Welcome to World of Sustainable Design & Fashion: Sustainable Tour Brno

Education in the 21st century must not be confined to the walls of a classroom. As an ambassador and academic guarantor for the Master’s programme in Economics and Sustainable Management at NEWTON University, I believe that hands-on experience is essential for a deep understanding of sustainable management. That is why, as part of the 2026 summer semester, I organized an immersive workshop for students right on the streets of Brno.

The goal of this Sustainable Tour was to connect academic concepts with real-world business and introduce students to local visionaries who are successfully building brands on ethical and ecological foundations.

The Journey to Sustainable Excellence: 6 Stops in Brno

Our intensive afternoon offered a behind-the-scenes look at six key locations that define a sustainable approach to design, fashion, and business.

KUMST Brno

At this creative hub and business incubator, we discussed how to transform sustainable concepts into viable businesses through expert consultations and community support. We reviewed successful projects that originated at KUMST, some of which are thriving. Go Plastic Guys!

Object Concept Store

A practical demonstration of “slow retail.” Students saw how to effectively present high-quality and sustainable products to the end consumer, featuring both Czech and international brands through a very careful curatorial selection.

Kvítka v bytě

A studio focused on biophilic design and the principles of the circular economy. We explored sustainable cultivation, peat-free substrates, and plant rescue markets.

Moravian Gallery – Liběna Rochová (Touches)

An exhibition emphasizing timelessness and a deep respect for the material. Here, clothing is not merely a commodity but a lasting cultural and artistic expression. The guided tour allowed us to delve deeper, and what most intrigued the students was how challenging it was to create and make a name for oneself in such a demanding industry as early as the 1970s and 1980s. A world away from freedom and Instagram.

Moravian Gallery – Jan Černý / Jan Societé (Flow State)

A fascinating insight into contemporary fashion, which defines the modern community’s relationship to time and consumption. This exhibition explores progressive trends, such as unisex design, and encourages a redefinition of our perception of clothing in an ever-changing world. For students, it serves as key study material for understanding how design can respond to the dynamics of today’s society while retaining its artistic value.

Ajala Chocolate

A bean-to-bar chocolate maker that served as a case study for transparent supply chains and ethical Fair Trade sourcing of raw materials directly from farmers. The tasting was the highlight of the entire afternoon, and I never would have guessed that the bread-flavored chocolate would be the favorite for most students.

A Bridge Between Theory and Practice

The idea for this workshop was born during my visit to Liběna Rochová’s exhibition. I realized that for future sustainability managers, it is crucial to experience these values firsthand. A unique approach—timelessness—a passion for creation.

I was fascinated by the students’ curiosity. Their constant questions about exactly how these brands integrate ethical values into their operations created a real roadmap for their future careers in sustainable management.

Thank you to all our partners for sharing valuable insights. It is precisely this kind of experiential learning that shapes a generation of leaders who will not just talk about sustainability, but truly live it.

Our journey is definitely not over—next stop: Prague!

Author: