My dream for the future includes a fully circular economy, one where waste is designed out and the focus is on sustainable materials, ethical labour and conscious consumption. In the world of textiles, dirty industrial agriculture and fibre processing, abhorrent labour conditions, environmental racism, western rates of production and consumption, and ultimately the disposal of these unwanted garments are all facets of the same ugly stone. There are so many corrections that need to be made in this industry. Even though the textile industry is a huge machine with many moving parts, progress and changes to these flawed supply chains are finally gaining momentum within the mainstream. The amount of work and effort being put into improving our broken system is astonishing, from small makers and artisans to gradual shifts by big industry players.
Along this journey, and from other passionate fibre professionals, I've learned so much about this industry, and yet I still don't feel like I've even scratched the surface. It's so important for us to share knowledge, especially in such a nuanced subject matter. I'm grateful to be part of a community of innovative thinkers, moving in our own way towards a common good. My wheelhouse is that of the Grey Market: where authentic, secondhand goods are sold, consigned, traded and discarded. I restore and repair vintage and designer leather goods to give these items a new lease on life. I create functional, durable goods from upcycled, salvaged materials and sustainable textiles, with craftsmanship in mind.
Feel free to ask me about anything textile, sourcing or leather related - I love being able to help others on their journey towards more thoughtful and stylish wardrobes.
