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      Week 6: You Choose - Upcycled (pg 119 - 151)

      Week 6: You Choose - Upcycled (pg 119 - 151)

      In a few days its Valentines day. A perfect for the theme for the chapter we are digging into this week. To look at our planet with love - and to see all things of waste for the potential for being  lovable and useful.

      "Imagine nothing useful goes to waste. Upcycling is a cornerstone of our circular economy. Children dream of careers were they get to use their hands fashioning new, better quality items out of old ones" p119

      Ronald Van Der Kemp's Atelier is discussed in the book as the high fashion example - The following is an extract from his website that describes what he is about:

      "Creating couture out of unwanted materials because we believe that what is deemed useless today can create beautiful tomorrows.
      We capture those discarded fragments and turn them into an ever evolving wardrobe. 

      Fueling a mindful movement
      for the sake of beauty
      for the sake of our planet "  

      "We've added to the story, but the original remains in a way' pg120 To see examples of the designs Click on https://www.ronaldvanderkemp.com/wardrobes

      Q : The main issue of this form of business model is the difficulty of selling unique pieces online? and the constant push for "new",  and our trend culture diving products into obsolescence. Discuss

      Q: The dead stock issue 122 & 123. I highly recommend this blog by Good On You it explains how dead stock is used and examples of amazing brands doing it - https://goodonyou.eco/brands-using-leftover-fabric/. Lets discuss this issue and solutions available. 

      Textile waste is capturing the attention of consumers, businesses and legislators. For example: - 

      • The "Queen of Raw" Stephanie Benedetto: https://www.queenofraw.com/ .
      • France has extended anti - waste laws, prohibiting the destruction of dead stock.
      • Australia is implementing the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme.
      • Brands are looking for solutions, and technology is catching up.

      Q: Big brands go to extreme lengths to stop their products hitting the grey market. Discuss. Why?  The IP issue (knock offs and counterfeit ) p126.

      Recommended reading : "Explainer: Why fast fashion brands destroy unsold"  clothes

      What are ways this can be changed. An example in the book was

      Alexander MacQueen donating dead stock fabrics to fashion students. 

       and TRAID who  "stop clothes from being thrown away. We turn clothes waste into funds and resources to reduce the environmental and social impacts of our clothes. It is a circular and sustainable approach to the problems of clothes waste tackling disposal, production and consumption". 

      Q: WE MUST ADDRESS THE WASTE  - "Australia's salvation army(salvos) stores have a 3 million dollar tip fee "for their upcycled charities.  How can we look at the waste stream so it is seen as a reuse stream?

      We cant go on the way we are going, all we need to do is think about the second hand clothing piling up in Ghana and Chile.

      Kirkum challenges us to stop going to charity shops to find perfectly good pieces that can be used. We need to use the throwaway items for upcycling. "Cleaning, cutting it up and making it into something new". This is one of her creations:

      Q: Should we all be joining trash clubs? And creating a demand for trash that becomes sorted into treasure?

      Q: My favorite quote was the definition of Palimpsest - "An ancient word for an old parchment that's been reused but still bares traces of the original writings.".  Its the way we describe and word things that give value don't you think? Rather than trash - its a reusable resource? Discuss.

      No meet up this Sunday instead we are taking a field trip on the 16th to visit some awesome local Upcycle businesses in Newcastle. 

      We are also going to have a few upcycling mending workshops next month on Fridays. Please let us know if you are interested.It will start with an OP shop tour and then a upcycle mending course at the shop from 3-5pm  $20 each for 2hrs. 

      I also want to shout out to:

      Purple Card Project and ReNewy . Two local businesses taking on this challenge of waste are reuse of it in our local community. LOVE what you do!  

       

       Love,

      Yvie xo

       

      Ps. Sorry this is late :/. 

       

       

       

      Week5 : Could the future of fashion be governed by "Slow" be "Even Faster Faster"?

      Week5 : Could the future of fashion be governed by "Slow" be "Even Faster Faster"?

      This week we are discussing the chapters  "Slow" and "Even Faster" from our book Wear Next: Fashioning the future by Clare Press.  

      This weeks meet up is at Blend Cafe at the 16 Foot Sailing Club in Belmont NSW Sunday 2:30pm.  These are the questions we will be discussing this week:

      "Slow"

      1. “In 2019, the WHO officially recognised burnout as a syndrome of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. p93 . How do you define work/life balance? Do you see any signs of burnout in your life? What could you do to decrease the risk? What can employers do to protect their employees?
      2. This chapter urges us to ask - What does success look like to me? And… How much am I willing to sacrifice to achieve this?
      3. Finding a way back to balance requires “…taking the time to slow our thinking down and consider why we do things”. p99
      4. What are some of the techniques you use to slow your thinking down? Time to reflect is essential, ask yourself - What do I need?... rather than - What do I want? And start slow so you can sustain it!
      5. One way to slow things down in the industry, is by working with a new business model - working in “Collaboration” rather than in “Competition” p97
      6. Why isn’t a competitive model working for everyone? For the environment?
      7. “Nothing is outdated”. p101. Discuss.
      8. What are the alternatives to trend-driven fashion?
      9. Slowing down fashion industry norms enables the development of the best products using the best practices possible! Consider the trickle-down effect on consumers….“Slow Fashion Season has 3 demands: transparency from companies, targets from governments, and accountability from advertisers”. p104. Discuss.
      10. “We have to see the dominant narrative around success, hyper-acceleration, and a productive body as rooted in colonialism”. p99 . Consider this  statement and its implications… Katrina from the Shared World Collective will be leading this discussion. 

      Even Faster

      What this could look like.....

      - Better inventory management.

      - Better predictions due to "big data to manage inventory"

      - Direct to consumer model.

      - 3D printing 

      - Made to order,  even  at the touch of a button from home.

      Questions this chapter encourages us to think about:

      1. The younger generations are the next deciders of where fashion goes. "Do they know about the sustainability issue, or even care?"p109
      2. "Brands can now get products live within days" Sein is releasing "TEN THOUSAND" (p110) a day! - This makes Sein the most "important" brand on the planet "doesn't mean good....its a bellwether for what is happening" (pg110). Discuss.
      3. "Social media commodifies our every moment" (pg 111) Discuss. 
      4. Survey by "Samsung, found 60 percent of young people ready to ditch fast fashion entirely". But, Vouge study finds gen Z buy most of their clothes from fast fashion. And even worse,  BoF Insights research suggests just " 7% of gen Z" are driven "by a strong sense of ethics and purpose to change the world" (pg112). Discuss.
      5. Apparently its not not "trends" - its now called "Aesthetics" that motivates gen z pg.112. The other is issue is financial. Also, they are so overwhelmed by "social upheaval and political unrest. There is a feeling of nihilism out there". pg114. Discuss.
      6. Do you think fashion can be pulled by demand rather than pushed out products. So less waste on unwanted items. e.g. order customized on line and 3D printed (hopefully made from biodegradable materials such as corn starch, where old fashion becomes compost)  pg 114. ?
      7. "used right, tech innovation can unlock speed and Sustainability"  Such as Magic fit technology used by Citizen Wolf pg115- 117, Discuss.

      Hope to see you on Sunday,

      Love,

      Yvie xo

       

       

       

        

       

      Week 4: Book Club - Could the future of fashion be driven by "Fair"?

      Week 4: Book Club - Could the future of fashion be  driven by "Fair"?

      Its week 4 of reading our book by Clare Press called "Wear Next: Fashioning the Future".  This week we are imagining a world of fashion that is “Fair”.

      Firstly,

      What does Fair mean to you?

      • Fair Pay
      • Safe work conditions
      • Democratization of wealth
      • Fair to the planet
      • One specific thing, or all encompassing, such as the 10 Fair Trade Principles as set out by WFTO or is it the B Corp list of qualifying criteria.

      Also please note that this weeks meet- up will be 2:30pm Sunday 28th Jan at the 16 Foot Sailing Club in the "Blend" cafe area. No bookings required - Just come if you want to chat about the following questions. 

      Questions will be based on the key themes and concepts presented in this week’s chapter:

      1. “To be conscious about your clothes and remember who made them”. Discuss.

      If you want to dig deeper check out the podcast Clare mentions,  “Remember Who Made Them”. It is a six part podcast series, digital campaign and fundraiser that aims to help energize a new solidarity economy in fashion.

      2. “Whenever the system cracks, the marginalized get the worst of it”. How can we prevent this?


      Here are some of my ideas:

      • Better international laws – Recognizing a duty of care?
      • Recognize the importance of social media and orgs like Fashion Revolution, Remember Who Made Them, Clean Clothes, Fair Trade groups and ethical influencers such as Saphia Minney and of course – Clare Press 😊
      • The importance of us being prosumers and keeping up with fashion issues, such as clothing waste and data regarding what are the living wages for the counties we purchase clothes from.
      • I am a radical and think that EVERY brand should disclose the pay given to textile workers per hour, the approx. time taken to construct the garment and the cost of fabric. It’s not that hard!!!! Just the marketing to justify the pricing strategy is made harder – and as far as I am concerned – Well, it is more fair that the current status quo.

        3. The power of the influencer – good and bad. Hague (cheap fast fashion)  v’s Megan (Outland social enterprise jeans). The book highlights that people do follow other people, so would you take on the challenge to show case “Fair”. How can you be an influencer? 

        Here are some of our ideas:

        • In photos you post when wearing a brand worth a shout out, do it!. Help get the good ones out there.
        • Know the details of what makes what you wear so special – and talk about it, so others can also know and value it too.
        • When you see someone wearing something you recognize as a "Fair" brand, tell them that, “you must be a nice person because I know that item is (what you know) and thank them for being a change maker.”

          4. Purpose driven businesses using Outland as an example discuss if you think this can be the norm or the exception?

          Dig deeper check out the brand: Outland web page

          5. How are people inspired to go on the journey to become a purpose driven business. What is the motivation behind it?

          This is what we think:

          • Awareness of the issues: The importance of advocacy groups like Destiny Rescue.
          • Being confronted by the realities of inequality and exploitation.
          • Finding the right people at the ground level.
          • Belief in the idea no matter what others say.

             

            6. Non- for profit “charity” - “this idea is baked into us by the west…(but) often it does create a dependency , and that is another form of control” – Burtle owner of Outland. Discuss

            I think that nobody wants to feel dependent on a charity. From my experience most people who are marginalized, exploited and struggling want dignity, sustainable employment, autonomy and be in a position to help others.  Our instore brand Global Mamas is a great example of an outstanding label, balancing Not For Profit and micro businesses. - Yvie's thought on this question.

             7. Discuss what it means to be a Certified B corp organisation – Should all businesses be expected to be one?

            “B Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a type of for-profit business that is also committed to meeting specific social and environmental goals. B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions not only on shareholders but also on workers, customers, the community, and the environment. This type of business structure is designed to balance profit and purpose.

            To become a certified B Corp, a company must undergo a rigorous assessment by the nonprofit organization B Lab. This assessment evaluates the company's performance in areas such as environmental responsibility, employee treatment, community engagement, and transparency. Only businesses that meet the required standards are certified as B Corps.” – quote from B Lab website

            Sorry (but not very sorry), but I need to bring up WFTO even if not mentioned in the book 😊.

            As for what is "better," it depends on the specific goals and values of a business. If a company is looking to address a broader range of social and environmental issues beyond fair trade, pursuing B Corp certification might be suitable. On the other hand, if the primary focus is on fair trade practices, WFTO certification may be more appropriate. Ultimately, both certifications reflect a commitment to responsible business practices, and the choice may depend on the organization's mission and priorities.

            B Corp certification is aimed at the level of an entire business' operations, Fairtrade certification is largely aimed at the individual product level (and subsequent supply chain)

            Want to dig deeper and understand more of the ethical & sustainable certifications, it is explained quite well on a blog by the online shop called Shop Like You Give a Damn.  Would love your thoughts on this :) 

            Love,

            Yvie xo

            Ps Hope to see some of you on this Sundays Book Club Meet up

             

            Week 3 - Could the future of fashion be driven by "Conscious" choices?

            Week 3 - Could the future of fashion be driven by "Conscious" choices?

            In the next chapter, we delve into part three called, "You Choose: The Future of Fashion Will Be...".  Our journey begins with the first concept called "Conscious.".

            To anyone new - Welcome :)

            This weeks questions:

            1. Is it conceivable for the fashion industry to be guided by principles aligning the value of garments with both environmental and cultural significance? For instance, adopting a "polluter pays" approach could incentivize brands to explore more sustainable and low-waste manufacturing options.

            2. Who do you think make up the fashion socially conscious consumers? (Young? Educated? Affluent?) 
            3. Lets discuss the problem with the words like “Sustainability” Pg 48-49 and the problem of green washing such as; 
            • H&M’s 2019 "Conscious Exclusive Collection"  ( 53- 55 ).
            • Boohoo appointing K. Kardashian as its "Sustainability Ambassador" P55.
            4. Brands linked to toxic waste from “brick kilns”. Should they be held responsible? How?  Or do we change the mindset to they are not the enemy? and accept that it is the system that’s broken ? And is that our responsibility as consumers to fix it? (Just yes or no as we will dig deeper on this in question 7)
            5. Can the HIGG Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) help customers be more conscious in their purchases  - Or is it just a tool for big business to manipulate customer trust ( eg H&M example pg 55) ? Click on this link to know more about the Higg MSI .

             

            6. Quote: "Perhaps we need to dig deeper? Spreadsheets and pretty words won't save us. We need to ask different questions." - Clare Press


            7.Could a Buddhist economics model, be the answer? 
            "Think about how trash gets dropped into a river. If I am going to drop something putrid into a beautiful river, that means I am distanced from it. I wouldn't chuck the same thing on my childs face, because I am emotionally engaged with my child." pg57

            We recommend reading the following blog to understand this concept better: Buddhist Economics: A Practical Approach To Master Our Global Crisis by Julia Culen

            8. Bandana says that if more of us knew and understood the significance of certain textiles and crafts we would have a deeper relationship with what we wear. she tells us to look up the process of Patola (double Ikat). Lets do it ! Click here to see a YouTube of the the process. Does it help you see the value of it?

            9. Can you see the cloud in a piece of paper? What do you see with what you are wearing? pg 599. 

            10. Mahatma Gandhi's relationship went from suits to Khadi. Do you think it was Ghandi's "search for satorial integrity"?  Clare recommends us to watch the TED talk titled "What Ghandi can teach us about slow fashion' by Bandana.

            Note: Sartorial Integrity” and refers to a state in which an individual’s moral well-being affects the way they dress and present themselves to others. 

            11. So, could the future of conscious fashion begin not with clothes at all, but with washing off the negativity and reconnecting with Nature? Could it be as simple - and profound - as that? 

            12. How can we become more connected to what we wear? How can we find a deeper meaning, to everything - including our clothes?   

            Next week: we will be discussing "Fair" p - 67-82  

            The next meeting will be Sunday 28th Jan at the 16 Footers @ The Cafe - 2:30pm. No booking required. Just come if you want to discuss "Conscious" and "Fair" Chapters. 

            🎉 Important Announcement! 🎉 This week's Sunday meeting is taking a rain check because my better half is hitting the big 5-0! 🎂 He pulled rank and declared it a priority, so blame him for the rescheduling. 🕺💃 Apologies to all my agenda-loving friends; we'll resume our regularly scheduled programming next week. In the meantime, let the birthday shenanigans begin! 🥳 #Husbands50th #PrioritiesStraight #SorryNotSorry 

            Breaking Chains and Building Dreams

            Breaking Chains and Building Dreams

            January marks Sex Trafficking Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on the insidious issue that affects countless lives globally. In the fight against human trafficking, two remarkable organizations, Eden and the Starfish Project, stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. Through their jewelry sales, they not only raise awareness,  rescue and rehabilitation of survivors, but also actively contribute to providing sustainable employment and the realization of dreams through education.

            Did you know According to the ILO, 49.6 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery. Brands like Eden and starfish Project do what they do with the key objective being to rescue, rehabilitate and restore women who have been victims of sex trafficking.

            Both of these brands programs are based in South-East Asia which is host to more than half of the global total of human trafficking victims.

            Starfish Project employ 180 survivors and have saved thousands! Their approach to combating sex trafficking  focuses on the rehabilitation and empowerment of survivors. This organization recognizes that each rescued individual is like a starfish washed ashore, and by making a difference in one life, they contribute to a ripple effect of change. 

            Starfish Project operates on a social enterprise model, providing employment opportunities for survivors through their jewelry-making program. By teaching valuable skills and offering fair wages, the organization not only helps survivors rebuild their lives but also fosters a sense of purpose and self-sufficiency.

            This is what they accomplished in 2022 (HUGE accomplishment given the impacts of Covid restrictions):

             

            Source: Starfish Project Annual Report 2022.

            Moreover, the Starfish Project invests in holistic aftercare services, including counseling, vocational training, and educational support. This comprehensive approach ensures that survivors are not only rescued from the clutches of trafficking but are also given the tools to thrive independently.

            Eden, also focuses on prevention, intervention, and restoration. Their focus is addressing the root causes of trafficking, Eden aims to create a world where vulnerable individuals are not at risk of exploitation. The organization employs a multifaceted approach, combining education, community outreach, and advocacy to empower at-risk populations.

            In 2014, Eden embarked on a mission in Myanmar, a nation grappling with the pervasive issue of human trafficking. The roots of this crisis lie deep within the realms of political instability, natural disasters, and internal ethnic conflicts, resulting in a bleak landscape of opportunities for the people of Myanmar. 

            At the heart of Myanmar's human trafficking crisis is the intersection of poverty and political unrest. Over the years, this predicament has only intensified, aggravated further by the economic collapse triggered by the pandemic and political upheaval. In the face of this escalating crisis, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and not-for-profit entities like Eden have stepped in to bridge the gap and extend vital support to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. 

            Source: Eden's Web site

            Like Starfish Project, Eden's journey unfolds through a relationship-focused and trauma-informed approach to programming, reaching out to individuals at high risk of trafficking and those ensnared in the red-light districts of Yangon, and Northern and Eastern Shan state. This unique access enables Eden to identify and assist previously unknown victims of human trafficking while also gathering essential migration tracking data. The innovative design of their programs tackles the root causes of trafficking, significantly reducing re-trafficking rates and fostering sustainable reintegration after program completion.

            Every piece of jewelry purchased from Eden and Starfish Project directly contributes to supporting the women involved and fuels a range of impactful programs such as;

            Outreach: Extending a helping hand to those at high risk of trafficking.
            Drop-in Centers: Providing safe spaces for victims to seek refuge and support.
            Emergency Shelters: Offering immediate assistance and protection to those in need.
            Trauma Counseling: Addressing the emotional scars inflicted by trafficking experiences.
            Vocational Training: Empowering survivors with skills for a brighter future with sustainable employment.
            Economic Empowerment: Creating avenues for financial independence and stability. Such as education programs.
            Community Education: Raising awareness to prevent trafficking and exploitation.

            During Sex Trafficking Awareness Month, it is crucial to acknowledge the commendable work of organizations like Eden and the Starfish Project. Their unwavering dedication to prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation illuminates the path toward a future free from the shackles of sex trafficking. By supporting and spreading awareness about these brands, we contribute to the collective effort to eradicate this heinous crime and create a world where every individual can live free from exploitation.

            Together we can change the world! Thanks to brands like this and customers like you!

            Love,

            Yvie

            PS If you want to see our range of these two brands click on these links:

            Starfish Project

            Eden (Please note new drop will be put online end of day 16/01/2024). Here is a sample of what will be going online :

             

            Book Club Week 2: What Now?, Today & Tomorrow (pg 1- 43)

            Book Club Week 2: What Now?, Today & Tomorrow (pg 1- 43)

            Week 2: What Now?, Today & Tomorrow (pg 1- 43) We will discuss the chapters at our first book club meeting this Sunday. Please note that the event is now booked out for this discussion group (bookings are essential for each meeting and spots are limited).  However these questions will also be posted on our Face Book and Insta for discussion.

            Questions for discussion:

            What Now?

            1. Was there a “reset” after COVID for you?
            2. Did your view on consumerism of fashion shift?
            3. Looking at the world around us and listening to others, are we moving towards a future where consumers value social responsibility, individuality, and creativity? Do we collectively consider these values when making decisions?
            4. In your opinion, how do you see the future of fashion?

            Today

            1. What are you wearing right now?
            2. Why did you choose this outfit?
            3. Does what you wear tell others how you wish to see the world?
            4. If we created a fashion museum to educate people on fashion what would you like to see on display? And why is this? ( One thing from history or in your own closet)
            5. The concept in the book "Fashion Commons" is mentioned. The Commons is " An alternative to top-down individualism. Based on collaboration, shared resource management for collective benefit.  To  understand it better this is the link to the Commons web site.  We won't get to into this yet as there is a chapter on this later in Chapter 7.  
            6. “Not to be too depressing, I think because we live in a capitalist society where shareholders want paying, not much will change”(pg15). or will it be "Dismantled" (see pg 25) Discuss.

            Dismantled - "not dominated by big business, where our creativity comes back to us, where we reclaim our relationships with Earth, with our fellow beings, with community."

            Tomorrow 

            1.  Li Edelkoort - a "clairvoyant" of fashion. She is facinating, if you want to see how she makes her predictions I recommend watching : Luminaries of our Times – Lidewij Edelkoort
            2. What do you think of her predictions (p 31-32)? 
            3. Why do we do this (forecasting)? Is it important?
            4.  Li Edelkoort  predicts that " an animistic approach will gradually transform people into collectors and collaborators versus consumers." - What do you think? 

            Animism - (from Latin: anima meaning 'breath, spirit, life') is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

            1. Trends? 80's & 90's vs today - What is happening (p40)?
            2.  Are we beyond trends, now that everything moves so fast and there is so much choice?
            3. Read the Future Laboratory's mood board p40-41 and also have a look at this link The Future Laboratory's insta . Thoughts?

            Does this Instagram account, curated by trendsetting leaders, suggest that we've lost a defining element that characterized fashion moments, akin to the distinctive styles of the 80s and 90s?

            1. Do you think we are in a "Paralysis Paradox"? Suggested reading is an article  by The Future Laboratory:  "How should brands and businesses respond to The Paralysis Paradox"? .

            Paralysis theory describes an individual or group process where overanalyzing or overthinking a situation can cause forward motion or decision-making to become "paralyzed", meaning that no solution or course of action is decided upon within a natural time frame.

            Next week:

            Week 3: You Choose 1. Conscious (pg 47- 64)