Behind the Scenes of Our Role-Playing Game: Fashion Ethics

In our recent workshop on Madeira, participants had the opportunity to experience a unique role-playing game that delved into the complexities of the fashion industry and its impact on social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

With the intention of shedding light on the power dynamics, ethical dilemmas, and decision-making procedures inherent in sustainable fashion, this immersive experience was designed to mimic a negotiation. From "ethical customers" to "fast-fashion CEOs," every member brought a unique viewpoint to the table on the components of a "simple" outfit.

Setting the Stage: The Players and Their Roles

Each participant stepped into a unique role, representing a wide range of real-life stakeholders in the fashion industry:

• Altroconsumatore: Represented the national consumer association, advocating for consumer rights and ethical standards in production.

• Consumer A & Consumer B: Two young consumers with different lifestyles, financial situations, and awareness levels about sustainable fashion.

• Company A & Company B: Two companies with contrasting approaches to production—one focused on ethical, local production, while the other operated on a fast-fashion model with outsourced production.

• Influencer: A digital ambassador focused on increasing followers and brand collaborations, adding a modern twist to the negotiation.

• NGO Representative: A sustainability-focused NGO from Germany working on raising awareness of the impacts of garment production on Southeast Asian communities.

• Observer: Recorded the interactions, power dynamics, and persuasive techniques employed by each role.

The Game: Balancing Values, Ethics, and Profit

• As the game progressed, the Altroconsumatore representative led discussions on the pricing and value of a hypothetical shirt, with consumer rights and production dynamics at the forefront. Each participant had to present their perspectives and negotiate the final price, factoring in the environmental and social impact of production.

Consumers raised concerns about affordability and quality, while companies highlighted the trade-offs between profit and sustainability.

• To capture these dynamics, Altroconsumatore kept track of value changes proposed by each participant in a grid, offering an objective look at how their priorities shifted in the negotiation. The Influencer meanwhile assessed each brand’s social responsibility and appeal to consumers, ultimately weighing which brand would best support their own goals of expanding their follower base.

  
  

Lessons from the Table

Through structured debate and strategic negotiation, the players experienced the pressure of balancing consumer demands, ethical standards, and profit margins. Key takeaways included:

• Transparency in Production: Both consumers and NGOs emphasized the importance of knowing where and how products are made. The discussion led to valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining transparency in fast fashion.

• Local vs. Outsourced Production: The stark differences between Company A’s local, ethical production and Company B’s outsourced model showcased the impact of delocalized production on wages, environmental standards, and community welfare.

• The Power of Consumer Choice: The game illustrated that consumer choices can influence production practices, highlighting the critical role that consumer awareness plays in promoting sustainable practices.

• Emotional Impact and Persuasion: Each role brought its own emotions and biases into the negotiation. Observers noted that these emotions often swayed opinions, reflecting the real-world impact of branding and marketing on consumer decisions.

  
  

Moving Forward: Awareness and Action

This role-playing workshop allowed participants to experience the decision-making processes within the fashion industry, uncovering the ethical, financial, and emotional complexities that exist behind the scenes. The game was a reminder that while fashion may seem straightforward, every purchase has a ripple effect on global economies, communities, and ecosystems. By understanding these dynamics, participants are now better equipped to make informed, ethical choices—empowering them to promote meaningful change in the world of fashion.

Our journey in sustainable fashion awareness continues, as we seek to bring these insights to broader audiences, fostering a future where conscious consumption shapes the industry.

Photos from the editorial staff of the blog, we are also grateful -Andrej Lišakov, Jen Theodore, Yunus Tuğ, Wesley Tingey, Natalia Blauth, Igor Omilaev, Marvin Meyer for the possibility to use additional photos