Can A Sustainable Fashion Influencer Be Sustainable?

Fuelled by my passion for fashion and sustainability, I launched my Instagram account in 2020 with the aim of making sustainable fashion sexy and fun. My vision is to create a world that embraces a circular economy and encourages conscious consumer choices. By 2022, I have asked myself whether being a so called 'Sustainable Fashion Influencer' was an oxymoron. Justifiably, many of my followers have asked me that very question and I will recap in this post what I have said so far on this thorny subject.

The Rise Of Sustainability

In recent years, sustainable influencers have become more mainstream, thanks to our shared consciousness of environmental issues. Choosing sustainability is an intentional decision to live in a way that minimises our environmental impact, values ethical practices, and promotes a harmonious coexistence with the one planet we all share. This lifestyle choice extends beyond just the products we buy; it encompasses the way we consume, the choices we make, and the impact we have on the world around us.

Can Fashion Be Sustainable?

I believe fashion can be sustainable otherwise I wouldn't be here in the first place. Fashion must be sustainable, and the growing movement towards sustainable fashion is reshaping the industry. Sustainability in fashion encompasses a range of practices and principles that prioritise environmental, social, and ethical considerations throughout the entire lifecycle of clothing, from raw material production to manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life disposal.

Transparency And Accountability

Transparency and accountability serve as the bedrock for sustainable practices. When individuals, businesses, and organisations are transparent about their actions and accountable for their impact, it fosters trust, drives positive change, and creates a foundation for responsible decision-making. I am trying to live as sustainable a life as possible with the simple motto of "reduce, reuse and recycle" and when it comes to fashion, I buy less but better.

Educating And Empowering

Through my website and Instagram account, I wish to empower others to make informed choices. I would like to reach out to non-sustainable consumers or those who think sustainable fashion to be an expensive indulgence. Contrary to the common perception, sustainable fashion is not only affordable but also comes with added benefits. The premium often associated with it serves to implement fair labour practices and eco-friendly supply chains.

Navigating Challenges

As a sustainable fashion influencer, it dawned on me that clothes, shoes and accessories were piling up fast. I decided to giveaway all I could to friends and colleagues. I tried to whenever possible hand back the clothes I was modelling. I have also decided to work only with the sustainable brands I believe to either offer the best transparency or quality. I relish every occasions to defend my sustainable credentials as an opportunity to re-evaluate my life choices and better articulate why my audience should adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

The Transformative Potential

During my work hours, I'm passionately advocating for policy changes, but the impact I'm striving for can only happen with your help. I strongly believe in our innate transformative potential as a force for positive change. We possess the ability to undergo personal, societal, and global transformations, driven by our capacity to learn, adapt, and envision a brighter future. Together, we can be the catalysts for a fashion revolution that aligns with our highest environmental ideals.

Can A Sustainable Fashion Influencer Be Sustainable?

Initially, I found myself advocating for sustainable fashion with fervour, perhaps a bit too intense for my followers. Realising the need for a gentler approach, I shifted to a softer tone. The journey of a sustainable fashion influencer goes beyond showcasing outfits; it embodies an authentic commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle, transcending trends and fostering a genuine connection between fashion and the planet. Yes, a sustainable fashion influencer can be sustainable as long as she/he walks the talk.