MENGUPAS ETIKA BISNIS DALAM DUNIA FASHION B1 1 Distribution And Channel Marketing

Summary

In this insightful podcast, Mbak Zizi, a talented fashion designer and the founder of Fion by Zizi, discusses the importance of business ethics in the fashion industry. She highlights the challenges of maintaining sustainability, fair labor practices, and transparent pricing while striving to create high-quality, eco-friendly designs. Emphasizing the need for collaboration with local communities and sustainable sourcing, Zizi shares practical advice for aspiring designers. She stresses the importance of starting small, staying true to one’s unique character, and continuously educating consumers about ethical fashion choices. The podcast offers a valuable look at how business ethics can shape a responsible and impactful fashion career.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Business ethics in fashion starts with the designer’s values — creativity paired with moral principles guides every step of the process.
• ♻️ Sustainable materials matter: using recycled or natural materials reduces fashion waste and supports environmental responsibility.
• ⚖️ Fair labor practices are essential — ethical brands must ensure no exploitation and pay workers proper wages.
• 💰 Price transparency builds trust: consumers should understand how quality, materials, and labor affect product pricing.
• 🧵 Implementing sustainability can raise costs (processing recycled materials, artisanal techniques), so prices may be slightly higher.
• 🌍 Consumer awareness is a major challenge — brands must educate buyers about environmental impact and ethical choices.
• 🤝 Collaboration with local communities, suppliers, and craft SMEs strengthens supply chains and supports ethical sourcing.
• 📣 Social media and transparent storytelling (behind-the-scenes, production process) are effective tools to educate and engage consumers.
• 🧑‍🎨 Start small and focused: designers should implement specific, achievable ethical practices rather than aiming for perfection immediately.
• 🔁 Give value to upcycling and reuse — repurposing waste into higher-value materials is both ethical and creative.
• 🛡️ Protect intellectual property and build a distinctive brand character to reduce plagiarism and preserve original design identity.
• 🏷️ Consumers can identify ethical brands by researching brand profiles, material disclosures, production transparency, and sustainability labels/hashtags.
• 📈 Indonesia’s fashion has international potential through cultural fusion (e.g., batik, wayang) if designers collaborate and scale ethically.
• 🤲 Embracing and empowering local artisans and communities creates social value and aligns business success with ethical impacts.
• ✅ Business ethics is a continuous process — perseverance, community engagement, and honest communication are key to long-term success.

Q & A

What is the role of business ethics in the fashion industry?

Business ethics in the fashion industry focuses on the moral principles that guide business practices. This includes ensuring fair labor practices, using sustainable materials, and maintaining transparency in pricing. Ethical practices help businesses build trust with consumers and ensure long-term sustainability.

How did Mbak Zizi get started in the fashion industry?

Mbak Zizi started in the fashion industry at a young age, drawing and designing clothes as a child. Her mother, who was a teacher and a tailor, influenced her by teaching her how to sew. Zizi later pursued a career in fashion after working in marketing and production, and since 2021, she has focused exclusively on fashion design.

What are some key challenges in implementing business ethics in fashion?

Some of the key challenges include the higher costs of using sustainable materials compared to synthetic alternatives, consumer awareness about the environmental impact of cheap fashion, and ensuring fair wages for workers. These challenges require balancing ethical practices with business profitability.

What role does consumer awareness play in promoting business ethics in fashion?

Consumer awareness is crucial because it helps drive demand for ethically produced fashion. When consumers understand the environmental impact of their purchases, they are more likely to choose brands that prioritize sustainability, fair labor practices, and transparency.

How does Mbak Zizi address the issue of higher pricing in sustainable fashion?

Mbak Zizi acknowledges that sustainable fashion is often more expensive due to the use of natural and recycled materials, as well as the labor-intensive process of turning waste into valuable products. However, she emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the value of these materials and the long-term benefits of choosing ethical fashion.

What are some ways designers can practice business ethics in their work?

Designers can start by focusing on small, manageable changes, such as using sustainable materials and ensuring fair wages for workers. They should also develop a unique brand identity that aligns with their ethical values and collaborate with other businesses and communities to support sustainable practices.

How does Mbak Zizi use social media to promote business ethics?

Mbak Zizi uses social media to educate consumers about the production process behind her fashion designs. She shares information about the materials used, the environmental impact, and the wages paid to workers, which helps build trust and transparency with her audience.

What is the role of local communities in promoting ethical fashion practices?

Local communities play a vital role by providing natural materials and labor. By collaborating with small communities and artisans, designers can support local economies while promoting sustainable fashion practices. These collaborations also add unique cultural value to the designs.

What is sustainable fashion, and why is it important?

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and accessories made from environmentally friendly materials that can be recycled or are sourced from natural, renewable resources. It reduces fashion waste, promotes ethical labor practices, and aims to minimize the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Can ethical fashion practices help Indonesian designers reach international markets?

Yes, Mbak Zizi is optimistic that Indonesian designers can reach international markets by embracing business ethics and sustainable practices. By collaborating with local communities and promoting Indonesia's unique cultural heritage through fashion, designers can offer distinctive products that stand out on the global stage.