Hey Lizteners,
I’m so excited to be back! Finishing up my junior year of college, moving into my first apartment and working alongside it all has kept me pretty busy for the past few weeks. But long story short, as I’m heading towards senior year, I’ve been reflecting on my upcoming 3-year anniversary of living in one of the most-sought after metropolitan cities in the world. As I’m on Summer break and school’s off the plate, I have some more free time to reflect on my NYC-fashion girl journey over the past years. Thoughts like ‘What purpose exactly does the fashion industry serve?’ or ‘How does it touch different communities from around the world, both positive and negative?’ have been re-occuring as I’m learning more about this business, both in school and in the workplace.
Therefore, the headlining, momentarily open-ended question I’ve made it my mission to get to the bottom to is ‘How I can revolutionize the dark sides of this over-glamorized industry’. I’ve said it before and I say it now: fashion is my passion hence I want everyone (and this is speaking as if we were living in a utopian universe) that is working directly in the industry to make that their mission as well. Fashion designer Eileen Fisher spoke out on the issue with a bold statement: “The clothing industry is the second largest polluter in the world … second only to oil.” I’m not gonna go into the science behind making a garment and how it directly influences our ecosystems, because that would be a conversation on its own. If you want to read more about it however, this article is pretty straight forward: here).
Anyways, the reason I wanted to address this is because a) I’m passionate about the well-being of this planet (major reason as to why I follow a plant-based diet) and b) I want to spread awareness, because one person isn’t enough to produce a major change and I want to use my influence for positive change. I remember telling my mum at age 10 that I wanted to change the world one day. Not sure if this qualifies as ‘changing the world’, but knowing that I have a purpose and a goal in life that I can work towards is extremely gratifying. As I mentioned previously, heading towards graduation I want to start building upon my career that coincides with my beliefs, and that I’m deeply passionate about.
It all starts with awareness. By thrifting the blazer I’m wearing in these pics, I not only saved a great buck but I also prevented supporting fast-fashion companies that produce on such a large scale where sustainability simply isn’t an option anymore. You can argue with me on this, but the only reason they are launching ‘conscious collections’ or promoting recycling initiatives is to clear their conscience from the damage they do behind the scenes. ‘Green Marketing’ is essentially their way of handling the growing environmental concerns of the apparel industry. I’m by no means claiming I’m perfect, but this year I’ve been trying my best to stay away from fast-fashion and find niche designers that not only produce clothing in a more sustainable way, but that are also conforming with my personal taste. Sustainable fashion isn’t what it was 10 years ago. One designer I’ve been obsessing over ever since I bought a shirt from her in Paris is Maggie Marilyn. This New-Zealand-based fashion label is here to prove all your pre-conceived misconceptions on ‘Eco-fashion’ wrong. Designers like her are the future and I will continue to promote their message and effort to revolutionize the industry.
Doesn’t matter what industry or business or whatever you’re interested in, but what is your passion? Do you have a goal you want to achieve? Is it important for you to actively contribute to the change you want to see? Basically; how are you going to change the world?
Outfit Details:
Blazer: The Break Store (Vintage)
Pants: Maje
Shoes: & Other Stories
Sunglasses: Sunbuddies
