Sustainable fashion has a rich history, dating back to 1962 when Rachel Louise Carson, a scientist, marine biologist, and conservationist, ignited the movement with her book ‘Silent Spring.’ While she wasn’t a fashion icon, her work highlighted the environmental impact of chemicals and pesticides in agriculture, contributing to the global environmental movement. Initially, sustainability was a broader concept, but it became intertwined with fashion and textiles as ‘green issues’ gained prominence after the Rio Earth Summit.
Since then, several individuals have taken the lead in promoting a more sustainable fashion industry, each approaching it from their unique perspectives. Here are a few important voices whose words and actions inspire change.
Sass BRown
Founding Dean of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation
Sass Brown, the founding Dean of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, is a remarkable researcher, writer, and educator.
Notably, she established herself as a designer with her own distinctive collection. Her area of expertise lies in ethical fashion, and she stands as a pioneer and unwavering fashion enthusiast.
Even in a time when sustainable or ethical fashion was rarely discussed, Brown conducted extensive research, authored papers, and spoke extensively about sustainable fashion. She also served as a sustainable designer advisor to women’s cooperatives, educational institutions, and more.
Brown is the author of two influential books that are considered the Bibles of Sustainable Fashion: “Eco Fashion” and “Refashioned.”
Simone Cipriani
Founder and Head of the Ethical Fashion Initiative (ETI),
The Ethical Fashion Initiative (ETI) is a part of a joint agency of the United Nations and the WTO. Cipriani was included in Business of Fashion’s prestigious list of “500 People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry” in 2013.
The Ethical Fashion Initiative serves as a bridge, connecting marginalized artisans with renowned designers such as Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. According to their website, it’s a prominent collaboration involving companies, trade unions, and NGOs dedicated to promoting workers’ rights worldwide.
Their vision revolves around a world where workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, ensuring freedom, security, and equity.
Through his work at the Ethical Fashion Initiative, Simone Cipriani has become a prominent advocate on the global stage for ethical supply chains in the fashion industry.
Safia Minney
Social entrepreneur and author
Safia Minney is perhaps best known for her involvement in the documentary “The True Cost.” She is the founder of People Tree, a fashion brand that goes beyond aesthetics. People Tree prioritizes fair trade, fair wages, good working conditions, transparency, environmental responsibility, and gender equality. These principles are at the core of People Tree, making it a benchmark for traditional fashion companies looking to enhance their supply chains.
Safia is a keynote speaker and consultant in the field of sustainability. She is a passionate advocate for fair trade and ethical fashion, and she played a pivotal role in initiating World Fair Trade Day in 1999. Safia has also authored and co-authored several books, including “Naked Fashion: The Sustainable Fashion Revolution,” “Slow Fashion: Aesthetics Meets Ethics,” and “Slave to Fashion.”
Livia Firth
Founder and Creative Director of Eco-Age
Eco-Age is a consultancy that helps organizations achieve growth by incorporating sustainability. She is also known for establishing the Green Carpet Challenge, where celebrities wear stunning sustainable pieces, debunking the myth that caring for the environment can’t be stylish.
In her role, Livia Firth raises awareness and funds for important causes, including her collaboration with Annie Lennox in founding The Circle, an organization supporting women’s rights and empowerment. She also produced the influential documentary “The True Cost,” which continues to be highly recommended.
Livia Firth holds multiple roles, including Oxfam Global Ambassador, UN Leader of Change, and has received awards such as the Rainforest Alliance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability and the Honorary Award of the National German Sustainability Foundation. Her contributions to sustainable fashion extend to her role as Sustainability Editor at large for Vogue Arabia.
Elizabeth L. Cline
New York-based author, writer
Elizabeth L. Cline is an expert on consumer culture, fast fashion, sustainability and work rights.
She runs an effective online clothing resale business on eBay and Poshmark. She has widely examined the clothing waste stream in both New York City and Nairobi, Kenya.
Her first book ‘Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion’ uncovered the effects of fast fashion on nature, economy, and society.
In her second book “The Conscious Closet: A Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good”, Cline talks about new research on fashion’s effects and demonstrates how we can use our ordinary fashion decisions to change the clothing business and improve the world.
Javier Goyeneche
Founder of ECOALF
ECOALF is a Spanish fashion brand established in 2013. ECOALF specializes in transforming discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, and coffee grounds into clothing and accessories. Over the years, the company has grown consistently and now offers a range of products, including outerwear, swimwear, casual clothing, shoes, and accessories.
ECOALF has developed more than 98 distinct recycled fabrics that are virtually indistinguishable from conventional textiles in terms of feel and touch. Notably, they require approximately 70 plastic bottles to produce 1 meter of fabric and about 80 bottles to create a single jacket.
To further expand their production and enhance their brand image, ECOALF has collaborated with organizations like Apple, Swatch, and other well-known brands. These partnerships demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and the circular economy.
Marci Zaroff
Founder of the sustainable lifestyle brands Under the Canopy and Metawear
Marci Zaroff is a trailblazer in the world of sustainable fashion, having coined and trademarked the term “Eco fashion” back in 1995. She is the founder of the sustainable lifestyle brands Under the Canopy and Metawear, which encompass a wide range of products, including women’s clothing, men’s wear, children’s clothing, home goods, and accessories.
Marci is on a mission to transform the fashion industry through education, motivation, collaboration, and innovation.
She authored the book “Eco-Renaissance,” which focuses on co-creating a stylish and sustainable world. Additionally, she has been involved in the production of projects like Thread and the short film “Driving Fashion Forward with Amber Valletta.” Her work and advocacy have made her a powerhouse in the sustainable fashion movement.
Marie-Claire Daveu
Kering’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Global Institutional Affairs
Marie-Claire Daveu is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, serving as Kering’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Global Institutional Affairs since 2012. Kering, a luxury group that boasts brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton, is synonymous with luxury on a grand scale. In her role, Marie-Claire is responsible for driving Kering’s sustainable strategy and overseeing the Group’s institutional matters.
Luxury brands often set the trends that ripple throughout the fashion world, and Marie-Claire Daveu aims to ensure that Kering’s sustainability efforts are not only recognized and appreciated but also serve as a model for other industries to follow. Her initiatives encompass education, such as Kering’s collaboration with the Center of Sustainable Fashion, offering a free course for those interested.
Marie-Claire Daveu’s expertise in sustainability is extensive, stemming from her background in Rural Engineering, Water, and Forests. Her deep understanding of material origins and ecosystem preservation transcends the fashion industry.
Lucy Siegle
London-based author, journalist, and presenter
Lucy Siegle, a London-based author, journalist, and presenter, has made a significant impact in the realm of sustainable living and social justice. With a career spanning outlets like The Observer, The Guardian, and BBC’s The One Show, she has passionately shared her commitment to these causes.
Lucy has authored and co-authored four notable books, including “Green Living in the Urban Jungle” (2001), where she explores sustainable urban lifestyles. Her work extends to “A Good Life” as a contributing author for Guardian books, “To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World?” (2011), which delves into the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry, and “Turning the Tide on Plastic” (2018), highlighting the issue of plastic pollution.
In collaboration with Livia Firth, Lucy Siegle serves as an executive producer of the influential documentary “The True Cost” and plays a pivotal role in organizing the Green Carpet Challenge, promoting sustainable fashion and social justice.
Eva Kruse
President and CEO of Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and the Copenhagen Fashion Summit
Eva Kruse is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, serving as the President and CEO of Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and the Copenhagen Fashion Summit. GFA is a leading authority in coordinating sustainability efforts within the fashion industry, with a mission to make sustainability a fundamental part of fashion, guiding and supporting industry leaders in transforming their production, marketing, and distribution practices.
Eva Kruse has worked tirelessly to drive this agenda on a global scale. Her career has spanned multiple facets, including roles in media as the editor-in-chief of Eurowoman and as a TV presenter on Danish broadcasting networks TV2 and TV3.
In her 2013 TEDx Talk titled “Changing the world through fashion,” Eva Kruse passionately advocated for the involvement of not just companies and politicians but all of us in the forefront of sustainability efforts.
Andrew Morgan
Filmmaker and producer
Andrew Morgan is a highly acclaimed filmmaker and producer renowned for his work in creating impactful narratives for a brighter future. He earned a Sustainability in Film Award for his work on “The True Cost,” a documentary that sheds light on various aspects of the clothing industry, from production to its far-reaching consequences. The film delves into issues such as water and soil contamination, pesticide pollution, disease, poverty, and even loss of life, exposing the darker aspects of the global fashion industry.
Andrew Morgan’s attraction to these critical themes led him to embark on this project, which took him to thirteen different countries to gather data and conduct interviews. The results of his efforts are truly remarkable and thought-provoking. “The True Cost” has become a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about the fashion industry’s impact on the world.
Vincent Vittorio
Co-Executive Producer of “The True Cost” and the founder of Life Is My Movie Entertainment
Vincent Vittorio is a Co-Executive Producer of “The True Cost” and the founder of Life Is My Movie Entertainment, a documentary studio dedicated to producing, acquiring, and distributing compelling non-fiction films. Vincent and his team firmly believe in the transformative power of film to create positive social change, a sentiment we wholeheartedly share.
One of his recent works, “The New Breed,” explores the stories of social entrepreneurs and conscious capitalism, highlighting the positive impact of businesses that prioritize both profit and societal well-being. Vincent Vittorio’s commitment to impactful storytelling through documentary filmmaking continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
Amy Ann Cadwell
CEO and Co-Founder of The Good Trade
Amy Ann Cadwell, as the CEO and Co-Founder of The Good Trade, has played a significant role in establishing a digital media and lifestyle brand that focuses on sustainable fashion, well-being, finances, and lifestyle. Her journey in creating this platform stems from her deep passion for sustainable development.
Amy’s awakening to the realities of the fashion industry’s dark side, as depicted in “The True Cost,” compelled her to channel her enthusiasm and graduate work toward addressing labor issues and driving sustainability in the fashion business. Her dedication to these causes has been instrumental in inspiring positive change within the industry.
Ayesha Barenblat
Founder of Remake
Ayesha Barenblat is a dedicated social entrepreneur committed to constructing sustainable supply chains that prioritize both people and the planet. She has been a passionate advocate for social justice and sustainability in the fashion industry for over a decade.
Ayesha embarked on this journey to spark a conscious consumer movement, driven by her curiosity about the origins of products, the people who make them, and the conditions in which they live.
She has collaborated with brands, governments, and labor advocates to enhance the lives of the women involved in the clothing production process.
Orsola de Castro
Founder of label ‘From Somewhere’
Orsola de Castro is a prominent figure in sustainable fashion. She began as a designer with the groundbreaking label From Somewhere, founded in 1997 and active until 2014. Her collaborations include work with brands like Jigsaw, Tesco, Speedo, and Topshop.
In 2006, she co-founded Estethica, a British Fashion Council initiative featured at London Fashion Week, which she curated until 2014.
In 2013, along with Carry Somers, she launched Fashion Revolution, a global campaign advocating for transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry. Orsola is also a noted keynote speaker, mentor, and educator at institutions like UAL and Central Saint Martins. Her influence in sustainable fashion is widely acknowledged.
Carry Somers
Founder of Fashion Revolution
Carry Somers, inspired by the tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, founded Fashion Revolution. Prior to this, Carry had spent two decades leading her fashion brand, Pachacuti, known for its exquisite Panama hats. Pachacuti was a pioneer in supply chain transparency, meticulously tracking the entire production process, from the growth of straw in community plantations to the individual homes of Panama hat weavers.
Carry championed the traditions, quality, and craftsmanship of the Andes, showcasing her collections at prestigious fashion weeks and luxury stores worldwide. Her dedication to transparency and sustainability in fashion earned her numerous awards and accolades, including a meeting with the Queen in recognition of her significant contributions to British business. Carry has also made valuable contributions to various books and publications.
Clare Press
Founder and host of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast
Clare, a British journalist, author, and activist based in Sydney, Australia, has been at the forefront of sustainability in fashion.
In 2018, she made history by becoming the first-ever VOGUE Sustainability Editor, a pioneering role in international media. Clare is a Global Ambassador for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Make Fashion Circular initiative and a member of the Fashion Roundtable team in the UK. She has served on the Australian advisory board of Fashion Revolution since 2014, sits on Copenhagen Fashion Week’s Sustainability Advisory Board, and is a Content Expert for Global Fashion Agenda.
Her impressive credentials also include being named one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence in 2019 and receiving the Green Globe Sustainability Champion Award. Clare Press is also an accomplished author, with three books to her name: “The Dressing Table” (2011), “Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went From Sunday Best to Fast Fashion,” and “Rise & Resist: How to Change the World About Activism” (2018).
Kerry Bannigan
Founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign
The founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, Kerry Bannigan collaborates closely with the United Nations Office for Partnerships to organize impactful events for crucial causes.
In her own words, she recognizes that we are confronted with significant global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. She emphasizes the profound impact of the fashion industry on these challenges and sees the potential for exponential change when the industry is engaged.
By working collectively to shape the future of fashion, she believes that we can generate dynamic impact, foster enduring innovation, and fulfill our core mission of transforming the Sustainable Development Goals into a reality, making the coming decade the most impactful yet.
Kestrel Jenkins
Storyteller, podcast ‘Conscious Chatter’
Kestrel Jenkins embarked on her journey towards conscious fashion while interning with People Tree in London. It was a pivotal moment that led her to realize that the world she wanted to inhabit was one where she could express her style without compromising her values.
Kestrel is not only a storyteller but also a conscious style enthusiast who firmly believes that fashion and ethics can coexist, and even flourish, together.
For more than a decade, she has been passionately exploring questions about the origins of our clothing, their materials, and the individuals behind their creation. Her podcast, ‘Conscious Chatter’, is a fantastic resource for those interested in the intersection of fashion and sustainability.
Dr. Christina Dean
Founder and CEO of Redress
Dr. Christina Dean is the visionary Founder and CEO of Redress, an NGO dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability within the fashion industry.
Christina is a frequent speaker at seminars, sharing her insights and expertise. Her impactful work has earned her recognition, including being listed by U.S. online magazine Coco Eco as one of the ‘Most Influential Women in Green’ and by U.K. Vogue as one of the ‘U.K.’s Top 30 Inspirational Women’.
