A short time ago, Fi and I spoke with Lynn Freeman about fashion, waste, and the revival of sewing and mending.
Our conversation was aired on 3rd January 2019, and you can listen again via the Radio NZ podcast.
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Much of the global fashion industry is opaque, exploitative, and environmentally damaging and desperately needs revolutionary change. Fashion Revolution brings everyone together to make that happen. It starts with one simple question: "Who made my clothes?" Fashion Revolution believes this simple question gets people thinking differently about what they wear. We need to know that our questions, our voices, and our shopping habits can have the power to help change things for the better. Our Fashion Revolution Photobooth is a chance for visiting designers and guests from around NZ, and the world, to connect with this campaign during ID Dunedin Fashion Week. Fashion fans can also get in on the action by showcasing the brands they love and inviting those brands to share their story. It’s as simple as looking out for our photobooth before the show each night, letting us know a few simple details, and having your photo taken. Everyone is also welcome to take a selfie and post online with hashtags #whomademyclothes, #lovedclotheslast. See the Fashion Revolution website for more information and resources. Last year, as part of UNSTITCHED, I ran an 'op shop hop' event, touring central city op shops and sharing my styling tips on shopping well for less. This was a great chance for me to put into practice the knowledge I have gained from my 'previous life' working as a personal image consultant; helping people to understand (and apply) how to dress to suit not just their physical appearance, but their personality and lifestyle. Recently, I connected with local entrepreneur Kate Grey, co-founder of Pikaado (a new online platform for Dunedinites to share our skills in fun, small-scale workshops, and to find social ways to connect and learn new skills). She had had requests from many people for a workshop where they could get help shopping; to save time, money, and reduce the confusion of working out which of 'this seasons trends' were worthwhile for them. Remembering the fun of the op shop hop, I thought 'why not'? This session is for those of us who are new to thinking about 'shopping consciously' and want some help to 'buy less and choose well', while still enjoying the convenience of 'high street shopping'. It will be an easy, fun, practical solution to the countless hours of frustration staring at your wardrobe wondering how you have so many clothes and so little you want to wear. There are two time options, Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, and the groups are limited to 4 people, so it's a great chance to bring a friend or family member, or simply enjoy getting to know a couple of new friends. Date: Thursday 26th April or Saturday 28th April Cost: $45/person (discount applies for booking with others) Registration: Essential, via Pikaado website
Included in our program for Fashion Revolution this year, we are delighted to have two events with visiting social entrepreneur, author, and upcyling pioneer Jane Milburn. Jane was born in Owaka, and has lived in Brisbane for the past 20 years. Fi met Jane at the Eco Fashion Week in Perth earlier this year, and we're thrilled she will be returning to Otago for a visit, right on time for Fashion Revolution and ID Dunedin Fashion week. Jane has recently published her book: "Slow Clothing: Finding Meaning in What We Wear". "Slow Clothing" presents a compelling case for why we need to change the way we dress, to live lightly on Earth through the everyday practice of how we wear and care for our clothes. In an era dominated by the passive consumption of cheap and synthetic fashion, Jane Milburn arrived at the Slow Clothing philosophy by refashioning her own garments. The clothing surplus in wardrobes and op shops presents a creative opportunity to revive, adapt, and mend garments to suit ourselves while discovering our unique style. We have arranged two events with Jane, hosted by the Dunedin Public Library. Jane will share her extensive knowledge and experience with the clothing industry in a public talk (coinciding with Fashion Revolution Day), followed by a practical workshop the following week (coinciding with ID Dunedin Fashion Week):
We are super excited about being able to participate in this year's international campaign for Fashion Revolution! This will be our third year where we have organised events to coincide with this global campaign to increase awareness, and develop creative solutions, to the devastating problems in the contemporary fashion industry. As in the past 2 years, we will be calling our project "UNSTITCHED". Highlighting our wish to 'unstitch the myths of the fashion industry' and help people to become informed about actions they can take to make positive differences. This year, we are doing something slightly different. We have researched the local impact of the fashion industry, and will deliver an interactive seminar presenting this information, adapted to suit different audiences and time frames. Our aim is to connect with groups to empower their members and wider public audiences with the ideas of a 'pro-fashion revolution': How they can learn more about the choices available; understanding care labels and garment quality; using resources, such as the 'Good On You' app, to identify companies/labels which reflect their personal values; and the benefits of supporting local business and independent design. Join us for an informal, interactive discussion on contemporary fashion and our place in this global industry. Plus, we'll introduce you to 'craftivism' and help you make a small scale embroidered patch, which you can use to cover holes in jeans... stitch to your jacket sleeve... display in public... give a friend... anything you like. Date: Wednesday 18th April, 2018 Time: Between 1-4pm (come when you can, stay for as long as you like) Place: Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Building Cost: Free Registration: Recommended, but not essential. We will also be presenting variations on this interactive session in association with Quilters & Patchworkers of Otago; Otago Creative Fibre group; Otago Girls High School Environmental Group; Bayfield High School Enviroschools group. We still have spaces available, and if you are connected with a community group, school or organisation around Dunedin we would love to hear from you and adapt this to suit your group. Please email us for more information. |
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