On 5 May, international experts and guests from the world of fashion and sustainability gathered in Warsaw for a curated panel, organised by H&M Region East Europe. This unique experience blended the past and future of fashion through expert discussions, fashion installations and innovative sustainability-based solutions.
The “Threads of Change” conference debuted with the theme Sustainability Goals 2030 an honest and transparent discussion about progress, challenges and the efforts still needed to generate long-term impact in the industry. Subsequently, experts addressed the topic of Materials & Innovation, exploring new technologies and innovations shaping the fashion ecosystem of tomorrow. The closing panel focused on Fashion & Heritage, reflecting on the roots of H&M Group, creative collaborations and how heritage continues to guide future innovation.
The event harmoniously complemented the upcoming launch of the Stella McCartney H&M collection, set to be released on 7 May (approximately twenty years after the first H&M collaboration with the renowned designer and activist).
“Threads of Change” took place at B’FORT (Fort Mokotów), a space that blends modernity with history. The atmosphere combined the expertise specific to a conference with the feel of an intimate, stylish lounge reflecting both H&M’s traditions and its modern direction oriented towards sustainability. The event was complemented by a fashion installation: Stella McCartney x H&M Archive (2005), designed to celebrate the resumption of the collaboration between the two brands. The installation connected past and present, highlighted the continuity of values and demonstrated H&M’s long-standing commitment to more sustainable fashion.
Key moments from the panels:
H&M Group Annual Sustainability Report 2025
- 91% recycled or sustainably sourced materials. The share of recycled materials was 32%, exceeding the company’s target of 30% for 2025.
- A 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (for scope 1 and 2) and a 34.6% reduction (for scope 3 relative to the 2019 reference year), placing the company on track to meet its science-based targets.
- 2.8 billion SEK invested in decarbonisation and material innovation.
Fashion & Heritage
- Since 1947, we have been a creative, customer-oriented, values-driven and responsible fashion brand, offering quality fashion at the best price, in an inclusive and sustainable way, in 81 countries around the world.
- Since the debut of designer collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, these have become defining moments in contemporary fashion, influencing the conversation about style and accessibility. Two decades later, the formula continues to evolve, demonstrating that luxury can be both iconic and inclusive.
- The first comeback of a guest designer, Stella McCartney, brings back into discussion the impact of such collaborations over the last 20 years on the fashion industry and on consumer behaviour.
Materials & Innovation:
- Event participants had the opportunity to discover some of the most innovative materials on the market, including BioFluff, Ecowell and hydroponically grown cotton (some of which are used in the current Stella McCartney H&M collection).
The following experts participated in the “Threads of Change” discussion panels:
Sustainability Goals 2030
- Roselina Petkova – journalist and TV presenter, Bloomberg TV BG
- Agnieszka Oleksyn-Wajda, European Climate Pact Ambassador, Director at Łazarski University – Sustainability Institute, lecturer, lawyer
- Piotr Oksza-Łapicki – Sustainability & Public Affairs Manager, H&M Region East Europe
Materials & Innovation
- Ewa Polkowska – Co-founder of Sustainable Fashion Institute & Supptrail, lecturer
- Tomasz Mierzwa – Founder and CEO of Myco Renew. Myco Renew is one of the 20 finalist projects in this year’s edition of the Global Change Award, organised by H&M Foundation.
- Martin Ekenbark – H&M Group Circular Innovation Lab Lead
Fashion & Heritage
- Joanna Hoffmann – YouTuber and podcaster exploring fashion and history through a pop culture perspective, creating visual stories through photography and film
- Michał Zaczyński – journalist & fashion expert
- Anna Velikova – Head of PR & Communications, H&M Region East Europe
