9 Sustainable Fashion Activists You Should Follow on Instagram
"What is the number one tip you would give to someone who is just starting to learn about sustainable fashion?"
This is a question I get a lot. And my answer is always: curate your online space.
Because we all spend so much time online, it is essential to take control over who gets access to our time and attention. Curating an online space starts by unsubscribing from the newsletters of fast fashion brands and retailers that are only tempting you to shop more. It also means unfollowing accounts on social media that are not in line with your goals. This includes influencers, brands, businesses, and organizations.
After this, you can start looking for those that inspire you to learn further. Many people share their sustainable tips, ideas, or insights that can help you on your own journey. I suggest starting with those that have similar interests and (life)style as you, as their experiences might be relevant directly to you. After a while, start diversifying your feed to get new perspectives and ideas.
To help you out a bit, I wanted to make a list of some of my favorite sustainable fashion activists and advocates that you can follow. They all primarily talk about and create content around fashion and beauty.
I promise, you’ll find plenty of inspiration, tips, and will learn a lot about the industry!
1.Céline Semaan
This Lebanese-Canadian fashion designer based in New York has originally coined the term fashion activism. After years of working in the industry and advocating for inclusion, decolonization, and sustainability, she co-founded Slow Factory Foundation.
Céline brings educational content and lessons that tackle the deepest issues and injustices in the industry. She is here to challenge the power structures and change the way you think about fashion.
2. Orsola de Castro
The co-founder and creative director of Fashion Revolution, designer, and author, Orsola is one of the leaders of the global slow fashion movement. She is also a big advocate for repairing and mending our clothes. She published a book, Loved Clothes Last, and has given countless talks and lessons on the topic.
Through her content, Orsola shares her work in Fashion Revolution, her love for vintage and upcycled fashion, as well as the work from other activists and organizations.
3. Aja Barber
Aja is a stylist, consultant, and writer who talks about racism, classism, colonialism, and justice in the fashion industry.
Aja occasionally shares sustainable brands and recommendations but her posts are mainly focused on a deep dive into the industry. She has also recently published her first book, Consumed, now available for purchase. Even if you have been into sustainable fashion for a while, I guarantee that you’ll have a lot to (un)learn by following Aja.
4. Dan Pontarlier
Dan is here to reform menswear! An upcycling lover, model, and actor, Dan has his own label DP the Label, and has co-founded the European Sustainable Hospitality Club, as well as the European Sustainable Fashion Week. He has also written a book From Trash to Runway.
Apart from sharing his upcycled designs and looks, through his content, Dan questions the gender norms and beauty standards in the industry.
5. Dominique Drakeford
Dominique is the founder of Melanin And Sustainable Style, a platform that discusses and celebrates the communities of color in sustainable fashion and beauty. She is reforming the meaning of sustainability and is known for calling out on the diversity and inclusion problem within the movement.
Along with sharing her activism work, Dominique’s feed is full of style inspiration and support for BIPOC-owned brands.
6. Aditi Mayer
A photojournalist, sustainable fashion blogger, and labor rights activist, Aditi brings a refreshing view on social and environmental justice. Living in LA and fighting for changes in the global fashion supply chain, Aditi is a great storyteller.
Her feed is filled with her beautiful photography style and she shares her work, learnings, as well as some of her favorite sustainable brands.
7. Marielle Elizabeth
Marielle is a Canadian photographer, stylist, consultant, and content creator advocating for size inclusivity in sustainable fashion.
Through her photography and content, Marielle unpacks slow fashion, shares her looks, and promotes brands that offer a range of plus sizes. She has also written about fatphobia, slow wardrobe, and beauty standards for magazines like Vogue and The Cut.
8. Elizabeth Joy (Conscious Style)
Conscious Style is a blog and a podcast that explores the ways to create a better, more sustainable, and equitable future for fashion. Together with her team, Elisabeth discusses inclusivity, transparency, community, and fairness in fashion.
She also shares fantastic graphics and easy-to-digest guides that are perfect both for beginners and those looking to expand their knowledge.
9. Alexis (Girl With a Green Closet)
“Woman with a lot to say”, reads Alexis' Instagram bio and it’s definitely worth listening to! As a fashion enthusiast living in New York, Alexis shares her mostly thrifted style but also insights into fashion and media.
Raw, personal, and relatable, Alexis’ content discusses the ins and outs of working in sustainability and is a great way to stay up to date with what’s going on in the industry.
Bonus! You can also follow me @thinking.threads where I talk about ethics, mental health, and business in fashion, and share things I learn from working with small brands. So come along and don’t hesitate to say hi!
LIVE YOU. LOVE YOU
X0,
Tena
