Defne YucesoyMost people think of fashion as art, commerce, or even identity. But after years of watching the industry from the outside — as a consumer, student, and advocate — I’ve come to see fashion as something else entirely: a matter of public policy.
If I could redesign the fashion industry, I wouldn’t start on the runway. I’d start in parliament.
As Minister of Fashion — a role that doesn’t exist but absolutely should — here’s what I would implement:
1. Garment Passports
Every piece of clothing would carry a digital “passport” tracing its entire supply chain. Where was the cotton sourced? Who stitched it? How many kilometers did it travel to reach a store? The goal: make transparency a legal requirement, not a marketing trend.
2. Sustainability Tax Credits
Brands that design for longevity, invest in biodegradable materials, or adopt circular production models would be rewarded with tax benefits. If we reward green energy, why not green clothing?
3. Living Wage Certification
All fashion retailers would be required to certify — and publicly disclose — that their workers receive a fair, living wage. Non-compliance would result in fines, public audits, and restrictions on advertising.
Countries like France are already experimenting with climate impact labels for garments. The European Union is moving toward mandatory digital product passports. Meanwhile, Türkiye — a textile powerhouse — has a unique opportunity to become a regional leader in fashion reform, if the right policies are in place.
This isn’t about controlling creativity. It’s about aligning values with outcomes. Without strong policies, sustainability becomes optional. Transparency becomes performative. And ethics become aesthetic.
Fashion is a mirror — and right now, it’s reflecting a system that prioritizes speed and profit over people and the planet. It’s time public policy took its place in front of the mirror too.
