Here’s a curated list of top sustainable fashion influencers, bloggers, journalists, and experts to follow on Instagram and Twitter. From established names in sustainable fashion to emerging leaders, this list has something for everyone who wants to stay informed and inspired in the world of sustainable fashion.
AJA BARBER (Insta)
Aja Barber is a multifaceted writer, stylist, and consultant who delves into the intersection of sustainability and fashion. Renowned for her thought-provoking insights, she authored “Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism,” which critically examines pressing issues within the fashion industry.
With her compelling voice, Aja has contributed to various publications including Eco-Age, The Guardian, CNN, and Selfridges, offering nuanced perspectives on sustainability and fashion. She is a sought-after speaker and has graced events hosted by esteemed institutions like the V&A Museum, Study Hall Central Saint Martins, Cambridge Student Union, and Riposte Magazine.
Aja’s engagement extends to social media, where she shares daily microblogs on her Instagram page and provides exclusive content on Patreon. Her writings delve into complex themes such as privilege, wealth inequality, racism, feminism, and colonialism, all while advocating for transformative change within the fashion industry through shifts in everyday practices.
ORSOLA DE CASTRO (Insta)
Orsola de Castro is a renowned designer, author, and sustainability advocate, celebrated for her innovative work in the fashion industry. She gained recognition through her pioneering upcycling label ‘From Somewhere,’ active from 1997 to 2014. However, her most notable contribution is co-founding Fashion Revolution, a global movement sparked by the tragic 2013 Bangladesh Rana Plaza collapse.
As a leading figure in the slow fashion and fair labor movements, de Castro serves as a mentor to emerging designers and contributes to the academic sphere as an associate lecturer at UAL and a visiting fellow at Central Saint Martins. In 2021, she released her first book, “Loved Clothes Last,” offering a memoir of her impactful journey in sustainable fashion.
With a strong presence as a keynote speaker, de Castro utilizes social media platforms to advocate for sustainable practices and share insights into industry events and developments. Her online presence serves as a vital resource for those passionate about sustainable fashion.
ELIZABETH L CLINE (X/Twitter)
Elizabeth L Cline is a distinguished journalist, author, and advocate for labor rights and sustainability within the fashion sector. Renowned for her groundbreaking work, Cline emerged as an early critic of fast fashion with her seminal exposé titled “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion,” which debuted in 2012. Her insightful analysis shed light on the detrimental impacts of the fast fashion industry on both people and the planet.
In addition to her influential debut, Cline authored “The Conscious Closet: A Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good,” released in 2019. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on adopting a more sustainable and ethical approach to personal style.
Currently serving as the Director of Advocacy and Policy at Remake, a global non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in the fashion industry, Cline continues to be a leading voice in the movement for positive change. Her written work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, The Nation, and The New Yorker, cementing her reputation as a respected authority on sustainability in fashion.
Through her active presence on social media platforms, Cline shares valuable updates and insights on pressing issues within the apparel industry, further amplifying awareness and advocacy efforts for a more sustainable and equitable fashion future.
Rosario Dawson (Insta)
Rosario Dawson, acclaimed American actress, stands out in Hollywood not only for her talent but also for her steadfast advocacy for sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
In a departure from the typical celebrity pursuits, Dawson co-founded Studio 189, a pioneering artisan-produced fashion lifestyle brand and social enterprise, in 2013. Through Studio 189, she champions traditional African crafts and sustainable methods, emphasizing small collections, upcycled materials, and regenerative farming practices. This commitment to ethical fashion garnered recognition when the brand won the esteemed CFDA Lexus Fashion Initiative for Sustainability in 2018.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dawson leverages her platform to address pressing issues within the fashion realm. She critiques the industry’s lack of inclusivity and representation while shedding light on the harmful impacts of fast fashion. Through her activism and innovative ventures, Dawson embodies a holistic approach to sustainability, merging creativity with conscience to drive positive change in the fashion landscape.
CHRISTINA DEAN (Insta)
Christina Dean, a renowned writer, activist, and founder of NGO Redress and The R Collective, has dedicated her career to combating waste in the fashion industry. With the establishment of NGO Redress in 2007 in Hong Kong and the subsequent founding of The R Collective in 2017, Dean has spearheaded initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability and reducing environmental impact within the fashion sector.
As an award-winning journalist and prominent voice in the industry, Dean’s insights and perspectives have been featured in esteemed publications such as VOGUE, BBC, New York Times, Forbes, and Bloomberg Business Week. She also serves as the host of the docu-series Frontline Fashion, shedding light on critical issues at the intersection of fashion and sustainability.
Dean’s impactful contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including being named one of the UK’s ‘Top 30 Inspirational Women’ by UK Vogue and recognized as one of Asia’s Most Influential by Asia Tatler. Through her advocacy, Dean continues to inspire positive change and drive progress towards a more sustainable future for fashion.
LIVIA FIRTH (Insta)
Livia Firth, an influential figure in eco-fashion, co-founded Eco-Age, a consulting agency dedicated to sustainability. Known for her elegant frameworks and campaigns promoting environmental and social justice on a global scale, Firth’s impact extends far beyond the fashion industry.
Recognized as a UN Leader of Change, she has received prestigious awards such as the UN Fashion 4 Development Award and the Rainforest Alliance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability. Alongside Lucy Siegle, Firth co-founded the Green Carpet Challenge in 2009, leveraging celebrity influence to raise awareness about sustainable fashion.
Firth’s social media presence offers insights into her professional projects and her personal approach to sustainability and conscious living, making her a must-follow for anyone interested in eco-friendly lifestyles.
TANSY HOSKINS (X/Twitter)
Tansy Hoskins, an accomplished author and award-winning journalist, has dedicated nearly a decade to writing about fashion. With a keen focus on labor rights and climate issues within the fashion industry, she passionately advocates for sustainable practices.
Hoskins’ thought-provoking work has been featured in prominent publications such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Open Democracy, i-D, and Huck Magazine. Leveraging her expertise, she also delivers lectures on the political dynamics of the fashion sector at universities, museums, cultural events, and political gatherings across Europe.
Her debut book, “Stitched Up,” which delves into the complexities of the fashion industry, has been translated into six languages and was handpicked by Emma Watson for her ‘Ultimate Book List.’ Following the success of her first book, Hoskins released “Foot Work,” an exposé uncovering the hidden origins of the footwear industry. Her latest publication, “The Anti-Capitalist Book Of Fashion,” released in August 2022, offers critical insights into the intersection of fashion and capitalism. Through her impactful writing, Hoskins continues to shed light on pressing issues and advocate for positive change in the fashion world.
ADITI MAYER (Insta)
Aditi Mayer is a dedicated sustainable fashion blogger and photojournalist, driven by her commitment to promoting intersectional and decolonized perspectives. Through her work, she endeavors to explore sustainability with a blend of curiosity, curation, and critique, contributing a unique voice to the broader sustainability movement.
Aditi’s diverse approach spans various domains, ranging from grassroots organizing within Downtown LA’s garment district to advocating for the significance of diverse viewpoints in sustainability. Her efforts reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social justice, environmentalism, and ethical fashion.
SAFIA MINNEY (X/Twitter)
Safia Minney MBE, a prominent British executive coach, author, and esteemed social entrepreneur, is renowned for her pioneering work in sustainable and Fair-Trade fashion. As the founder of People Tree, a groundbreaking sustainable fashion label, Minney has been at the forefront of promoting ethical and environmentally conscious practices in the industry.
Recognized as an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur by the World Economic Forum, Minney served as Global CEO of People Tree for 24 years before stepping down in 2015. Her commitment to sustainability led her to establish Fashion Declares, a grassroots movement dedicated to addressing the climate, ecological, and social crises within the fashion industry.
A tireless advocate for sustainability, anti-modern slavery, and fair-trade production, Minney has leveraged various platforms to amplify her message. She has produced numerous short films and authored six books on the subject, furthering education and awareness in the field. Additionally, Minney shares her expertise by training and mentoring leaders in sustainability across diverse industries, leaving an indelible mark on the global pursuit of ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
LEWIS PERKINS (Insta)
Lewis Perkins, the President of the Apparel Impact Institute (AII) and former President of the Cradle-to-Cradle Products Innovation Institute, has dedicated his career to advancing sustainability in the fashion industry. With a profound commitment to promoting the use of safe and circular materials, Perkins serves as a sustainability strategist and influential advocate within the sector.
His extensive involvement includes prestigious roles such as membership on the H&M Global Change Award Expert Panel and participation in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Circular Fibers Initiative. Perkins is a sought-after speaker at global conferences, where he shares his expertise on sustainable fashion practices. Notably, he has graced the stage at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit on multiple occasions.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Perkins engages with audiences through his YouTube talk show, where he facilitates discussions with fashion professionals and leading sustainability experts. Through these platforms, he continues to drive meaningful dialogue and inspire action towards a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
CELINE SEMAAN (Insta)
Celine Semaan is a prominent Lebanese Canadian figure recognized for her multifaceted roles as a designer, writer, and activist. As the CEO & Co-Founder of the non-profit organizations Slow Factory and the Study Hall Conferences, Semaan has pioneered the concept of ‘fashion activism’ and emerged as a leading advocate for climate justice and human rights.
Under her leadership, Slow Factory has spearheaded numerous educational initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability literacy and fostering a transformation towards a zero waste, circular fashion industry. Through innovative programs and collaborations, Semaan’s foundation strives to redefine the fashion landscape, advocating for responsible practices and equitable growth.
In her upcoming debut book titled “A WOMAN IS A SCHOOL,” slated for publication in 2024, Semaan intertwines elements of memoir, research, and social theory to champion alternative pathways towards sustainable development and individual fulfillment.
Beyond the glossy facade often associated with social media, Celine Semaan’s digital presence offers a thought-provoking perspective on our collective actions and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Her candid and insightful posts prompt reflection on the pressing issues facing our planet, challenging audiences to confront the realities of our current trajectory and embrace meaningful change.
CARRY SOMERS (Insta)
Carry Somers, a prominent British fashion designer, activist, and social entrepreneur, is widely recognized as the founder and CEO of Fashion Revolution, a global movement dedicated to catalyzing systemic change within the fashion industry, particularly in terms of supply chain transparency.
Somers embarked on her fashion journey by establishing the fair-trade fashion brand ‘Pachacuti’ in 1992, specializing in stylish hats crafted in the Panama style. Notably, Pachacuti became the first brand to receive certification under the World Fair Trade Organization Sustainable Fair Trade Management System, reflecting Somers’ commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
While Somers has discontinued her presence on Instagram, she remains actively engaged in online discourse, sharing insights and participating in discussions through her Twitter and LinkedIn profiles. Her dedication to driving positive change within the fashion industry continues to inspire and influence stakeholders worldwide.
BANDANA TEWARI (Insta)
Bandana Tewari, an esteemed figure in the Indian fashion landscape, is renowned for her multifaceted roles as a journalist, sustainable activist, and former editor-at-large of Vogue India.
Having dedicated nearly two decades to the fashion industry, Tewari made a significant decision to step down from her prestigious position at Vogue. Her mission shifted towards raising awareness about the profound impact of fashion on the environment, guiding numerous brands towards greater consciousness in their practices.
Tewari’s influence extends beyond her editorial career; she currently serves as a special advisor to the Global Fashion Agenda and has lent her expertise as a judge for the H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award. Notably, she delivered a compelling TED Talk on drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s principles to advocate for slow fashion.
As a leading expert in the realms of slow and conscious fashion, Tewari continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide, fostering a more sustainable and ethical approach to the fashion industry.
ALDEN WICKER (Insta)
Alden Wicker, an award-winning journalist and self-described “recovering influencer,” is renowned for her pioneering work in sustainable and ethical fashion. As the founder of EcoCult, a prominent digital publication dedicated to exploring the environmental and social impacts of fashion, Wicker has established herself as a leading voice in the industry.
Driven by a desire for honest conversations about fashion’s effects on the planet and its people, Wicker launched EcoCult in 2013, filling a crucial gap in the media landscape. Her investigative journalism has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, Wired, and Harper’s Bazaar, shedding light on pressing issues within the fashion industry.
In addition to her written contributions, Wicker is a sought-after speaker and moderator, lending her expertise to panel discussions on sustainability for various media outlets. Her forthcoming book, slated for release in 2023, delves into the toxic chemicals prevalent in fashion production, further cementing her commitment to driving meaningful change within the industry.
