How to Start a Sustainable Fashion Brand

What does it take for a fashion brand to be sustainable? How can I make my fashion brand sustainable?

Related Videos:

***

Come join our group, make friends, network with likeminded creatives!

[zoehongteaches]

Sigh. Looks like deadstock isn't as sustainable as it once was. #alwaysbelearningsomethingnew

[ragdollmag]

I agree with making sustainable fashion fun, interesting, colours, patterns etc. I always wanted my own line/brand since I was a kid but over the last decade I totally switched gears the more I learned. I came to the conclusion not to manufacture my own line but do my own designs, make them for myself, document the process, create tutorials so ppl who actually want to appreciate that enough to go to the effort to actually make it and wear it and value it and not just another throw away purchase might be the path. I was thinking about doing a vintage inspired line with old fabric finds and doing it limited edition made by me and only sell locally so no global shipping. Other than that put my imagination and creativity into creating characters and fashion for them for art, graphic novels, animation etc

[asmrglow]

I'm halfway through the video and it's so so interesting to hear your thoughts echo mine. As a customer I really want to buy sustainable fashion but maybe 98% of sustainable fashion I see is the same (as you described, modern monk lmao like shapeless and incredibly bland). I was thinking there was maybe a reason why no one was doing something different but hearing you push for it now tells me that it is possible but somehow barely anyone is doing it

[lynylyn]

Firstly, I love how you slap straight fire out the asses of lazy thinkers, including myself. Secondly, the timing on this is a gift from my angels. Twenty two years ago I began selling jewelry/accessories made from thrifted items and fashion industry off cuts. Got in Bendels. Got a rep, got press, placement in Scoop (tells my age) and lots of other NYC boutiques. The earrings have been knocked off a million times and I’ve been feeling a shift has to be made. THANK YOU! This has given me a spark to reinvent myself and respect what I have to offer. Experience. I’m scraping together coins to tap into your wisdom. I follow you on multiple platforms now I’m ready for one on one.

[CreationLifeOpportunityDestiny]

I’m totally in the “Don’t “ camp! It’s a breath of fresh air to hear you advise not to start a sustainable fashion company because I’ve felt like the term sustainable is more of a catchy marketing term that keeps designers and business in this loop that doesn’t really change anything. I make one of a kind peices with very high quality materials that are meant to last a very long time aesthetically as well as functionally. Because I grew up in a lower income socioeconomic demographic, most of my garments are directed to those in the communities we relate to. By this it’s possible to integrate the talking points of your video like voting for example, small quantities, etc. the big challenge I face in my community is being affordable to those who can’t afford to purchase garments like mine, and also the education of sustainablility as well who desire the unoriginal crispy new tshirt with a brand that doesn’t care. It’s corny and has no meaning to say something like… Im glad we started the conversation… the vote is incredibly important because change in practices have to occur on a large scale to have an effect in society because if the average earthling can’t afford sustainable resources, then it’s not an option for them .

[chidinmamba]

Thanks zoe. Iwill take all points into account except the last one. Nigeria recently entered into the world of fashion so we don't have even 1/1000 of American brands. We desperately need more and I intend to be one of the pioneeres in sustainable fashion. Love you loads and will implement all your pointers

[MrXanadoom]

Finally someone called it as it is: sustainability is finding a solution and creating more problems. Current trends are not viable, unless the technology and resources already available are used (and they're not that many). No offense to sustainability-minded people, but coming to the realization that it's better to be non-sustainable and not create your own label/ not make something sustainable because it's hyping is better. Plus, sustainability costs A LOT OF MONEY, like crazy stupid LOT. Add that to fashion being already expensive at large and you get into financial debt quicker than you can breathe. Budgeting is also an essential part of doing fashion and I agree, if you're not prepared to bust your mind with all aspects of a fashion business, then don't! Working for others is better, but choosing the right company to work for is also important. Even large brands who are sustainable have their dead trees and branches and are not as perfectly sustainable as they claim. Both the environmental and social aspects of sustainability require careful cosideration and personally, I think it comes down to behavioural change, but this requires time. It is best to work on this aspect than actually continually working to find sustainability alternatives/solutions/you name it. And yes, I believe deadstock should be the go-to. But sourcing is hard.

[marlenedelgado]

3:03mn, that's exactly what I want to tell some people: Go Away. Hi Zoe, I am so proud of having you as a teacher on my Patreon. It's like you are reading my thoughts. I am a Fashion student and lately I am doing a university project for a suatainable fashion company and the feeling that I have is that even my tutors don't take the sustainability seriously and they see it just as a trend, hence why it is so refreshing to hear what you said in this video because lately I have been thinking about what I want to do after I graduate and I really don't want to create another fashion brand and create more clutter in the world, I want to be part of the solution.

[Sriranjans]

India has a huge potential, culture and history of sustainable clothing. The future of sustainable fashion lies with India. The new generation is coming up with amazing sustainable practices in business.

[TheGrifhinx]

Finally, the connection to the politics everyone needed to hear. Just goes to show that even the fashion industry has that kind of responsibility to a lot of other industries and sectors, and not just to people

[lauraleonard]

Hi Zoe! Thank you for speaking about this subject. Sustainable fashion is such a major issue in the future of the fashion industry. I wish more people were talking about it.

[vildantoran]

Loved this video and I agree with you 100%. I'm a fashion design student and also want to start my own brand. However I plan to focus on a target audience that has needs that I could possibly resolve through my work. And ngl one thing that really annoys me is when fashion influencers launch their own brand without bringing anything new to the table. They are oversaturating an industry that's already oversaturated and produces so much waste. It really boils my blood. I wished they would do something different rather than repeat what people already have
Thank you for reding my TedTalk.

[staciafarrar]

Yes!👏 yes!👏yes!👏 So spot on with politics, industry volume, and "sustainable" fashion. Such an important message. And number 8! You took the words right out of my mouth! I absolutely love this video. Shout it to the rooftops!!!

[ChazmyaneAlexia]

This came at a perfect time! Many of the points you stated I have looked into as far as starting my own brand. But I also enjoy that you have also given me food for thought on whether to even start. I appreciate your perspective!

[tuesdayschild]

I stopped at minute 5:52 just to say... FINALLY someone onYoutube who doesn't sugar coat the content...someone who has different ideas that make me think & rethink what I want to make....someone who tells it like it is instead of what they think we want to hear... YOU are a ray of sunshine...gotta go like/subscribe...and finish the video of course.

[poojadasharatmashal]

This small but dynamic video is my roman empire!! I almost felt a slap on my back from the whole consciousness! I'm glad you make these videos! Truly.
Thank you

[ileina]

GOOSEBUMPS. Your powerful presence blew me away and into inspiration around being a good force in this world. THANK YOU. ❤

[myasiamoniquecody]

You spoke all TRUTH!!! No lies here!👏🏾
Coming from a graduated fashion student at FIT college. Those who know fashion stress all of this all the time.

[fdreams]

Zoe and her love for "elevated basics" gets me every time 😂

[brendastuntz]

SAVAGE! Thank you so much for this video! When you were taking requests for videos I was the first to ask for this one, and you 100% delivered. I gree with you on all of your talking points, Especially caring about the people who are cultivating our fibers and manufacturing our products as well as the earth. I am spending my time in school doing my own research in preparation for doing something good within the industry and make a positive impact. I'm that person who wants to make things that aren't out there already. You're right, what's the point otherwise? Thanks again for being so real and giving me new things to think about as well as research, which was why I asked for this video.