50 voices about a sustainable closet - 50 change makers leading the way
We are so happy to announce that we have done more than 50 change makers interviews! 50 influential, inspiring and hard working people have shared their views on their relationship with clothes, what they think about the fashion industry and what you can do to create a more sustainable closet. For us, at A Sustainable Closet, it has become evident that there are so many ways to create a more sustainable closet and so my different perspectives of what the fashion industry need in order to change. A diversity of perspectives is essential for a transition to a more sustainable world. We hope these interviews have inspired you to find your answers to what a sustainable closet is for you.
Among these 50 people, there is not only a diversity of perspectives but also a diversity of professions and skills. We been having the honor to interview several people from the fashion industry in Sweden advocating sustainability and being on the forefront of sustainable fashion solutions, such as Emelie Gustafsson Maistedt, founder of Gemme Collective, Catarina Midby, Secretary General of Sweden Fashion Association, Monica Nordlund, stylist, Elin Mohlander, founder of the brand Residus and Marlene Abraham, founder of the brand Mayla.
We are also happy to have talented sustainability professionals among our interviewees such as Annika Sundin (medveten_i_stan), Ahmed Al-Qassam, Head of Advocacy at Swedish Outdoor Association, Louise Konig, Head of Sustainability Business Ramboll, Amanda Borneke, sustainability professional at SWECO, Erik Huss, consultant in sustainable business, Alexandra Davidsson, General Secretary of Medveten Konsumtion and Hewan Temesghen, Secretary General of Fairtrade Sweden.
Among the sustainability professionals we have several that are strong and influential voices particularly when it comes to textiles and sustainable living. Johanna Laymann, Maria Saxbo and Emma Sundh are the founders of Klimatklubben where Johanna is among Sweden’s most talented sustainability textile experts. Monika Kichau, Maria Lagerman, Jennie Dahlén, Tess Waltenburg, Nicole Modigh, Olivia Rotschild, Johanna Tofelt, Sophia Schyman, Sophie Winberg Tyrfelt, Dan Pontarlier, Stina Löving, Theresa Skjolden and Vintagemannen, are some of the most popular sustainable style influencers, entrepreneurs, consultants, designers and writers,
Artis, communicators and researchers are among our other guests such as Sofia Jannok, Jenny Lövrot, Camelia Dewan, Anna Lidström and Katarina Graffman. We hope you take this opportunity to go back to the interviews you haven’t read yet! Just like re-using clothes, we want to reuse fashion media too! Enjoy and get inspired again.
Here are some of our favourite quotes and reflections:
“Our resources are not infinite so we all should make an effort to get a sustainable closet.”
“You are being fooled by advertisement and you are paying for even more marketing. We should instead pay the tailors and for high quality material!”
“We have to change perspective, from this stubborn focus on the individual, the consumers, to focus on the companies and politicians!”
“It is about wearing your daily armor and feeling safe. That’s what I want to inspire and help other women with, to be themselves and feel joy.”
“Actually, I think it should be illegal to produce fast fashion.”
“I believe that fashion brands need to act more responsibly. They need to ensure that farmers and workers get paid enough and that their human rights are respected, and they need to commit to lowering the industry’s negative impact on the environment.”
“A sustainable closet is one that takes into consideration that fashion actually has an impact on the environment and the society. One that is cared for. It’s when people make conscious choices. It’s one where people actually value clothes.”
“One person can’t change the whole world but everyone has a responsibility to try. An actual change is possible, not only for some but for the whole humanity.”
“A sustainable closet is a closet with clothes moving in and out. Sharing is caring!”
“Don’t feel sad of what you don’t have, instead be happy of what you do have.”
“I wish people were a little bit more brave with their outfits. I believe everyone would be more happy if they dare to communicate more with their clothes.”
“To many people think that a sustainable closet is something boring. People think that it limits you and that you have to say no to all the beauty and fun. But it’s really the other way around.”
“Even if you buy something second hand there is always a third world factory workers blood, sweat and tears on the garment which in some way does not make us totally free from that part of the fashion industry.”
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
“The ones who work in the industry should also be able to live on their salary.”
“Buy things you love! Don’t buy anything because it’s cheap. It’s better to buy what you really love, in that way you will wear it more often.”
“A sustainable closet is a closet that’s very creative! When you’re creative, you use your soul, mind and passion to create something that wasn’t there before.”
“I don’t understand why we brand certain stuff as second hand and others as newly produced. It is like different objects has different social value for us. For example, you never buy and “old” apartment, you just buy an apartment or a “newly produced” apartment.”
“Be a circulent, it’s the best way not to claim too much resources from our planet.”
“If you realise what you’re actually like wearing then it’s easier to be more sustainable from the start.”
“Most clothes are not made to last, and as a customer I’m aware of that.”