IOSH backs sustainable fashion showcase

The landmark, invite-only gathering was the brainchild of the Commonwealth Fashion Council. It brought together designers, diplomats and sustainability leaders to celebrate innovation, collaboration and ethical fashion across the Commonwealth. 

VIBE 2025, held at Marlborough House in London on Friday 19 September, marked the beginning of a new tradition. It’s an annual celebration of fashion excellence and shared values among Commonwealth nations. 

Report

The event also unveiled the Commonwealth Fashion Innovation Report, supported by Innovate UK. This report highlights the economic potential of the Commonwealth’s growing GDP – projected to reach US$19.5 trillion by 2027.

Crucially, the report reveals that trade costs between Commonwealth country pairs are on average 21 per cent lower. This is thanks to shared language, legal systems and financial structures.

This “Commonwealth trade advantage” presents a major opportunity for fashion designers to be more sustainable, expand their reach and collaborate more effectively across borders. 

IOSH partnered with VIBE 2025 to promote a people-focused fashion sector.

Ruth added: “Supporting VIBE Commonwealth Fashion reflects our commitment to the implementation of a Charter that includes health and safety principles and a commitment to a world of work where creativity thrives alongside safety, health, dignity, and wellbeing of all – where we collectively drive change and responsible business to support the fashion industry workforce and across supply chains. 

“As the fashion industry evolves, we must ensure that the people behind the garments – from the raw materials through to designers, makers, and wider communities – are at the heart of that transformation, with a safe and healthy working environment and decent work provided.”

Innovation

This year’s event featured three visionary designers: 

• Kaushik Velendra (India) – a celebrated fashion entrepreneur known for his fusion of technical design and artistry, and his commitment to nurturing emerging talent through collaboration with Indian artisan communities. 
• Sophie Boylan (Canada) – a sustainability innovator who has developed an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based sequins, preserving aesthetic appeal while reducing environmental harm. 
• Isabelle Pennington-Edmead (UK) – founder of her eponymous label, she creates vibrant womenswear inspired by her Caribbean heritage and British roots, with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable production. 

Daniel Hatton, CEO and Founder of the Commonwealth Fashion Council, said: “VIBE offers a window into Commonwealth Fashion, by allowing viewers to see how Commonwealth Fashion designers are mobilising to establish a more sustainable and responsible fashion landscape.

“Furthermore, designers are emboldened to do business within the Commonwealth, due to sound economic reasons (Commonwealth trade advantage).

“I am looking forward to building VIBE year-on-year, to see how our diverse future fashion leaders are tackling some of the industry’s most urgent and challenging issues.”