Suggestions
Edda Hamar
Sustainability Advocate, Social Entrepreneur, UN Young Leader for the SDGs, Workplace Culture Nerd, Content Marketing, TEDx Speaker, Climate Reality Leader
Professional Background
Edda Hamar is a pioneering entrepreneur with a focus on developing sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. Her extensive career has been marked by her commitment to reshaping the fashion industry through innovative and environmentally conscious initiatives. By leveraging workplace culture as a catalyst for positive change, Edda has built impactful businesses centered around clothing sustainability, fashion waste reduction, supply chain transparency, and representation in media.
As a co-founder of Undress Runways, established in 2011, Edda played a crucial role in transforming this initiative into Australia's leading sustainable fashion runway show. The event quickly became a renowned platform for forward-thinking fashion designers, engaging more than 50,000 attendees each year across major Australian cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Undress Runways not only showcased diverse collections ranging from swimwear to couture but also emphasized the importance of respecting both garment makers and the environment, making a significant mark on the local and international fashion scene.
In 2014, Edda and the Undress team took a further step in advocating for sustainable fashion by launching The Naked Mag, an annual publication that explores the future of fashion through a global lens. Featuring a range of contributors from over 10 countries, this magazine served as a vital resource, empowering readers to make informed choices while promoting values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Through The Naked Mag, Edda successfully bridged the gap between local markets and international ideas, ensuring that Australian voices were heard within the broader conversation around fashion and climate responsibility.
Continuing her journey of innovation, in 2016, Edda co-founded Lána, a ground-breaking online community that facilitated peer-to-peer clothing rental. Inspired by the sharing economy model akin to platforms like Uber and Airbnb, Lána made it easier for individuals to share and rent clothes locally. This initiative not only contributed to reducing fashion waste but also fostered a sense of community among users, further aligning with Edda's overarching mission of promoting sustainability within the fashion industry.
Edda's exceptional contributions to sustainable development and fashion have earned her numerous accolades. In September 2016, she was recognized as a UN Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals, a testament to her impactful work in leading change within the fashion sector. Moreover, her achievements garnered her recognition as the QLD Young Achiever of the Year in 2017, followed by her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List in 2018, highlighting Edda as one of the most influential young leaders making strides in shaping a sustainable future.
Education and Achievements
Edda's educational background reflects her dedication to both business and the creative industries. She pursued a Master of Business specializing in Marketing at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she also completed her Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Creative Industries with a focus on Marketing and Television. This strong foundation in business principles, paired with her creative expertise, has been instrumental in her entrepreneurial ventures.
In addition to her formal education in business and marketing, Edda further enhanced her knowledge by studying for a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science at Bond University. This unique combination of business acumen and psychological insight equips her with a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior, enabling her to craft strategies that resonate with audiences while promoting sustainability.
Edda's influence extends beyond her entrepreneurial accomplishments; she has been actively involved in various organizations that reflect her passion for community service and youth engagement. As a former QLD Community & Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator for Make-A-Wish Australia, she contributed her skills and energy towards making a difference in the lives of many. Furthermore, as a Young Social Pioneer at the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), Edda demonstrated her commitment to effecting social change while motivating her peers to engage in active citizenship.
Achievements
-
UN Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals: Edda's selection for this prestigious title not only recognized her entrepreneurial spirit but also her commitment to driving transformative change in the fashion industry.
-
QLD Young Achiever of the Year (2017): This accolade highlighted Edda's contributions towards promoting sustainable practices in fashion, showcasing her as a leader among her peers.
-
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List (2018): Edda's inclusion in this esteemed list un
