmental and social impacts in their creative work.

"Sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity," - Lianne Trowbridge

"By empowering students to think critically and act responsibly, we can ensure that design becomes a force for positive change in the world,”Lianne stated. This philosophy is at the heart of Istituto Marangoni's progressive approach to design education.

Lianne's session provided attendees with tangible strategies for integrating sustainability into creative curriculum. She showcased how Istituto Marangoni's faculty and students embrace interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex global challenges. The presentation highlighted several innovative projects, demonstrating how the institution is preparing students for the future of fashion and design. These included:

• Pioneering 3D Experimentation: Showcasing the use of cutting-edge technologies like Clo3D for virtual design and prototyping, reducing reliance on physical samples and minimizing waste.
• Hybrid Fashion Shows: Exploring new formats for showcasing student work, blending physical and digital experiences to create more sustainable and accessible presentations.
• Virtual Showrooms: Creating digital platforms to exhibit student designs, expanding their reach to a global audience and reducing the environmental impact of traditional physical showrooms.

Lianne Trowbridge, Programme Leader of Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai during the SustainableNXT event.

Balancing Tech Advancements with Sustainability

Lianne emphasized the importance of balancing digital advancements with a renewed focus on sustainable materials and practices. She stressed the need to preserve traditional craftsmanship while responsibly leveraging technology to drive innovation. This approach ensures that the future of fashion and design is not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in ethical and sustainable principles.

SustainableNXT provided a valuable platform for engagement with industry leaders and innovators. Discussions at the conference centered on the transformative power of circular economies within the creative sector. Participants explored ways to rethink traditional design processes, focusing on waste reduction, extended product lifecycles, and stronger collaborations between academia and industry. The event underscored the collective responsibility in driving sustainable practices and the importance of fostering strong partnerships to achieve meaningful change.

For Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, SustainableNXT was a resounding success, reinforcing the belief that sustainability is a shared commitment. The event served as a catalyst for continued dialogue and impactful action, connecting stakeholders across India and beyond. It served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to accelerate the transition toward sustainable design practices, a transition that Istituto Marangoni is committed to leading through education and innovation. Holding on to the belief that by equipping the students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to champion sustainability, they will go on to become the change-makers the world needs.