Remake Seattle Community X Prairie Underground

We’re bringing together some of the most valuable contributors in the local fashion industry to discuss the importance of policy and sustainability in creating systemic change. The goal is to raise awareness about the biggest issues to date (ex: waste), what we each are doing to address them here in Washington, and empower our community to get involved. There will be time to network and build relationships, especially with current and recently graduate fashion students. The event will be hosted in collaboration with Prairie Underground and the Remake Seattle CommunitySpeakers include: Janelle Abbott – Local Designer, Megan Arnaud – Eileen Fisher, Camilla Eckersley – Prairie Underground, JeLisa Marshall – Remake & Seattle Made. Below are three interviews by Remake Seattle Ambassadors. 

Remake Seattle Ambassador Victoria

VICTORIA’S INTERVIEW

Name: Victoria Gonzalez
 
Pronouns: she/her/hers
 

What is your occupation? 

International Licensing Associate

When did you join Remake? 

2021

Why did you join Remake? 
To join an organization of like-minded individuals all working toward a collective goal of a sustainable fashion future.  

Who inspires you to do the work that you do? 

To be honest, a person doesn’t initially come to mind when I read this question. I feel very connected to our beautiful mother earth and that typically serves as enough inspiration for me to continue the work I am doing. But it also is meeting so many different types of people who share my perspectives/ideals about a positive climate future that inspire me.

What does a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry look like to you? 
Idealistically, illustrating a sustainable fashion industry is the antithesis of how our current society functions. It is an industry that does not rely on mass production cycles, exploitation of workers, and overuse of natural resources. 

It is an industry that exhibits symbiosis in every practice and does whatever it takes to get there. Where the end of life of a product is given more thought than the creation, the hands that create these products are cared for, and the earth is not stripped of its vital nutrients 

How do you choose to wear your values?
This is actually a difficult question for me because at the beginning of my sustainable fashion journey I became a fashion martyr. I was an extremist and did not buy anything new for years and rarely thrifted – this clearly – was unsustainable in the long run. This phase in my journey resulted in me loathing shopping, my choice of retailers I was surrounded by, and eventually, my own wardrobe. To be honest,  I am still trying to find the balance of what wearing “my” values look like, but I think I am getting closer to it everyday.

What do you think is the most important way for people to engage more sustainably with the fashion industry?
I think a simple act of thinking twice about what you’re buying – is it an impulse buy… or something you can see yourself wearing for the long run. That and I think word of mouth goes a long way, so simply sharing information about your sustainable purchase whether with friends or on social media is a good way to get others to talk and learn about it. 

What is one simple yet impactful thing they can do today?

I think educating yourself is the most accessible thing anyone can do virtually from anywhere and maybe applying some of those learned concepts the next time you decide to purchase a product. 

Remake Seattle Ambassador Aida

Aida’S INTERVIEW

Name: Aida Amirul

Pronouns: she/they

What is your occupation? 
Digital Communications Specialist at a statewide environmental non-profit

When did you join Remake? 
April 2023

Why did you join Remake? 
Remake’s mission to eliminate unfair labor conditions for garment workers who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis perfectly represents the intersection of my personal passions in environmental justice, labor justice, and fashion. 

Who inspires you to do the work that you do? 
My workers union. Every win we’ve achieved as a union has reminded me that intentional, organized action is how we can reclaim our power and have a say in the crucial decisions that impact our everyday lives –whether in demanding fairer labor practices or passing environmental justice policies. A just, sustainable reality is possible when we work together and demand it.
 
Do you have a most memorable moment in your journey as an ambassador? If so, please share.
Meeting other ambassadors, learning their stories, and getting inspired by all the impactful initiatives they are taking in their communities! 
What does a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry look like to you?
It looks like safe working conditions, livable wages, and equal support for every worker in the supply chain –at the bare minimum. Just like how social issues are interconnected with each other, providing workers with what they deserve and more will inevitably reflect positively on our environment and revolutionize the fashion industry. Prioritizing the people’s needs over profit eliminates exploitation and pollution. It puts the focus of fashion onto quality instead of quantity, which helps mitigate rapid fashion trend cycles and reduce waste.

 

How do you choose to wear your values?
I love expressing myself through fashion and personal style. In 2021, I committed to never buying new fast fashion clothing to honor my values in sustainability, feminism, and worker’s justice. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that consuming through only used, borrowed and handmade clothing has never felt restrictive, rather it further cultivated my creativity in developing my personal style and the freedom to express myself.
 
What is one simple yet impactful thing they can do today?
I think the most important way for people to engage more sustainably with the fashion industry is to give yourself full responsibility over the lifespan of your clothing. Sometimes, it is unrealistic to assume that you’ll own your clothes forever because people outgrow their clothes all the time – whether from your body changing, or your style evolving. When it’s time to move on from a piece of clothing, instead of mindlessly donating it (because most thrift store donations end up in the landfill), prioritize giving it a new life through repurposing or gifting to someone who you know will love and wear it for a long time. Another small but impactful way is to contact your lawmakers to do something about exploitative fast fashion practice!
Remake Seattle Amassador Zakiya

Zakiya’S INTERVIEW

Name: Zakiya Nicole Cita
 
Pronouns: she/her
 
What is your occupation?

Director

When did you join Remake?

In 2018

Why did you join Remake?

For a community of like-minded folks and resources!

Who inspires you to do the work that you do?

My passion and love for my community and the planet!

Do you have a most memorable moment in your journey as an ambassador? If so, please share.

Launching The Chayah Movement and hearing the feedback from our first cohort.

 
What does a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry look like to you?

More circularity, more access, less consumption and transparency as a minimum requirement.

How do you choose to wear your values?

I choose to rewear, take good care of what I have and focus on pre-owned before looking for something new.

What do you think is the most important way for people to engage more sustainably with the fashion industry?

To be curious about the brands you support and to also think about their why. What do you value and tap in. 

What is one simple yet impactful thing they can do today?

You can care of what you have, rewear and recycle what you don’t use.

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