At a recent event hosted at the Europa Experience in The Hague, graduates from the University of the Arts Utrecht (HKU) presented sustainable fashion collections made entirely from reused materials. From fishing net textiles to natural dyes, these young designers demonstrated that the fashion industry—one of the most polluting industries globally—can operate under a completely different paradigm.
The event, organized by European Parliament trainees Tess Hollander and Sol Basarán van Ham, brought together young designers, MEP Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (D66/Renew), and director Danny de Paepe of the The Hague office of the European Parliament to discuss how circular fashion aligns with the EU’s broader climate and sustainability targets.
Here are three key insights from the event:
1. Sustainability Takes Many Creative Forms
Young designers are proving that circularity is not a limitation, but a catalyst for innovation. By upcycling existing garments, utilizing natural dyeing techniques, and transforming industrial waste—such as discarded textiles from the fishing industry—into runway fashion, they demonstrate that sustainable design can be both viable and visually striking.
2. Bridging EU Policy and Citizens Through Creativity
Abstract European directives—such as the Green Deal, circular economy targets, and strategic autonomy—can feel distant from everyday life. Initiatives like the Europa Experience use accessible, creative mediums like a live fashion show to make complex policy goals tangible and inspiring for citizens and youth alike.
3. Consumer Behavior Shift is Essential
Stricter European regulations are necessary to hold the global fashion industry accountable. However, regulation alone is not enough. Lasting change requires a fundamental shift in consumer mindset: wearing garments longer, throwing items away less frequently, and actively embracing second-hand or upcycled alternatives.
Listen to the Full Episode
In the accompanying podcast episode (in Dutch), we speak with:
Tess Hollander & Sol Basarán van Ham on organizing the event and youth participation in EU democracy.
Danny de Paepe (Director of the European Parliament Office in NL) on making the Europa Experience an open hub for dialogue in The Hague.
Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (MEP D66/Renew) on the environmental impact of the textile industry and the consumer’s role in the green transition.
Hit play on the audio player above to listen to the full report, or click “View Transcript” to follow along in Dutch.
