Fashion Doesn’t Exist in a Vacuum: Reflections on the 2026 World Economic Forum

by Emilie Delaye

Fashion and apparel aren’t just about fabric or seams. It is not just about the clothes that you put on your body. Don’t believe me? Well, I am going to show you just how interconnected the fashion industry is to everything around us. My hope is to show you just how important it is to understand the world around us, especially in the industry we are all about to enter. This deep connection between fashion and the world around us is exactly why global organizations like the World Economic Forum matter.

For those of you who don’t know, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is an independent international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation. Recently, the WEF held the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, which brings together stakeholders from government, business, civil society, and the scientific and cultural domains to have real conversations, solve problems together, and highlight new innovations.

I had the opportunity to watch three sessions from this year’s World Economic Forum. As noted in my summary below, although these sessions did not specifically mention fashion, their insights are highly relevant to the fashion industry in today’s global economy.

“Geopolitical Risks Outlook for 2026 “

• Summary: The world is changing in ways that feel both risky and promising. While technology, politics, and globalization are creating instability, investments in green energy are driving growth and new opportunities. How countries respond will shape what comes next.
• Connection to the Fashion Industry: These global changes directly impact the fashion industry by reshaping how clothes are made, sold, and regulated. AI is changing design, production, and supply chains, while political shifts and new global rules affect sourcing, labor, and trade. At the same time, the push for green energy and sustainability is forcing fashion brands to rethink materials, manufacturing, and long-term social responsibility. As a fashion student, it is critical to understand these changes, as they could shift career paths, redefine job roles, and reshape the industry’s future.

“US and China: Where Will They Land?”

• Summary: The U.S. and China are locked in a long-term competition over power, technology, and security, and while neither side wants war, the rivalry creates instability and misunderstanding. Without clear guidelines, consistent trade policies, and a shared framework, especially around AI and emerging technologies, managing this relationship remains difficult and uncertain.

• Connection to the Fashion Industry: This relationship affects the fashion industry through tariffs, trade uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions. This is especially true given China’s major role in global apparel manufacturing. This relationship strain makes it more difficult for fashion brands to plan and source their products. As a student of fashion, the relationship between these two countries is an important matter to consider.

“An Honest Conversation on AI and Humanity”

• Summary: AI is changing from a tool into something that can think, decide, and communicate on its own, challenging human control. This creates urgent questions about how society will manage AI before it reshapes jobs, power, and responsibility on its own.
• Connection to the Fashion Industry: Specifically, the fashion industry will be dramatically impacted by AI by changing how clothes are designed, produced, and sold, and by reshaping the roles people play within the industry. As fashion students, it is important to understand both the benefits and drawbacks of AI, especially since our generation will likely be responsible for making these decisions.

In the end, clothing is a direct reflection of the world around us. Global politics, technology, and ethical responsibility all influence how fashion is created and consumed. For those entering the fashion industry, understanding these forces is essential, as fashion does not exist in a vacuum; it evolves alongside the world that shapes it.

About the author: Emilie Delaye is a graduate instructor in Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware. She is also a member of the 2025-2026 Fair Labor Association (FLA) Student Committee.