Fashion icon Stella McCartney appeared on stage at the Isetan Mitsukoshi <Mirai Awards Talk Show＞ held at Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo on March 19th. Talked about sustainable fashion and nurturing the next generation with Keiichiro Asao, Minister of the Environment, and Shota Kondo, Manager of Isetan Shinjuku Main Store.

From the left, Harry Sugiyama, who acted as the moderator, Shota Kondo, Store Manager of Isetan Shinjuku main store, Keiichiro Asao, Minister of the Environment, and Stella McCartney./Courtesy of ISETAN

This event is part of the sustainability campaign ＜think good> that Isetan Shinjuku has been promoting since 2021, and aims to realize a sustainable society and a colorful and prosperous future. This year, as an activity to pass on culture, we are planning the ＜Isetan Mitsukoshi Mirai Award＞, in collaboration with the next generation who will be responsible for the future of the fashion industry, and in which fashion school students will have the opportunity to create works of art using pieces of leftover material collected from various companies.

In the talk show, Stella touched on the sustainable fashion initiatives she implements with her brand and the changes required of the future fashion industry. “The fashion industry is at a major turning point. In addition to reducing our environmental footprint and using sustainable materials, we must also change our perspective and innovate to look ahead.” What was particularly impressive was her comment on the importance of nurturing the next generation. “What is needed is knowledge and the ability to take action. It's important to start something.”

As awareness of a sustainable future grows, Stella McCartney's message goes beyond the fashion industry and serves as a reassuring message for the next generation of innovators.

In the campaign to be held at Isetan Shinjuku store starting April 9th, 21 award-winning works will be displayed in the store main show window.