INTERVIEW #15 FAARIA BAIG
First time I met Faaria Baig, at my frist class in french in Belgium, I was amazed by her beauty. She looked like an indian princess from a hindu fairytale. She spoked a perfect english with the most beautiful accent (not that strange considering the fact she’s from Australia) and she had the most wonderful closet with several design shoes and clothes from local fashion brands from Melbourne. I was in love with her, maybe because she saved my look when exploring the nightlife in Brussel. The last ten years our friendship has stayed despite the fact we’ve been in different countries and even different continents, sometimes. We both have a deep spiritual connection with life and we both care and are engaged in the future of mother earth and her children. This women is a market strategist expert that definitely knows what business-as-usal means but also has the eagerness to help herself, others and our planet. These are the words from an Australian environmentalist, human rights enthusiast and reader of the Bhagavadgita.
Occupation:
Digital Marketing Strategist - Yoga and Mediation Practitioner
What’s your relationship with clothes?
If I could try to describe it in one word, it would be meaningful. I consider clothes and fashion as a luxury that I am able to express myself with. As a former ‘addict’ of fast fashion, over the last two years not only my buying habits but especially my values have changed and that has of course has influenced how I consume and relate to material things. I’m passionate about helping people and the planet, - I have a daily yoga and meditation practice, I follow a plant based diet and I practice conscious living.
From someone who used to (ashamedly) own more than 50 pairs of shoes, now I think I own no more than 8 but I mostly live in my trainers and birkenstocks - which are vegan of course! I think my entire wardrobe fits into 1 BIG suitcase and I have committed to buying no new items of clothing this year, instead if I really need something I try and buy second hand, borrow or reuse something I already have.
How would you describe your style?
Right now being in isolation by myself, it’s very relaxed. I wear sweatpants, yoga pants or no pants some days. I love the freedom of not having to wear bra or makeup which is a nice change from being in a corporate environment.
When I'm not at home in my yoga wear, I usually work in a corporate office so I like to be smart but effortless. I love being able to throw on a blazer and that immediately helps me get into boss mode and also look a bit more polished! My hometown, Melbourne is quite a trendy place that has influenced my style - which means mostly monochrome or just plain black… even in the summer! Coming from an indian background, there is also a part of me that loves to express myself through colours and embrace my ethnicity and femininity.
How would you describe your closet?
It has 4 categories:
Summer clothes which fit into a big tote bag. These deinfielty contain the colourful and boho pieces like a long floral maxi dress, bright orange swimsuit and my grey havaianas which I've had for more than a decade.
Active wear this is probably the darkest part of my closet - which is mostly black, grey and charcoal!
Winter clothes - probably the biggest part of my closet having lived mostly in the UK and Europe the last 10 years. My coats and jackets are pretty somber colours although I do like to wear colourful knits and layers and accessorize with different scarves and hats, most of which are great vintage buys.
Work wardrobe which has some dresses, tops and jackets that I've owned for years! The items that have lasted the longest are usually the ones that I have invested more money in, but the quality means that my pieces like my black Theory blazer have been around in top share for almost 12 years.
What is a sustainable closet for you?
With the items of clothing I wear, I always consider where they are coming from, how they were made and what impact the production of these items is having on the planet. By taking into these factors, these are my main principles which I try and follow to maintain a sustainable closet:
Less is more - I find having more things, not just clothes, creates clutter, expends more energy on attachments makes me feel less organised and free.
Create, repair or borrow instead of buying, even second hand! For me this is a fun and quick way to easily get variety and change up my closet.
If I do buy new clothes, I try and make sure it is second hand, made of sustainable materials, is a brand or organisation that is aligned with my values and is good quality so it will last.
What do you think about the fashion industry?
With the coronavirus now impacting the global economy, this is creating a huge shift in the demand for consumer goods, especially retail which has seen a sharp decline in sales and profits. Fashion companies will be forced to reimagine how they have been operating to become more economically and hopefully more sustainably viable too. With the crisis already threatening many businesses and millions of people’s jobs, this also presents an opportunity to create better supply chains, invest in more sustainable and cost effective materials and support local workers with economies now turning towards being more domestically driven.
What do you believe needs to change?
People are under intense financial, political and emotional pressure during these uncertain times which is propelling them to re-evaluate their priorities. This change in mindset can help put things into perspective and hopefully create a shift from the norm of consumer driven impulsive purchasing, which has been fuelled by fast fashion, to more conscious, sustainable and mindful choices, not just in the fashion industry. As much as change starts from the inside out on an individual level, it is also even more impactful when it emerges collectively. Trends in consumer preferences, changes to policies and increasing transparency and accountability will be big catalysts for this kind of reformation.
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
Now is the time to get creative! Upcycle and explore mending things and reutilising garments that have been lying around. There are many great youtube videos on sewing, mending and knitting - a perfect way to pass time in isolation.
Spring cleaning – give away what you don’t need, or do fashion swaps with friends
Rent or borrow big ticket items or clothes you won’t wear a lot if it’s for a social occasion
Get to know brands, their values and carbon footprint. If I buy new, I try to make sure it’s local and made with sustainable materials. Or if I vintage shop, I usually buy from organisations I support.
It’s not all about a new wardrobe. You can easily change your entire look by accessorising, styling your hair and putting on make-up.
Follow Faaria and participate in her yoga classes!