In a world where fashion often aligns with glamour and extravagance, the Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF) is determined to flip the script. At the heart of this mission lies the Stitching Dreams Aesthetic Education Program, a unique initiative that intertwines sustainability, cultural preservation, and empowerment of children in underserved areas. The program was the focal point of FICFF’s special forum at the SDG Media Zone during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where thought leaders, creatives, and young changemakers came together to discuss how fashion can lead to meaningful change.
The forum, themed “Stitching Hope: Empowering Futures through Fashion, Sustainability, and Leadership,” highlighted FICFF’s efforts to use fashion as a force for global change and advance sustainability development, addressing pressing global challenges.
A Look at the Forum and Its Highlights
The forum featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Abigail Posner, Lucie Brigham, Yitong Qin, Maribel Lieberman, Andy Yu, and the 8-year-old fashion prodigy Max Alexander. Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the table, contributing to a holistic discussion about the role of fashion in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Max Alexander, who was named the ambassador of the Stitching Dreams program during the event, captivated the audience with his inspiring story. Despite his young age, Max has already made waves in the fashion world, becoming a beacon for the next generation of designers. He shared his journey of integrating sustainability into his work and presented four original designs made from eco-friendly materials. Max’s participation underscored the importance of nurturing creativity and sustainable practices from a young age, a philosophy that aligns with the goals of Stitching Dreams.
Abigail Posner, Director of US Creative Works at Google and a member of the FICFF board, emphasized the critical role of forward-thinking leadership in sustainable fashion, noting that it is not just about technological innovation and the use of eco-friendly materials but also about fostering a mindset of social responsibility. “It’s not just about how we help children,” Abigail stated, “but about how they inspire us.” Her words resonated with the audience, especially as the discussion turned toward empowering young people to become the fashion industry’s next generation of change agents.
Lucie Brigham, Chief of Office at the United Nations Office for Partnerships and co-founder of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network, spoke about the power of individual actions in driving global change, calling on corporations, nonprofits, and communities to work together to create innovative solutions that accelerate sustainable development in fashion. Lucie highlighted the importance of collaboration, reminding the audience that no one can solve global challenges alone.
The Impact of Stitching Dreams in Southwest China
Perhaps the most emotional and impactful moment of the forum came when Yitong Qin, Founder and Co-chair of FICFF, shared the story of the Stitching Dreams program’s journey to Southwest China. Earlier this year, the FICFF team visited the children in remote areas with limited resources of education and living support. The team worked with the children to design winter clothing made from sustainable materials. These garments, however, were not just functional—they were also designed to reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional patterns and symbols woven into the fabric.
As Yitong explained, the Stitching Dreams program aims to do more than just provide physical support to the children—it seeks to unlock their creativity, help them see the world differently, and maximize their potential. By engaging children in the design process and teaching them about sustainable materials, the program fosters a sense of pride in their cultural identity while also opening their minds to the broader possibilities that the world of fashion can offer.
Maribel Lieberman, Founder and CEO of MarieBelle, also shared her excitement about the program’s expansion to her hometown in Honduras. For Maribel, the Stitching Dreams program offers a unique opportunity to not only provide tangible support to children in need but also to empower them through education. “Education is at the root of solving many global issues,” she said, pointing out that programs like Stitching Dreams can have a ripple effect, improving the quality of life for entire communities.
In addition to Stitching Dreams, the forum also highlighted another FICFF initiative: the Green Thread Sustainable Fashion Education Program. Introduced by Andy Yu, co-chair of FICFF and a sustainable fashion artist, the program provides a platform for global designers to learn about and practice sustainable fashion. Andy stressed the importance of recycling materials and preserving family traditions through sustainable clothing choices. The Green Thread program will culminate in a fashion show at FICFF’s annual charity gala this December, where participating designers will have the opportunity to showcase their sustainable creations on an international stage.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach of Stitching Dreams
The Stitching Dreams program is just beginning. As it continues to expand to other regions, including Honduras, where Maribel Lieberman will lead the charge, the program aims to bring sustainable fashion and education to even more children around the world. FICFF’s commitment to combining fashion, sustainability, and education reflects a broader vision of how the fashion industry can contribute to global goals, such as ending poverty and promoting quality education.
At the forum’s conclusion, Audrey Xiang, a 16-year-old volunteer who participated in the Stitching Dreams program, shared her personal experience. She spoke passionately about the program’s impact on her life, helping her see how creativity and sustainability are intertwined. Audrey’s story served as a powerful reminder that the future of fashion lies not just in the hands of established designers but also in the imaginations of young people who will one day lead the industry.
With ambassadors like Max Alexander and volunteers like Audrey, the future of Stitching Dreams looks bright. As FICFF continues its work, the foundation remains committed to creating a world where fashion is not just about style—but about making a lasting, positive impact on the planet and its people.
Published by: Holy Minoza
