I’m very fortunate with my line of work to have been exposed to many different brands and experiences with clothing. Because of the privilege I’ve had in experimenting with fashion, I will only purchase 3-5 garments as new each year maximum- everything else is from vintage stores, Depop and op shops.

Underplants is one of my favourite upcoming brands I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with in the past. They're intimates, something I will buy as new, are buttery soft and manufactured under some of the most ethical and sustainable guidelines I’ve seen a young business employ. Another label I love is Stargazer owned by my dear friend Holly, a talented seamstress that uses recycled materials.

Style for me is my way of showing up in the world, and beyond looking a certain way, it’s about creating an experience in the moments I share with others. Small, local, handmade businesses like Stargazer constantly re-inspire my love for fashion because they remove destruction from the essence of clothing. It’s hard to feel anything other than beautiful in clothes that have been custom made for your body and will last many memories through. 

I think it’s really important to dress “how you feel” to and shop using that same principle. When buying a piece from new, I’ll check the sustainability of the brand and then I always ask myself these questions: Is this a classic piece/ can I see myself wearing it in 5 years time or is it a fleeting fashion moment? Is there a dupe of this somewhere that uses more sustainable products or is made with a higher standard of quality? Can I find it on Depop? Can I find it (or something beautifully similar) in an op shop? What vibe am I trying to create with this piece, and how does it work with what exists in my wardrobe already? 

If you answer no to the first questions and see a space for it in your closet, wait 24 hours before buying. Sometimes that 24 hour window will help you realise something or allow fate to bring an unexpectedly more sustainable iteration of the garment into your life serendipitously- always keep your eyes open walking past op shops and check Depop regularly. 

I also find that clearing out your wardrobe when you buy new pieces gives you space to understand what you’ve got on hand and how you can style things to feel as if your sense of self is evolving. Sustainability in clothing is definitely a lot to do with the manufacturing process of brands, the materials used, the lives being exploited, but it’s also to do with how we as consumers vote for the existence of such things with our dollars. Buy second hand where possible, and if you can’t, invest in things that will last. 

There’s so much I could say on this, but I wish people knew that many of the people and brands at the forefront of these industries are not what they seem. There’s a lot of toxicity that social media conceals and generates, making it so important to stay true to your inner voice and trust your gut feelings. Do your research always, and always question the sources you encounter- who benefits from this information? who suffers? can it be corroborated? 

I am so honoured to share this and for holding a space for such a deep and raw interview. I am excited for Sophie's future and for the future of all the lives she inspires, I hope you all thought about something in your own personal lives and feel more connected. I'm sure you will all be seeing more from Sophie very soon.