The much-anticipated BoF VOICES 2024 global livestream is set to take place from November 12 to November 14, marking the ninth edition of this annual gathering for visionary thinkers across various fields. This year’s event focuses on pivotal topics including the implications of a significant US presidential election, the challenges faced by the fashion industry, climate change, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
As the world continues to navigate complex socio-political landscapes, the significance of forums like BoF VOICES becomes ever more pronounced. Attendees can expect a robust agenda featuring key discussions led by influential figures from the fashion, technology, and art sectors. This unique cross-section of insights aims to address how political shifts, economic pressures, and cultural transformations can reshape global businesses and individual lives.
Exploring Global Impact: Session Highlights
The event kicks off with critical discussions in its first session, “The Wider World,” which includes perspectives on current political dynamics and their influence on the global economy. For instance, as Felix M. Smit, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, will highlight recent trends shaping the economic landscape post-election. Similarly, renowned journalist Ravi Agrawal will assess what the return of Donald Trump to power means for businesses both in the US and globally.
The session won’t shy away from urgent issues like climate change, with Clover Hogan, founder of Force of Nature and recognized climate activist, exploring how these changes serve as a cultural crisis. This opportunity to share insights from various sectors positions the fashion industry at a crossroads, urging brands to reconsider their roles in these pressing narratives.
Innovations and Creative Possibilities
Following the global dialogue, the second session, “The Fashion System,” promises to delve deeper into the evolution of the fashion industry. It will feature notable voices like Gemma D’Auria from McKinsey, discussing the state of fashion in 2025. The industry’s major players, including Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M, will share how they plan to double down on creativity amid a climate that challenges traditional retail.
Panelists will analyze strategies that empower independent brands in a market dominated by giants, offering insights into how even smaller entities can thrive and innovate. This alignment of ideas presents a fertile ground for actionable insights that can guide both established and emerging designers.
Technological Advancements: A Force for Good
The third session titled “Technology and Innovation” will showcase how disruptive technologies can address long-standing challenges in the fashion industry. With speakers such as Tom Graham, CEO of Metaphysic, and Julie Bornstein, founder of the AI fashion search engine Daydream, discussions will center on harnessing AI for enhanced product discovery, sustainable practices, and personalized shopping experiences.
This session emphasizes the potential of technology as a force for sustainability, touching on critical topics such as waste management and the future of fashion’s supply chain. Lawrence Lenihan, co-founder of Resonance, will argue that addressing waste presents one of the industry’s biggest opportunities, encouraging a shift toward more circular economies.
Cultural Connections and Future Possibilities
The fourth session will explore how global culture and creativity are interlinked, with insight from prominent figures such as Es Devlin, a celebrated artist and stage designer, and Ekow Eshun, a noted curator. This part of the agenda emphasizes the role that artistic expression plays in shaping consumer engagement, particularly in an age where digital presence is paramount.
Panelists will emphasize storytelling as a powerful medium to foster emotional connections with audiences, urging brands to harness culture as a competitive advantage in initiating dialogues around social justice, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Living Authentically: A Closing Perspective
Closing the event, the session “Live Your Best Life” invites participants to consider personal fulfillment and well-being. This segment features thought leaders who have transcended traditional career paths to command presence in their fields. Bethann Hardison and Bianca Saunders will inspire attendees through discussions on living authentically amid societal pressures and expectations, emphasizing the importance of representation and diversity in all forms.
With its blend of industries and perspectives, BoF VOICES 2024 serves as a crucial platform for thought leadership and innovation. Attendees can expect not just to learn about trends and challenges but also to emerge with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose.
For those interested in registering, BoF VOICES 2024 is available for BoF Professional, Executive, and Student+ members. Invitation-only tickets for in-person attendance at Soho Farmhouse are also limited, promising an extraordinary gathering for the fashion industry’s brightest minds.
By fostering connections and dialogue across boundaries, BoF VOICES 2024 enables a transformational experience that could define the future of fashion, business, and cultural engagement.
