INTERVIEW #17 JENNY LÖVROT
“Do you know what’s so special about my clothing?” Jenny asked over Skype. “No”, I said honestly. Most of the time I don’t know much about the people I interview, I trust others recommendations since I want to keep this platform open for all and not just for my inner circles of friends. Jenny asks the question in a very humble way and I guess she knows better than me why she has been recommended for this interview. She then explains that she has a work outfit and honestly, I had never heard the concept before. It does answer the question of why Jenny is special, but more importantly, it says something about me and the time we live in. Why should we exchange clothes every day for work as a way to constantly re-new and express our identity? This is Jenny’s story about how why she decided to have a work-outfit, what that means and why it is compatible with living a more sustainable lifestyle! I hope you will get as inspired by this wonderful human being as I did.
Occupation:
Multidisciplinary/graphic designer/art director
“There is an old, unofficial rule that designers can always “dress in black”.”
What’s your relationship with clothes?
I’m a very visual and creative person so it has always mattered to me what clothes I’m wearing. All my life I’ve felt a strong norm of changing outfit every day. Of hygienic reasons mainly, but also as a way of being creative (maybe just in my head). I often tried to find new combinations and styles, but It was always hard work! It has probably been all about identity and communication, to either fit in or to pop out in different situations.
As a teenager and young adult, I loved streetwear. I remember that I was annoyed with dress codes. For instance, you couldn’t wear sneakers with a skirt at some night clubs, or mix a blazer with baggy jeans at work, but that has fortunately changed.
“I decided to design my own personal dress code and then wear the same outfit for work every day. ”
Through the years I’ve been working on several branding and advertising agencies. There is an old, unofficial rule that designers can always “dress in black”. But women’s clothes often have trendy seasonal designs and cuts, even if it’s just a black blouse or top. I often found it hard to combine with ditto pants, skirts, cardigans and so on. And if I would wear something more creative, colourful or stylish I felt that I had to keep up with the same standard every day.
When I also realised how unsustainable this variable clothing consumption is, it felt wrong in so many ways. In 2016 I decided to quit wasting time and energy in what to wear, especially for work (with two small kids I didn’t bother what I was wearing at home). I decided to design my own personal dress code and then wear the same outfit for work every day. At the time I was of course inspired by “work uniform” icons such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Einstein and Matilda Kahl. When I started a new job, it became a natural step to come out of the closet with a new outfit. I also started riding my bike to work, for exercise so, it was a bit of packing logistics in the beginning. But now, instead of always thinking about what to wear every morning, I can use my full creativity at work and in other areas! I haven’t regretted this decision for a second.
How would you describe your style?
When it comes to my dress code for work: I have a black and white gingham checked knit blouse as a base, it’s a very timeless pattern. I variate my style with different (colourful) necklaces and other accessories. In periods I’ve been creative and redesigned my necklaces, switched pearls and chains forth and back. Now I just try new combinations. If I have energy…
The outfit is adaptable according to the weather. I can wear a black cardigan over my blouse if it’s cold (I also have a black classic blazer, but I never use it...). Autumn and winter, I normally wear a tank top under and then black jeans. For warmer days during spring/ summer I wear black skirt or culottes. I have a couple of different black shoes of course. Sometimes I take a “casual Friday” and choose something different for a drink after work.
But most of my clothes, the ones I’m wearing on my spare time, are black/white or dark blue, some of them with graphic patterns such as stripes and dots. I love colourful clothes but somehow, I don’t have that many of them as I would like to. When it’s party time I have a few dresses and oversized garments I love to wear with tights.
How would you describe your closet?
“ I have difficulties to remove and say goodbye to my clothes, even if I don’t wear them that often anymore.”
My closet is small. I don’t have a walk-in-closet. I have quite a few necklaces and a few garments that’s been with me for some time. Plenty of comfy clothes. But the closet is a little bit overloaded. I have difficulties to remove and say goodbye to my clothes, even if I don’t wear them that often anymore. If the right occasion comes up, I will use them instead of buying new stuff. So, they might as well stay…
What is a sustainable closet for you?
I believe my decision to have a personal dress code for work is quite sustainable. With one outfit you’re definitely making sure that you’re using those clothes. When choosing the outfit, I first cared much about ethical production and sustainable materials. But it seemed difficult to find something I really liked with too many criteria. And I realised it’s even more important to use the clothes you own often – compared to how they’re produced.
I have invested in new garments for my work outfit (I have four similar gingham knit blouses and two other models). But since then I have barely bought anything new. I like Filippa K jeans, so I keep an eye on those jeans at Sellpy and Tradera. Even accessories, like necklaces work fine to buy second hand. I can get really excited when I find something of high quality and can do a bargain.
“I realised it’s even more important to use the clothes you own often – compared to how they’re produced. ”
I normally wash my blouses once a week using a steamer/fresh up program on my washing-machine, it’s been a really nice investment. My two pair of black jeans I laundry very seldom and inside out. We need to look after our clothes in an environmentally friendly manner too. It’s an important component of a more sustainable lifestyle, not to wash our clothes too often. It’s also an important aspect of my personal sustainability, I don’t have to spend too much time doing laundry or make decisions every day.
What do you think about the fashion industry?
A lot of things have changed the last couple of years, but you can tell there’s also a lot of greenwashing from the big companies. Of course, it’s an enormous challenge with recycling of mixed textile fibres for mass production. But somehow the system is all wrong, we don’t need to buy new clothes all the time. We need less but with better quality. Most clothes are too cheap to be true.
I’m very impressed by brands such as Remake using post-consumer waste. And their social business model is so great too. I really like their designs but haven’t found That perfect garment yet. But I have bought two bags that I love.
What do you believe needs to change?
Besides the industry’s challenges it’s a question of changing consumer behaviours and norms. Show that other perspectives are possible, inspire each other.
We need to stop the impulse to just buy something cheap online. Shopping clothes has become a simple way of treating or sometimes comforting yourself. I’ve done that too... It’s probably human nature but we must find sustainable solutions for it.
During times like these we can start to revaluate our behaviours and plenty of companies won’t make it. This is the time to start to sell, rent and buy second hand. And value what we already have. But there’s no solution that fits all. I’d love to see a lot of different disruptive and sustainable business ideas that creates value both for the industry and consumers.
“Shopping clothes has become a simple way of treating or sometimes comforting yourself.”
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
Whatever changes you’re making to be more sustainable it has to be joyful for you, otherwise it might not sustain over time.
Find a concept that you don’t have to reinvent too often. You can save your personal energy by not taking decisions on what to wear every day (in case you not really love doing that). That is a sustainable aspect.
If you want to design your own personal dress code for work – figure out what concept that would work for you, and your (work) situation. I don’t have to be 5 similar sign blouses. Check your closet for inspiration.
Dress in layers depending on weather. Find a tank top (buy several) and cardigan etc that will match the outfit.
Changing accessories instead of clothes every day is a good idea. With five or ten different necklaces you can make several combinations. Buy them second hand or swop with friends. If you want to be creative – (re)design them once in a while.
Invest in a few new or secondhand quality garments or accessories that you really love. That will last over time.
If possible, use steam washing programme or air your clothes often. That really saves time and energy. And the clothes will last longer.
Take time to repair your favourite garments instead of shopping new (shopping is also time consuming).
Talk with friends and inspire each other, that will slowly change the norms.
Contact mail: jenny.lovrot@gmail.com
#dresscode4work
