Let's Talk "Of the Month"

Podcasts of the Month

Conscious Chatter x Good Support

Two awesome teams coming together to create an informative and exciting podcast series! First of all, if you haven't checked out Conscious Chatter or Good Support on their own- DO IT. Second, this is a perfect merging of worlds; Conscious Chatter is all about responsible consumerism and Good Support deals more with political and social justice issues. Together, it is magic!

Spirit of 608

Host Lorraine Sanders talks "FEST", which is her acronym for "Fashion, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Technology". Her podcast discusses all that and more with different inspiring female entrepreneurs! 

It's Been a Minute

If Sam Sanders made a podcast where he just read his grocery list I would subscribe. In NPR's new pod Sam talks current events, political and otherwise, as well as conducts in depth interviews. Listen for a really good time!

Kestrel Jenkins, host of Conscious Chatter

Reads of the Month

"Goodwill Jean Jacket Upcycle DIY" on Sustainable Daisy

Sustainable Daisy is a blog created and run by Karen Housel whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time recently! Not only is she a super sweet person, her content is really fun and inviting. Check out her recent DIY adventure with the help of a Goodwill jean jacket, crafting supplies and a whole lotta love!

"What Does Ethical Fashion Mean"/"What Does Sustainable Fashion Mean" on Study 34

I've referenced Study 34 a lot on this blog but only because Eleanor O'Neill's work continues to be so relevant! Two recent posts give brief, yet comprehensive, definitions of sustainable and ethical fashion respectively. Whether you're a newbie to this whole "conscious consumerism" thing or want to remind yourself why you got in the game- this post is for you.

"So You Wanna Start a Business?" by Paco de Leon

Paco de Leon is the founder of The Hell Yeah Group which aims to support and educate creatives on their finances. I've seen and heard Paco speak, subscribe to the company's newsletter, and have just purchased Paco's So You Wanna Start a Business manual. You could say I'm sort of a fan. In all seriousness, as someone who is gearing up to start her own business, this manual is a lifesaver.

DIY jacket by Karen Housel

Brands of the Month

Liberty United Jewelry

This company turns illegal guns and ammunition, provided by the police, into beautiful jewelry items. Incredible! The money you spend will help their business grow as well as "educate and protect an at-risk child from gun violence". 

The Giving Key

Another jewelry company with a social mission; providing jobs to homeless men and women. Keys are repurposed into jewelry items that are made entirely in Downtown Los Angeles. Their commitment to employees' well being is pretty fantastic and their products are very well made. 

Love by Beatrice

I recently met designer Shana Bea at the Melrose Trading Post and loved her use of color! She hand makes garments, body products, and handbags with a strong commitment to sustainability. Go see how ethics and aesthetics meet!

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Fashion Revolution Week 2017

April 24th-30th is Fashion Revolution Week!

Fashion Revolution is a nonprofit based in the UK which was started in response to the horrors of the fashion industry. They work all year-round to encourage grassroots activism but they kick it up a notch this week! Fashion Revolution has so much great information on their website about how to get involved and hold brands accountable.

A few of those methods include the social media campaign #whomademyclothes, the "haulternative" and creating your own "love story". There are also events happening around the world to commemorate the week (including our clothing swap at CalArts tomorrow evening) if you want to connect with other passionate people. Check out their website, donate and speak up this week!

I hope this week inspires you to buy better! Here are 3 ways to start doing so:

1. Look through Fashion Revolution's Transparency Index for 2017

2. Download the Good on You app

3. Keep in mind Project Just's article including 5 Questions to ask as a consumer

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Sustainable Costume and Creation

thesinglex.com

I recently had the pleasure of talking to my fellow costume design students about sustainable practices. There is a lot of conversation around sustainable fashion, but not as much which includes costume design. As always, there is no one right answer, however here are a few places to start thinking differently when it comes to costume, and creation:

 

Buying Fabric

• Try sustainable/eco fabric brands. I recommend doing a search for companies that are local to you and whom you could possibly meet in person. A "sustainable checklist" often includes; no harsh chemicals, natural sources, low water usage

• Source vintage fabric. I've been scouring my favorite online market Etsy recently, and come upon some awesome finds. There are also many brick-and-mortar retailers that sell vintage options you may not be able to find otherwise.

• Purchase from a discount jobber. Discount jobbers take fabric that manufacturers or brands do not use in production and sell them at discounted prices. You can find them in cities' "fashion districts" or search through this online guide here.

Recycling Fabric

A huge part of why clothing and the fashion industry at large is a problem, is the excess waste. We can buy better but it is also so important to try and reuse what we already have! There are actually textile recycling services all over the country and world. Find a service near you and learn more here.

Natural Dyeing

A masters student in my costume design program was able to join me in talking sustainable clothing and brought along with her her extensive knowledge on natural dyeing. X recommends Dharma Trading Co. for buying natural dyes, as well as The Art and Craft of Natural Dyeing by J.N. Liles, and Wild Color by Jenny Dean, for inspiration. Want to know more? Check out X's amazing website where you can find information on foraging for your own natural dyes and how to take a workshop with her!

*All photos used are from thesinglex.com

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