Behind everything we do, there must be a deeper purpose. Fashion leads and shapes ideas on a global level, and we should be making change not just for the industry, but for business as a whole. As fashion brands look to provide beautiful pieces that push the boundaries of design, we must also look at how we can adopt a business model that pushes the norms of traditional capitalism. Conscious capitalism can facilitate this transition and support a business model that is not only profitable but encourages social and economic change. Here are a few ways in which fashion brands can embrace conscious capitalism and make being socially responsible the chic way of doing business.
Examine Your Use of Profits
As clothing and accessories brands generate income, it is important to look at what good you can do with those profits. For example, some cause-related brands donate a portion of each sale to help support children in education. Some provide products to those in need, and other brands take an environmental approach by using sustainable materials and processes. When the company and staff know that they have a higher calling and that there is a purpose tied to their brand besides just making a profit, these values will continue to guide and inform business decision-making for the betterment of society.
Be More Conscious in Production
Fashion brands that pay a bit more in the manufacturing of their products and choose to work with ethical manufacturers can create economic empowerment for those employees. This might mean ensuring that the factories you work with are not en- gaging in child labor. Being selective about where you manufacture and how your products are being manufactured is incredibly important to that local population. Don’t forget to share this detail with your customers, as they will be more willing to pay a bit extra knowing that the production of the goods has been ethical and in good faith.
Look at Whom You Employ
Look at how your business can pro- vide tangible pathways for employment to underserved communities or to groups or regions that have fewer economic opportunities. Doing so is another way to adopt a conscious capitalist business mindset. This may be a longer route to production as you may have to invest more in training staff and there may be other barriers, but, once overcome, it is incredible to create jobs and opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Collaborate & Support
One of the very natures of capitalism is to create a monopolistic mindset which only seeks to favor one as op- posed to many. Another way to be more conscious of our capitalism is to look beyond the constraints of typical capitalism and seek collaboration. Look at other brands that are emerging and, as opposed to seeing them as competition (and maybe wanting to stamp them out), have a mindset of adding value to their business. Of- ten in collaboration, you will find they also can add value to your business. In that, you create an environment where more people can win.
Why Adopt Conscious Capitalism?
In addition to being better for the world, conscious capitalism is good for business. About 88% of consumers want brands to help improve their environmental and social impact. That means they are looking for and are more likely to purchase from a brand that looks beyond profits and strives to create a better world through social change. Fashion brands should consider what social causes they can address and remember to engage in cause-related marketing to help consumers learn about your efforts.
Always in Fashion
The fashion industry has a unique opportunity to be a leader in the conscious capitalism movement. We touch so many parts of the global economy, including labor and manufacturing, that we can make a huge impact on not only the fashion industry but on how others view business. By considering how we use our profits, how we produce our goods, whom we employ and how we treat others in the industry, we can create an industry standard that pushes the boundaries of traditional capitalism. We can still do this and be profitable, especially as a majority of consumers want to engage with brands that help them address important social causes. The fashion industry can change the world and make conscious capitalism just as stylish as our clothing and accessories.
William Adoasi is a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, philanthropist, fashion designer and the founder and CEO of watch brand Vitae London. He has been featured as one of Forbes’ 25 Leading Black British Business People to Follow, mentored by billionaire business magnate Richard Branson and was selected as a 2016 Virgin StartUp ambassador. His watches have been sold in over 30 countries and transformed many lives by providing over 5,000 educational resources to underprivileged children across Sub-Saharan Africa with each purchase. In addition to Vitae London, Adoasi has three other successful business ventures in media, music and corporate consultancy.
