MATTER: Sophie Dickson

MEETING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE IT MATTER!

4-5 MEET THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW’S IT MATTER’S 6-7 WEAR CLOTHE’S THAT MATTER 8-13 INTERVIEW: CHLOE ELLIOT DESIGNS 14-15 HOW CAN WE BE MORE SUSTAINABLE? 16-23 INTERVIEW: BELORE 24-25 10 REASONS TO OWN LESS STUFF GIRLS 26-31 INTERVIEW: VINTAGE FIZZ 32-33 LET’S TALK SUSTAINABILITY 34-35 LOVE YOUR CLOTHES 36-45 INTERVIEW: EMELY LONEY

THE SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE The sustainability issue features four amazing Gen Z women Issie Anderson owner

of VintageFizz, Emely Bjorkman a graduate fashion designer and sustainability activist, Chloe Elliot owner of ‘Chloe Elliot designs’ and finally BELORE, a 100% sustainable fashion brand from Belfast. These girls are living their day to day lives more sustainably. Each person will have their own individual way of making a change with their consumption, some more than others. This magazine will allow other Gen Z women to look Into the lifestyle choices of others and take influence from them to become more sustainable, as well as top tips on how to make changes, even if they are small.

Sustainability is more important now more than ever, the fashion industry contributes significantly to climate change through fast fashion, burning of disused clothes and landfills. Our lifestyles are fast; our fashion is fast; our news and information are fast, and it’s no longer sustainable. In the sustainability issue, we meet the creative women who are slowly slowing things down. Whether it is shopping from second hand stores, owning vintage stores, or owning their own sustainable business’.

Everyone featured in this issue has decided to make changes, even if they aren’t extreme ones. This is The Sustainability Issue.

Enjoy the magazine!

Sophie Dickson FOUNDER

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MEET THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW IT MATTER’S.

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MATTERS TO CARE. IT MATTERS TO WANT TO CHANGE. IT MATTERS TO TRY. IT MATTERS TO STOP. IT MATTERS TO GIVE UP FAST FASHION. IT MATTERS TO STOP ORDERING ONLINE. IT MATTERS TO RECYCLE. IT MATTERS TO REWEAR. IT MATTERS TO THINK DIFFERENTLY. IT MATTERS TO THINK RESPONSIBLY. IT MATTERS TO SWAP YOUR CLOTHES. IT MATTERS TO BE AWARE. IT MATTERS TO THINK. IT MATTERS TO DISCUSS IMPACTS. IT MATTERS TO RESEARCH INTO BRANDS. IT MATTERS TO READ. IT MATTERS TO MAKE EFFORT. IT MATTERS TO BUY VINTAGE. IT MATTERS WHO MADE YOUR CLOTHES. IT MATTERS TO LOVE YOUR CLOTHES. IT MATTERS TO THINK ‘DO I NEED IT?’.

IT MATTERS TO THINK OF THE IMPACTS. IT MATTERS TO TRY YOUR BEST. IT MATTERS TO THINK OF THE DAMAGE. IT

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FASHION GRADUATE AND OWNER OF CHLOE ELLIOT DESIGNS 8

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“I CREATED MY GRADUATE COLLECTION BASED ON UPCYCLING 80’S WOMENS POWER SUIT JACKETS” 11

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Would you say you are 100% sustainable?

I would say I do actively try my best to be as sustainable as I can possibly be as a start up fashion business. Knowing the importance of sourcing ethical materials and using sustainable methods of production, it is crucial for new upcoming fashion businesses to think about and act upon to help lead the direction for the new generation of the fashion industry. It is up to us as new thinkers and designers to really set the tone for how the fashion industry needs to change and develop to create a more sustainable future for the planet.

Is the supplier that you use to buy your materials from sustainable?

For my unique custom streetwear I source my garments from a supplier that carry’s sustainable and ethical values throughout all aspects of their company. Which I believe is so important to look for when sourcing garments.

Tell me about your graduate collection?

Graduating in July 2019, I created my graduate collection based on upcycling 80’s womens power suit jackets with lots of embroidery, beading and embellishments. I used recycled fabrics to create appliqué patches to cover the power suit jackets to give it a whole new life as a unique costume piece.

I really enjoyed creating my graduate collection and finding new ways to reuse second hand garments and old fabric off-cuts to create something totally different and new from “old” things.

What inspired you to create upcycled garments?

It made sense to me to bring together my love for vintage clothes and passion for embroidery and embellishment. Once I started with the idea it just kept developing and I grew more and more passionate about the process, being able to create something new and completely unique from an old garment is an amazing feeling.

Where did you get Inspiration from for your collection?

My inspiration in the beginning came from my love for the bright crazy colours from the 1980s fashion that I came across in old ELLE magazines. My design process usually begins with testing and sampling and that’s where I began. When I start to create something that I love, that’s what inspires the direction of where I want to go with the project.

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When did you start your own business?

I started my fashion design business just after the summer of graduation in 2019. I never really intended to create a business so soon but from posting my work on social media people gathered an interest in what I was doing and what my skill set was and I began to get commissions for embroidery design work. I have always been passionate about streetwear and I just decided to invest my own money into buying garments from suppliers to create my own embroidered streetwear. I didn’t think much of it, I just began with thinking that I was making clothes that I loved and that I would wear myself, and I would photograph them and post on social media and people were interested.

Is your business doing well?

I would say that I am very humbled by the amount of support I have received for my business over the past few months of starting out. I am overwhelmed at the amount of interest that there has been in my designs and the demand for these unique customisable garments, I could have never imagined this all happening, it has really grown over the first few months and I’m so thankful for every single bit of support.

Do you find people ask about how sustainable you are before purchasing your products?

I think that people see me as a small business owner doing all of the design work myself in a slow fashion, made-to-order process and they understand and appreciate that their garment is sustainably made. Creating no waste or dead stock that could end up in landfill, working on a made-to-order basis is the best way for my business to operate to be as sustainable as possible.

Do you find that the younger generation are becoming more aware of sustainable fashion?

I do think that sustainability is becoming trendy and fashionable as more of the younger generation are becoming interested in recycling and upcycling clothes. I believe that comes from the increase in awareness of the environmental impact of the current fast fashion system that is destroying the planet, people are really starting to appreciate vintage second hand clothing. As well as it becoming a trendy fashion statement, vintage clothing is appealing to the younger generation as they seek a unique fashion style.

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BUY VINTAGE Buying vintage is a great way to give old clothes a new beginning. We can all find unique pieces of history.

SWAPPING WITH YOUR GIRLS Swapping, swishing, sharing.

The simplest way to extend the life of your clothes is by giving them a new owner.

Organise a clothes swap with your gals. Make it a party!

SECOND HAND Recreate your favourite looks for a fraction of the price by buying from local charity shops. This keeps perfectly good clothes out of landfill and supports charitable cause too. Win-Win girls!

HIRE FOR A NIGHT OUT Hire catwalk looks for high street prices, it makes perfect sense.

Affordable designer clothes to loan and wear for any occasion, before giving them back for someone else to wear.

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BELORE MADE FROM SUSTAINABLE RECYCLED MATERIALS

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“THE MORE PEOPLE WE CONNECT WITH, THE BIGGER THE MOVEMENT WILL BE” 19

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Why the name Belore?

It means to live in kindness, compassion, and living in the best way you possibly can to help the world and the planet.

What made you start up your own business?

We both started our own Depop accounts, we then realised we love messaging people, keeping in contact with customers, getting to know people and providing a good service. I think we have always been professional and we are also creative so we knew we could be ourselves, which is amazing.

When did you become interested in sustainablity?

We have always been interested in sustainability, in any way we can help the planet. It is just the principles off it are very important to us.

We have always loved clothes so for us we have come together and seen the impacts environmentally , and with Depop inspiring us and seeing our generation making a change we thought hey we can do that!

Is your brand 100% sustainable?

Yes it is, it is made from 100% recycled material, and that way it is something we can afford to sustain without a serious impact on the environment. We have fair-trade and ethical production.

Who produces your t-shirts and fabrics?

It took alot of research, we researched UK places first, but unfortunately there aren’t that many companies that produce recycled materials, we are quite behind beacuse we kept finding american companies. And even the impact of ordering items from half way across the world, just didn’t fit in with our brands

ethos, so we found a company in the UK who promoted 100% recyeled items, and we thought that it fitted in nicely with our brands morals.

How do you ship your products?

As simple as we can. We have been keeping it simple with tissue paper and string. We have shipped a few international parcels that have been a bit trickier but we have managed to stay away from plastic. We also have a pick up option that people can come collect, which saves alot of materials.

Do you feel like your brand has been sucessful?

Yeah absolutely, we feel like it is always easy to underestimate how things will take off, but the support we have received is beyond anything we could ever imagined. People have been so inspired by our ideas and what we are trying to put forward.

Do you feel like the younger generation are now becoming more aware of sustainability?

Yeah absolutely, there has been a massive movement with young people recently, especially towards more ethical and sustainable fashion. People are becoming more aware of their choices and the impact that it has. it is very easy to get swept up in fast fashion and all of their advertising. Your choices have the biggest impact.

“YOUR CHOICES HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT” 23

10 REASONS TO OWN LESS STUFF GIRLS 1. Better for the environment- Stop buying stuff, there’s less packaging and less production.

3. You’ll spend less- Spend less on stuff that you don’t really need and shop with intention instead.

5. Contribute to good causes- Give benefit to a charity you love instead of buying clutter that you end up regretting.

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2. Encourages gratitude- When we’re used to having lots of stuff then we often don’t appreciate what we have already.

4. More focus on quality over quantityInvest wisely in quality items.

6. Live intentionally- When you own less, what you do have is more important.

7. More freedom- You’re less tied to looking after your stuff.

8. Be happier- See the difference it make’s to declutter and own less.

9. More space- You only have what you need, love or adds value to your life so there’s less random clutter taking up space.

10. Increases productivity and efficiencyDon’t waste so much time.

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ART AND DESIGN GRADUATE AND OWNER OF VINTAGE FIZZ 26

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“I FELT LIKE I WAS DROWNING IN FAST FASHION I HAD TO STOP”

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ISSIE’S WAY

by Sophie Dickson

“I FELT LIKE I WAS DROWNING IN FAST FASHION I HAD TO STOP.” My friend Issie owns her own Depop account called ‘Vintage fizz’. I contacted Issie as I know she is very against fast fashion. It all started for her when she used to constantly order from fast fashion brands like Pretty little thing, ASOS and Missguided. She said she eventually realised how much harm fast fashion was doing to the environment and she had to stop. Issie talked to me about how much money she was spending every week, and she felt like she needed to buy a new outfit every time she went out.

While speaking to her she said: “I honestly just felt like I was drowning in fast fashion, everytime I opened my wardrobe I was just stuck for choice.” It was a pretty strong statement to make but it sounded exciting. Issie wanted to start her Depop because she really needed money at uni and had a lot of clothes she didn’t wear anymore.

I asked Issie “Can you give any advice on how to approach fashion more sustainably?” She said it’s very important to be aware of the brands that you are buying from, educate yourself.

It was interesting to hear that Issie wasn’t 100% sure what sustainable fashion was before she started up her Depop, or what it stood for. She started watching documentaries on Netflix, to educate herself, she mentioned that ‘The true cost’ shows you how fast fashion pollutes our earth.

“ANYTIME SOMEONE ASKS ME HOW TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE I JUST SAY “THINK OF A REASON WHY YOU SHOULD STOP, AND IT WILL WORK!”

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“CHECK OUT APPS LIKE DEPOP AND EBAY FOR ITEMS YOU WANT ONLINE BECAUSE MOST LIKELY SOMEONE WILL BE SELLING IT BRAND NEW FOR HALF THE PRICE.” Unfortunately Issie was starting to get really stuck for money while studying at Art college in Liverpool, she said one day it hit her and she she was like ‘You know what I can’t afford to keep buying stuff I am on a bane!’

After that she started researching into certain peoples Depop accounts and thought, ‘I have a bit of time on my hands, why not give this a try?’

I asked Issie what it is like being a seller she stated “Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of pressure selling items and to source items that people will want to buy, and the main thing is making sure you stand out from other sellers. It takes time, sometimes you will go into a charity shop and find absolutely nothing and other times you just have luck and come across something you love”. It was made clear to me while speaking to her that you have to have confidence in the items you are selling.

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Follow Vintage Fizz on Instagram @vintagefizz_

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“GEN Z WOMEN ARE SMART WITH THEIR CHOICES.” It’s no secret that Gen Z women are smart, tapped into what’s going on in their world, and aren’t afraid to step up and make a difference where it counts. Young women care a lot about the current state of our environment, from what they wear, how they buy and how they sell. What we know right now is that Gen-Z women are kind of panicking about our planet, and now more than ever, young women are recognizing the need for sustainable options and substitutes in their lives.

animal rights, human rights and diversity in educational institutions. If the brands ethics aren’t in the right place, they won’t be a fan.

Gen-Z buyers are fascinated by the recommerce industry, where recycled fashion, beauty and other products are available for resale. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in the last few years, apps like Depop provide young women an easy platform to sell their clothes and buy recycled items.

80% of Gen Z believes that companies should help the environment. This generation of women will actively choose to support brands that hold a high priority on social responsibility, including other causes like

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LOVE YOUR CLOTHES

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DON’T THROW AWAY YOUR OLD CLOTHES (WHETHER THEY ARE GOOD QUALITY, USED, OR WORN OUT). LET SOMEONE LOVE THEM LIKE YOU ONCE DID. MATTER MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY 2020

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EMELY LONEY GRADUATE FASHION DESIGNER AND SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVIST

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“BRANDS L AND PRE THING ARE ENVIRONM TO SOUND BUT YOU RE NOT SHOP F 38

LIKE BOOHOO ETTY LITTLE RUINING OUR MENT AND NOT LIKE A HIPPY EALLY SHOULD FROM THEM.” 39

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When did you become interested in sustainability?

My mum is actually Swedish, and in Sweden you are just brought up to be more ethical and more environmentally friendly. Many of the laws in Sweden are more aimed at helping the environment. So my mum has always been quite sustainable, but it really kicked in for me when I was in first year of uni and all our lectures were all about ‘How can you be more sustainable as a designer?’ So that means how can you be sustainable as a buyer as well, you should look at where your clothing is coming from.

Where do you mainly shop for your clothing?

I mainly shop on Depop now, almost all my recent purchases are all second hand, they are usually good quality products. I bought a new winter coat and Gucci heels quite recently, you can buy anything second hand you just have to keep your eye out. Apps like Depop and Ebay you can buy anything second hand that’s actually amazing.

What is your favourite vintage shop at the minute?

My favourite vintage shop at the minute is the Red Cross in Botanic, they have lots of amazing good quality pieces and I have picked up lots of designer labels for absolutely nothing. There is also Octopus gardens and American madness, they pick out some gems to showcase in there shops. So they are a few of my favourites as well.

What is the best way to approach sustainability?

smart investments in the clothing you are buying, it is also about who you want to give your money too, you have to look into who you are purchasing from and what there motives are. Make small changes in your life, you can go online and purchase something second hand and style them and make them so special instead of something that is fast fashion. Fast fashion is the second largest polluter, so its a major issue that people are choosing to ignore.

Do you have any items that aren’t particularly sustainable?

I do have a pair of doc martins and air force 1’s, those would be buys that if you invest in them you’ll have them for a really long time. Also if you take care of them you’ll have them for years.

Whats your favourite second Hand item of clothing you have bought or received?

I was gifted a beautiful shearling pilot coat by my mum for Christmas, it makes it really special to me because I know I can up style it and make it modern, and I have something thats a little bit different that no one has. That jacket was worn by someone else and now I get to present it to the rest of the world.

Who inspires your style?

I get inspiration from so many sustainable designers like Katherine Hamnett , that inspires my style.

My style is changing every year, the Emely from 2018 is not the same girl in 2020. I like to change my look, it depends on how I am feeling. Some days I decide I want to be a goth girl, then other days I will want to wear every single colour and every texture I can fit onto my body.

The best way to approach sustainability is really just to start doing anything that you can to be more sustainable, weather its deciding to just eat meat once a week or deciding to not buy that dress from Asos. It is about making 41

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Follow @emelybjorkmanart on Instagram

Because it MATTER’S to make a change.