March 8 is traditionally a day to mark the centuries-old struggle for women’s rights. Awareness of the importance of this struggle has been developing since the 19th century, when the movement was primarily led by female textile workers.

In line with the history of this international holiday, we will discuss several aspects of fashion and the fashion industry through debate and accompanying content, given that the textile industry is predominantly female and that women are the primary consumers of fashion.

Lea Vene from the Center for Fashion and Clothing Research will speak about female manual labor—an often invisible but significant communication and cultural phenomenon.

A textile worker and a representative of the Novi Sindikat will discuss the current state of the textile industry, both in Croatia and globally. We will discover who makes our clothes, under what conditions, and at what cost.

Anamarija Matanović, representative of Brod – Women’s Rights Group from Slavonski Brod, will discuss the impact of fast fashion on women’s mental health. We will explore why we often impulsively buy things we don’t need and how the fast fashion industry exploits emotions to maximize profits.

Three representatives of slow fashion brands will show us alternatives to a fashion industry that is harmful to both people and the environment. Nika Vrbica will present her brand Salicula, Vedrana Jurišinac will discuss the brand Dada i Dunda, and Ivona Gray will present Darkona. They will share their approach to fashion and their vision for the future of the textile industry.

Throughout the evening, we will be guided by Tena Lavrenčić, a fashion activist, communications specialist, and director of Fashion Revolution Belgium. The event is conceived as a relaxed conversation about women in fashion—from workers to consumers—spanning the past, present, and future.

In the creative space of The Lodge (Vinogradska 4, Zagreb), a thematic exhibition awaits you, and the event will be accompanied by music.