Copenhagen Insights | Soul: The Living Core of Resilience
By :
LuxuryNext Team |
May 7, 2026
Image: Global Fashion Agenda/Global Fashion Summit
If Substance is the fiber or raw material of the industry and Systems are its operating machinery, then Soul is its heartbeat. At the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026, we are looking at the shift from the “how” of technical blueprints to the “who” of human impact.
Under this year’s theme, “Building Resilient Futures,” the “Soul” pillar or the human and ethics aspect of doing challenges us to move beyond mere compliance. Resilience, as discussed across the halls of the DR Koncerthuset, isn’t just about a brand’s ability to withstand a supply chain shock; it is about the agility to adapt in a way that centers human equity. It asks a difficult question: Is a system truly resilient if the people within it are invisible?
Putting the ‘Human’ back in Sustainability
For a long time, “sustainability” has mostly been about counting carbon numbers and checking lists of chemicals. While those things are important, we often forget the actual people involved. At this summit, the focus is shifting back to the human side. We are finally seeing that treating people fairly isn’t just a “nice” extra thing to do—it is actually the key to running a successful business for the long haul.
Here are three pioneers at the summit who impressed us with their social sustainability approach:
- Thami Schweichler & United Repair Centre
Thami Schweichler, founder of the United Repair Centre, is a leading voice in the “Soul” of circularity. Moderating the session “When Circular Design Goes Mainstream,” Thami advocates for a world where repair is the new “cool.” But for Thami, this isn’t just an environmental service; it’s a social mission. By employing newcomers and refugees to carry out high-quality repairs, he is proving that luxury is found in the longevity of a story and the dignity of the hands that preserve it. - AKYN by Amy Powney
Amy Powney, the creative force behind Mother of Pearl and now AKYN, remains a masterclass in human-centric transparency. Her “seed-to-stitch” philosophy reminds us that a resilient future is impossible without a direct, transparent look at every hand that touches a garment. If the farmer and the weaver are not thriving, the brand’s “Substance” is hollow. AKYN centers the craftsperson as the hero of the luxury narrative, moving them from the shadows of the supply chain to the forefront of the brand.
- Reformation
Led by Chief Sustainability Officer Kathleen Talbot, Reformation is demonstrating how large-scale brands can bridge the gap between high-volume fashion and worker rights. Through tools like their “All Voices” anonymous feedback platform, they are ensuring that transparency is more than just a public-facing report—it is a mechanism for real employee empowerment. They represent the “Soul” of modern accountability: giving those at the table a voice that is actually heard.
Reflections: Resilience is a Choice
As the Copenhagen Summit is wrapping up, the takeaway is clear: We can stay rigid and fight change, or we can choose the humanity that makes adaptation possible. Technical systems keep us legal, but Soul keeps us relevant.
We aren’t just redesigning a supply chain; we are reclaiming the industry’s soul. We are ensuring that the people behind the product—the hands that sew, dye, and weave—are respected as our most vital resource.
Photo: Global Fashion Agenda / Global Fashion Summit
