Fashion Revolution Week 2017

April 26, 2017 Audrey Stanton

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

Sustainable Costume and Creation

April 12, 2017 Audrey Stanton

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

5 Tips for a Sustainable Home

March 1, 2017 Audrey Stanton

As March begins I am excited to announce that I have almost officially completed moving. I have decided to set up shop in LA and am so excited to be in this new neighborhood! It's been a grueling process but has given me the opportunity to test sustainable practices in a new space. Here are some of my tips:

Rework what you've got. I've only had to buy one new piece of furniture in my move because I've found new, slightly different purposes for many of my items. Side tables have become a TV stand, the media console has become a bookshelf etc.
Find a sustainable home store. The Good Trade, yet again, has a fantastic list of recommendations. Included in that list is Bambeco, which I recently purchased a great rug from!
Buy secondhand. Find your local flea market, antique shop or a garage sale to get a good deal on something that needs a new home. And if you'd rather not have make a trip to one of those then Chairish has you covered. The online retailer lets you buy and sell preloved items from the comfort of your own home.

4. Buy things that will last. For example; the Floyd bed. A simple set of quality items that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Their tag line is 'furniture for city living' and I would have to agree.

5. Minimalism. Minimalism is a word that has been tossed around a lot recently and is either loved or hated. People seem to have a distaste for it because there is a very specific style associated with it but that doesn't always have to be the case. Minimalism, for these purposes, can mean simplifying your home in the way that is best for you. Keeping things simpler makes your life less chaotic, stressful and overwhelming. I personally feel like there's more room to breathe and concentrate in an simpler, organized space.