Fashion Revolution New Zealand - Sustainability Projects
"Every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. Being conscious of where our clothes come from and how they’re made helps create a more equitable, sustainable fashion industry. It’s about asking the right questions, advocating for change, and embracing a circular economy for the benefit of both people and the planet."
In my role with Fashion Revolution New Zealand, I have been deeply involved in driving forward the global movement’s mission to promote a fair, transparent, and sustainable fashion industry. As Assistant Country Coordinator, I work closely with the team to strategise and implement local initiatives that spark conversations about ethical fashion and encourage systemic change. My work focuses on building strong partnerships and raising awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fashion; projects like the 'Fashion Reimagined' screening and Instagram Live interview series have been instrumental in connecting diverse voices and driving forward the conversation about sustainable fashion practices across New Zealand.
PROJECTS
‘Fashion Reimagined’ - National Screening Event and Panel - On 23rd November 2023, Fashion Revolution New Zealand hosted a nationwide screening of Fashion Reimagined, a documentary following designer Amy Powney’s journey, of brand Mother of Pearl, to create a fully transparent, sustainable fashion brand. Over 120 attendees across multiple cities joined us for the screening, each followed by a panel discussion with local ethical fashion specialists. Organised by our dedicated volunteer team, the funds raised from ticket sales supported Fashion Revolution NZ’s ongoing work, sparking important conversations about sustainability and transparency in the fashion industry.
‘Fashioning the Future’ – NZ Fashion Week Panel Discussion - As part of New Zealand Fashion Week ‘23, we coordinated and hosted Fashioning the Future, a panel discussion exploring the critical role of collaboration, transparency, and circularity in shaping a more sustainable fashion industry. The panel featured industry leaders Kiri Nathan, Lisa McEwan, Niki Harre, and Rachel Brown, each bringing valuable insights on how fashion can evolve to better serve both people and the planet. This discussion reinforced the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change within the industry.
‘Discussing the Fashion Revolution Manifesto’ - Instagram Live Interview Series - Fashion Revolution NZ hosted a series of Instagram Live interviews with 10 influential guests from both New Zealand and internationally in 2023, including one of the co-founders of the global Fashion Revolution movement, in recognition of 10 years of the Fashion Revolution global movement. Each interview delved into one of the key points of the Fashion Revolution Manifesto, exploring what guests are doing in the fashion industry to promote positive change. The series reached over 6,500 people across the Fashion Revolution NZ and AU profiles, sparking meaningful conversations about ethics, sustainability, and transformation in fashion. Guests included: #1Clare Press, #2 Grace Clarkson, #3 Karishma Kelsey, #4 Jacinta Fitzgerald, #5 Qiulae Wong-Anthony, #6 Joss Whipple, #7 Lisa McEwan, #8 Melinda Tually, #9 Bobby Luke, #10 Orsola de Castro.
‘Costume Revolution’ - Splore Festival Activation - Hosted by the team at Fashion Revolution NZ in collaboration with Dove Hospice & Wellness, Costume Revolution was a unique initiative to raise awareness about sustainable fashion & costumes, running at the last two Splore festivals. Attendees encouraged to swap or purchase preloved clothing for customisation, promoting the idea of reusing costumes rather than buying new. Customisation fees and purchases directly supported Dove's charity work. This initiative not only raised over $1500 for Dove but also highlighted the significant environmental impact of festival and costume waste. Each year, 30 million costumes are purchased in the UK alone, with many ending up in landfills, contributing to textile waste. By offering an alternative to fast fashion, the event encouraged festival-goers to consider the environmental footprint of their clothing choices. Fashion Revolution staff volunteered their time, making this an entirely community-driven event.
‘Secondhand September & Beyond’ - Instagram Conversation Series - As part of Secondhand September, Fashion Revolution NZ hosted an Instagram series featuring eight guests, reaching over 5,500 people. The series explored key themes of resale, repurposing, garment care, slow fashion, recycled fashion, textile recycling, and recreating, encouraging more conscious consumption and a shift towards a circular fashion economy.
