Fashionable Forests at the High Level Political Forum

Forest fashion takes centre stage at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 2018 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
As part of the UNECE/FAO Forests for Fashion initiative, together with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and a range of other partners such as the UN Forum on Forests, Cittadellarte Fashion B.E.S.T, and the Sustainably Forestry Initiative, the exhibit highlights the role of forests and forest products towards a sustainable fashion sector, throughout the HLPF (8-20 July 2018). 
The ‘Forests for Fashion’ exhibit brings together the work of many young designers, all inspired to use forest-derived materials for their creations.
Alongside many innovative and creative designs, is a capsule collection by Spanish designer Ms. María Lafuente using the world’s first PEFC-certified fabrics that can be traced back to sustainably managed forests.
Almost 65 percent of global fabric consumption consists of synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels, whilst the majority of the remainder is made up of cotton, a water- and pesticide-intensive crop. Renewable and responsibly sourced wood fibres are part of the solution to transform fashion into a more sustainable industry.
Forest-based materials need to originate from sustainably managed forests and to be produced in a sustainable and ethical manner. 
“It is our responsibility to promote fashion that respects life so we can contribute to a harmonious and sustainable society,” highlighted Ms. María Lafuente “we create, work and produce ethically and sustainably, always selecting environmentally friendly materials”.
Visitors can also learn about the connection between forests, fashion and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by exploring the 'SDG cubes'. The exhibition will be located in the following areas at the UN Headquarters:

Launch of ‘Made in Forests’ (16 July)
Michelle Yeoh, actress, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, and sustainable fashion champion, will be opening the Ministerial Segment on 16 July. Alongside her presence, the video ‘Made in Forests’, a short story on sustainable fashion will be officially launched and will become available for public screening shortly afterwards. 
Reception to celebrate the exhibition (16 July)
A reception with distinguished guests will celebrate the highlights of the exhibit. Along with opening remarks by high-level invitees, guests will have the chance to talk to the designers and representatives of all organizations that were involved in the 'Forests for Fashion' collaboration.
Find out more about Forests and Fashion at the HLPF 2018!