From Fast Fashion to Ethical Style: My Journey

<p>So, it's September 1st, and I'm currently moving for the sixth time in about five years. But this time I'm moving from South Florida back to Jersey for a month, and then from New Jersey to Tulum for six months.</p> <p>What's ironic at this point is I've spent the last eight months traveling, finding new suppliers and factories globally, and I'm about to head back to Jersey for the start of Fashion Week.</p> <p>As excited as I am to start this new chapter, I also feel like I'm going back to where I was ten years ago when I was a student at FIT, trying to figure out where I fit in this industry to begin with. I don't love being in front of the camera, but I do love ensuring that what people are wearing makes them feel comfortable in their own skin.</p> <p>And part of that comfort is knowing that the way that their product has been produced is sustainable, ethical, and isn't going anywhere. I, when I was a student in school, I didn't understand how bad fast fashion was for the environment.</p> <p>But over time, between traveling and working and my own experience with factories in New York City, I've come to understand the person behind who's making your product is arguably the most important component. You can spend three, four, $500 on materials or shipping, tariffs, etcetera, it doesn't matter. If the person behind your product isn't being paid, you could feel that energy coming through.</p> <p>I've hit a point in life where I can walk into a store and know almost immediately if I'm going to buy something or not. Thank you, energetics.</p>