Today is International Women's Day 2023.
International Women's Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's a time to honor the women who have made a significant impact in various fields, including the fashion industry. Women have been at the forefront of sustainable and ethical practices, revolutionizing the way we approach fashion. From designers to activists, these women have created a movement towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. In this article, I wanted to highlight six influential women in sustainable fashion who have made a significant impact on the industry, shaping the way Hernest approaches its own business. Through their work, leadership, and activism, I've learned so much from their work and believe deeply in the importance of what they're doing. I want to share them with you, so you can get to know them too!
Who are these Important Women?
1. Aditi Mayer
“right now, sustainable fashion is a subculture, an alternative market. but i don't think sustainability should be an alternative market."
Aditi Mayer is a sustainable fashion blogger and advocate who has made a significant impact in the industry through her work. She is known for her strong advocacy for sustainability, ethical fashion, and diversity and inclusion in the industry. Her blog, Adimay.com, is a platform where she shares her insights and experiences in the sustainable fashion world, covering everything from eco-friendly materials to fair labor practices. Additionally, Mayer is a vocal advocate for marginalized communities in the fashion industry, particularly people of color and indigenous communities. She has worked to raise awareness about the need for greater representation and inclusivity in the industry, and has used her platform to highlight the work of designers and artisans from diverse backgrounds. Overall, Mayer's work has played a vital role in advancing the sustainable fashion movement and promoting greater equity and inclusivity in the industry.
2. Aja Barber
"my message won't always make you comfortable but it will make you think"
Aja Barber is a writer, stylist, and sustainability advocate who has been making waves in the fashion industry with her thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and social justice. Barber's work is centered around the idea that fashion cannot be truly sustainable without addressing issues of systemic inequality and social justice. She is a vocal advocate for slow fashion, which prioritizes quality, durability, and ethical production over fast, disposable fashion. In addition to her writing, Barber uses her platform to promote the work of sustainable and ethical fashion brands and to highlight the need for greater diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Through her work, Barber has become an influential voice in the sustainable fashion movement, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more just and equitable fashion industry.
3. & 4. Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro
"The truth is that nobody expected such a simple question to be so hard to answer"
Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro are two fashion designers who co-founded the sustainable fashion movement Fashion Revolution in response to the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013. The tragedy highlighted the devastating impact of the fast fashion industry on garment workers and the environment. Fashion Revolution is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness about the true cost of fast fashion and promote more sustainable and ethical practices in the industry. Somers and de Castro have been instrumental in driving the movement forward, mobilizing millions of people worldwide to demand greater transparency and accountability from fashion brands. Through their work, they have empowered consumers to ask "Who Made My Clothes?" and to demand greater transparency from the brands they buy from. The Fashion Revolution movement has sparked a global conversation about the need for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry, and Somers and de Castro continue to be influential voices in this important movement.
5. Céline Semaan
"Colonialism is not a thing of the past, it is a current economic reality. Time may have passed but the systems remain the same."
Céline Semaan is a designer, writer, and sustainability advocate who has been working to promote sustainability and social justice in the fashion industry for many years. Céline is a Lebanese-Canadian designer, writer, speaker, and advocate working at the intersection of environmental and social justice. She speaks four languages, is a designer, writer, educator, strategist and mother. Céline is the founder of Slow Factory, a 501c3 public service organization addressing the intersecting crises of climate justice and social inequity — filling the gap for climate adaptation and preparedness, building community power through open education, narrative change and regenerative design. As a part of this work, Slow Factory produces a conference series promoting sustainability literacy called Study Hall, the first science-driven incubator in fashion called One X One, and a range of other offerings.
6. Venetia La Manna
"I daydream about the day a celebrity breaks their contract with a fast fashion brand and speaks up for the garment worked rights because THAT is how you use your power to change the damn industry."
Venetia La Manna is an activist, writer, and speaker who focuses on sustainable living and ethical fashion. She is a leading voice in the movement towards a more sustainable fashion industry, promoting the values of conscious consumption, environmental stewardship, and social justice. La Manna is the co-founder of Remember Who Made Them, a campaign that raises awareness about the true cost of fast fashion and promotes greater transparency and accountability in the industry. Through her work, La Manna inspires and empowers others to make more conscious choices about the clothes they wear and the impact they have on the world around us. Her instagram videos are entertaining and educational and thought provoking. Go watch "is tiktok contributing to climate change" and start to get to know her.
It is important to recognize the incredible impact these women have had on the sustainable fashion industry. By promoting greater transparency, sustainability, and inclusivity, they have worked to create a more equitable and responsible fashion industry. Their work inspires and empowers people to join the movement towards a more conscious, equitable and ethical fashion industry.
We can all play a role in this movement by making more conscious fashion choices and supporting conscious and ethical fashion practices. Let's continue to strive towards a fashion industry that is more responsible, sustainable, and just for all.
