On 7 September 2026, the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University hosted an insightful event, Fireside Chat: A Conversation with Florian MÜLLER about Mental Health in Fashion, facilitated by Prof. Miyuki CHENG, Associate Professor of Practice at SFT.
Florian MÜLLER is a seasoned PR and communications consultant with over two decades of international experience in the fashion and creative sectors. As the founder of MÜLLER PR & CONSULTING and the pioneering Mental Health in Fashion Campaign, he leverages his extensive industry network and creative platforms to advocate for systemic change, fair working conditions, and psychological wellbeing across the global fashion community.
KEY DISCUSSION
From Industry Experience to Action
Reflecting on two decades of industry evolution, Florian MÜLLER noted that while environmental sustainability has gained widespread momentum, mental health remains rarely discussed and urgently needs attention. Drawing on his own journey, he shared how his firsthand professional experiences inspired him to establish the Mental Health in Fashion campaign, creating a dedicated platform for raising awareness and fostering mutual support across the creative community.
Shaping the Future
The sharing addressed structural issues such as relentless deadlines, burnout, and workplace abuse. Florian MÜLLER called for fair labor practices, insisting on an end to unpaid labor and stressing that all contributors across the industry, including stylists, photographers, makeup artists, models, office staff, factory workers, and so on, must be fairly compensated. He also highlighted how workplace mistreatment during sensitive life stages, such as pregnancy, severely impacts an individual’s mental wellbeing. He encouraged students to recognize their own worth, set firm personal boundaries, and refuse mistreatment in professional settings.
ASVOFF Paris Collaboration
Highlighting collaboration with the renowned ASVOFF (A Shaded View on Fashion Film) festival in Paris, Florian invited students to submit films and visual stories, using creative mediums to promote mental wellbeing worldwide.
The session closed with an interactive discussion, inspiring SFT students to prioritize mental wellness as future leaders of a healthier, more inclusive fashion industry.
