Ethical fashion is my lifeblood; I wear it, I buy it, I promote it, I advocate for it. It’s not often that I meet someone new and the words ‘ethical fashion’ don’t end up in the conversation. I’m not that cursing vegan who stands out the front of a steak restaurant, but if someone asks me about what I do, I take the opportunity and I run with it.
Sometimes when I tell people what I do, they’re surprised that I’ve been able to make a career out of it because ethical and sustainable fashion is not something they see every day. It's not on everyone’s radar, and sometimes, hearing the words ‘ethical fashion’ in a conversation with me is the first time they’ve even heard about it.
When you’re an ethical fashion nut like me though, it’s something you seek out, something you Google search daily, something you hunt down, but it’s not always that easy to find.
It’s why I launched The Fashion Advocate – to bring together a community of independent ethical and sustainable Australian designers and make them accessible and easy to find for the everyday shopper.
My appreciation of collaboration and community is also why I’m a member of the Australian Fashion Council. Collaboration is at the heart of the Australian Fashion Council, and it’s what makes the AFC Curated pop-up shops so inviting. The AFC Curated program has been running since 2017, and the forthcoming AFC Curated pop-up is shaping up to be one of their best events yet.
Popping up in the iconic Melbourne Town Hall from August 31st to September 7th, the AFC is bringing some of my favourite Australian labels together including A.BCH (pictured), Autark, Kholo and Harlow, offering an immersive shopping experience and a chance to meet the makers.
Ethical fashion is about the people behind it, the intent and the impact of it, and it's the kind of fashion you want to be involved in. Pop down to the AFC Curated pop-up next week and support your local makers and creators.
The Fashion Advocate x
