FAST FASHION AND THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY: ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF THE GLOBAL FASHION INDUSTRY

The global fashion industry has undergone a profound transformation over the past three decades, shifting from seasonal collections to a model of rapid, low-cost production commonly known as fast fashion. While this model has expanded access to trend-driven clothing and generated substantial economic activity, it has simultaneously produced significant environmental degradation, labour exploitation, and unsustainable consumption patterns. This paper examines the fashion industry through three interconnected lenses: environmental impact, social and labor conditions, and consumer behavior, before turning to an analysis of circular economy models and regulatory responses as pathways toward sustainability.