Last year, the FEGO project started a partnership with Friends of the Earth, to support Kosovo fashion designers in accessing and attaining sustainability certification. This aims to advance sustainability within Kosovo's fashion industry by raising awareness and empowering brands that prioritize ethical production, sustainable sourcing, and environmentally friendly processes. A key benefit of this partnership is the array of valuable opportunities it provides for Kosovo fashion brands, including international product placement and participation in global fairs, which help expand these businesses into new markets. Such is the story of Kaone, a local fashion brand from Kosovo that received its sustainability certification last year with the support of the project. This achievement enabled Kaone to showcase its collection made from upcycled materials, on the runway during Milan Fashion Week, organized by the World Sustainable Organization, alongside many other brands with a shared mission. For the second consecutive year, the project has facilitated the participation of Kosovo businesses in the ‘Beyond the Claim’ Sustainable Fashion Show, hosted by the World Sustainability Organization/Friends of the Earth during Milan Fashion Week, this year supporting DyVO and Handmade BUKURA. This event brings together leaders in sustainable fashion, offering a global stage to showcase eco-conscious designs and discuss the urgent need for sustainable practices in the industry.
The exhibition of brands in the Friends of the Earth shop in central Milan serves as a prime example of how businesses can gain international visibility. This includes participation in global campaigns and the opportunity to establish new, meaningful partnerships. Additionally, the support provided by the FEGO project for sustainability certification in Kosovo, in collaboration with WSO, enables local businesses to expand into new markets. By complying with international sustainability standards, these businesses enhance their competitiveness and appeal to a broader audience. The ‘Beyond the Claim’ Sustainable Fashion Show highlighted the growing shift towards sustainability in the fashion world, with certified eco-conscious brands leading the way. FEGO's involvement in this event fosters relationships with forward-thinking companies and strengthens its advocacy for sustainable practices within the industry. By supporting such certifications and collaborations, FEGO continues to drive positive change within the global fashion landscape. DYVO and Bukura Handmade are examples of how the local fashion scene is embracing sustainability and taking their innovative designs to international runways. Their participation shows how Kosovo’s fashion sector can help build a greener, more ethical future in fashion, making them leaders in the move toward eco-friendly and socially responsible clothing.
The project Fostering Employment and Growth Opportunities (FEGO) aims to boost inclusive market systems development in Kosovo to generate self-employment in the apparel, furniture, and rural tourism sectors. Funded by SIDA, implemented by Swisscontact.