IWD: The Green List and Reflecting on Collectivism
This International Woman's Day, we are reflecting on the importance of collectivism following a panel discussion we took part in last summer and being listed on Elle UK's 2024 Green List.
It’s International Woman’s day!
Today we are reflecting on the importance of working together across generations - we’ve found ourselves listed on ELLE UK’s Green List 2024! Alongside people we’ve admired who are bringing sustainability and ethics in fashion to the limelight. Some have been advocating for change in fashion for a long time, whilst others (like us) are bringing a new perspective - the list includes Stella McCartney, Tori Tsui, Billie Eilish, Aja Barber, Priya Ahluwalia, Rosie Okotcha and many more. The April 2024 print issue is now out and highlights the work behind our recent print journal AGREENCULTURE, which explores the relationship between fashion - with the chapter titled COMMUNITY, featuring a series of double page spreads of our beloved knitting club - YKWU.
Last summer, we were invited to take part in a panel at the Future Fabric Expo, hosted by Clare Press, founder of the Wardrobe Crisis and author of Wear Next and Rise and Resist.
The panel was a conversation to discuss the Future of Sustainable Luxury and Why Gen Z is Ready to Act. Inviting the new generation demanding change in the industry to share their thoughts on the trajectory of the industry.
The panellists included:
Marina Testino, Point Off View & Sustainable Fridays
Shilpa Yarlagadda, Shiffon Co.
Saad Amer, Climate Activist
Tina Wetshi, Colèchi
A summary of what we learned any why we are reflecting on it this International Woman’s Day.
Marina Testino showed us how one woman's creative activism through her "One Dress to Impress" project challenged fast fashion expectations and norms. By wearing the same red suit for two months, she started an important conversation around conscious consumerism and sustainability.
Jewellery designer Shilpa Yarlagadda discussed how she built her ethical supply chain from the ground up, prioritising recycled metals and fair trade gold. Through her company Chiffon Co, she is empowering women entrepreneurs around the world.
As the co-founder of Colèchi (the mother organisation which hosts YKWU), Tina Wetshi shared her vision of reimagining fashion through collaboration. She is working to raise awareness of sustainable practices and foster cross-generational learning in the industry.
" I think one one thing that we do have collectively is this idea of cross generational learning. We do need that knowledge from people who've been around for a long time. There is this thought that Gen Z's have all of the answers. Whilst we are doing great things, and I think there needs to be more collaboration" Tina Wetshi
This conversation highlights the power we each have to create positive change and the ripple effects of their work inspiring others to envision a greener future for fashion.
Watch the full video on Youtube here or listen on the go by pressing play below.
The Future of Sustainable Luxury and Why Gen Z is Ready to Act.