Rewiring Fashion Systems: Circularity, Infrastructure & Innovation

About the Event

Across fashion and textiles, circularity is no longer simply a matter of intention - it is a matter of infrastructure.

Regulatory developments such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), alongside enabling systems like Digital Product Passports, are transforming how responsibility, traceability, and value are embedded across the lifecycle of garments.

This event brings together leading voices from research, education, and industry to explore how these shifts are reshaping fashion practice - from materials and product development to manufacturing, systems, and supply chains.

More importantly, it asks:

How do we collectively respond to this systemic transformation?

Convened by C.T.E.M. Fashion Collective, in collaboration with: VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub | University of Manchester | Manchester Metropolitan University | University of Salford

Featuring International Sustainability Leaders from VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub and Studio MM0

Magdalena Schaffrin | Berlin-based entrepreneur, creative director, and sustainability expert. Co-CEO of studio MM0 - A leading voice in sustainable fashion systems, Magdalena has played a pivotal role in shaping global platforms such as Greenshowroom, NEONYT, and Fashion Revolution Germany. Her work spans sustainability strategy, innovation, and systemic transformation across the fashion industry.

Prof. Marté Hentschel | Co-CEO of VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub and Professor for Sustainable Fashion at BSP Berlin – An expert in digital transformation, responsible sourcing, and platform development, Marte works at the intersection of technology, production, and new business models - developing scalable approaches to circular fashion systems.

Additional Speakers & Contributors

Gemma Gratton | Co-Founder, C.T.E.M. | Co-Founder, Manchester Fashion Week

Driving cross-sector collaboration across culture, technology, education, and manufacturing, with a focus on regional innovation and industry transformation.

Charlene Gallery | Asst. Professor in Fashion – University of Manchester

Expert in Digital Fashion Innovation, specialising in digital transformation across AI, 3D design and immersive technologies.

Deborah Smailes | Programme lead MA Fashion Business and Marketing. Lecturer: BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion – University of Salford

Fashion sustainability expert with global consultancy experience across industry and education.

Clare McTurk | Principal Lecturer Fashion Buying – Manchester Metropolitan University

Senior academic and sustainability lead with over 25 years’ experience, specialising in integrating sustainable practices and industry-led learning into fashion business education.

Dr. Jane Turnbull | Research Associate in Circularity - Manchester Metropolitan University

Textile sustainability expert with 20+ years’ experience, combining advanced research in circularity and performance clothing with real-world expertise in product development, materials innovation, and responsible supply chains.

What to Expect

• Keynotes from VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub & Studio MM0
• Panel discussion with cross-sector experts
• Interactive workshops on circular systems, materials & digital infrastructure
• Research exchange + networking

Agenda

14:30 – 15:00 | Registration & Arrival

• Attendee check-in

• Informal networking

15:00 – 16:15 | Opening Keynote & Panel Discussion (Lecture Theatre)

• Welcome and opening address – Gemma Gratton (CTEM)

• Introduction to VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub & Studio MM0

• Keynote insights – Prof. Marté Hentschel and Magdalena Schaffrin

• Panel discussion with academic and industry contributors

• Audience Q&A

16:30 – 17:30 | Parallel Workshops (Breakout Rooms)

Participants select one session: (booking link will be sent out after registration, places limited)

• Digital Infrastructure and Traceability - Charlene Gallery
• Beyond Materials: From Innovation to Systemic Change in Fashion - Prof. Marté Hentschal
• Circular Systems and End-of-Life Processes - Clare McTurk & Dr Jane Turnbull
• Consumer Behaviour and Market Response - Magdalena Schaffrin & Deborah Smailes

Who It’s For

Students | Designers | Researchers | Brands | Innovators | Policymakers

Why Attend

• Understand upcoming regulation & infrastructure shifts
• Explore real-world circular solutions
• Connect with Greater Manchester’s fashion ecosystem
• Be part of shaping the future of fashion systems

Join Us

A space to connect, collaborate, and rethink how fashion works - from the ground up

Info: Attendee check-in / Informal networking

Info: Welcome and opening address – Gemma Gratton (CTEM) / Introduction to VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub / Keynote insights – Magdalena Schaffrin and Marte Hentschel / Panel discussion with academic and industry contributors / Audience Q&A

Info: Digital Infrastructure and Traceability / Beyond Materials: From Innovation to Systemic Change in Fashion / Circular Systems and End-of-Life Processes / Consumer Behaviour and Market Response

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nancy Rothwell Building, Booth Street East, Manchester, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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