Redefining fashion: sustainable, inclusive, and unapologetically diverse

A student-led Sustainable Fashion Show at Leeds University Business School explored sustainability, cultural identity and inclusive ideas of professional dress.

Leeds University Business School’s Sustainability Day was opened by Professor Julia Bennell, Executive Dean of Leeds University Business School, who framed sustainability as more than environmental action. She highlighted the importance of community, cultural representation, and challenging stereotypes, while encouraging students to think about how their choices can create positive social impact.

A key part of the event was the “Will you hire me?” runway section, which explored how professional dress codes can shape assumptions around employability, identity, and belonging. Speaking about the ethnic clothing segment of the fashion show, Jyoti Mishra, Associate Professor in Information Management, said:

The ethnic clothing segment of our fashion show challenges long-held colonial ideas of what professional attire should look like, reminding us that diversity and cultural identity also belong in business spaces.

Hosting a Sustainable Fashion Show within Leeds University Business School reflects a commitment to embedding responsible leadership, ethical awareness, and global citizenship into the student experience.

As business education increasingly intersects with issues like sustainability, diversity, and social impact, this event provides a practical, visible way to challenge conventional industry norms while encouraging students to think critically about consumption, identity, and innovation. 

By combining creativity with purpose, through recycled fashion, cultural representation, and student-led design, the show aligns with the School’s broader mission to develop graduates who can drive positive change in complex global markets. It directly supports the School’s strategic focus on responsible business and sustainability, which emphasises integrating environmental and social considerations into decision-making, as well as fostering inclusive communities where diverse perspectives are valued.

In this context, the event is not just a showcase, but a living example of how future business leaders can rethink industries like fashion to be more ethical, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Find out more about Sustainability here at Leeds University Business School.