Last week, on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Italian fashion industry leaders gathered to discuss the challenges of making sustainability a reality at the first Venice Sustainable Fashion Forum, a two-day event with C-suite executives from megawatt brands including Fendi and Prada as well as representatives from small, family-run suppliers.

The goal? To create a clear roadmap for the notoriously traditional and insular industry; overhaul its supply chain according to sustainable values; and become a world leader in environmental and social impact.