French Law Against Fast Fashion Faces Delays Amidst Industry Influence and Sustainability Concerns; AI Adoption Grows in Circular Fashion

A proposed French law aimed at curbing the environmental and labor exploitation associated with fast fashion faces delays, despite unanimous approval in the National Assembly in March 2024. The legislation, which includes fines for fast fashion items and advertising bans, has stalled in the Senate, raising concerns about corporate influence. Vestiaire Collective, a luxury resale platform, points to the appointment of a former French Interior Minister to Shein's advisory board as a potential factor in the delay. Meanwhile, a report by SDA Bocconi indicates a growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within the fashion industry to support circular practices. The report estimates a 31% increase in AI adoption over the next three years, followed by online platforms for circularity and traceability. Eco-design, prioritizing renewable and non-toxic materials, is also a key focus for companies, although regulatory uncertainty poses challenges in quantifying costs and benefits. Furthermore, circular fashion, particularly secondhand products, is gaining traction among Millennials and Generation Z. A PwC survey reveals that Gen Z tends to resell clothing, while Millennials often donate to charities.