The global pandemic has not only transformed our lives but our awareness of the inequalities existing on our doorsteps and around the world. This can be scary but can also set us on a road for positive change. The fashion industry is undeniably problematic in the way it often relies on destructive costs to nature and humans. Yet I truly believe that with its magnitude and the influence it holds, fashion can move from being problematic to a powerful creative social movement.
Image source: Vogue
If there is one woman who never fails to bring meaningful change to fashion design, it is Bethany Williams. I have been inspired by her since hearing about her ‘Breadline’ collection a few years ago, which was based around the UK ‘hidden hunger’ crisis. She teamed up with Tesco and Vauxhall food bank to organise an exchange of fresh fruit and veg in return for waste materials from the food bank. She used these as the fabric for her collection of innovative and striking garments. Williams collaborates with communities and charities using her creative talents, placing social and environmental issues as the priority. She demonstrates a proactive and meaningful outlook on fashion as a tool for change.
Image source: Document
I also love her SS21 collection ‘All Our Children’, which was created in collaboration with the London-based charity ‘The Magpie Project’. This charity helps mothers and children in temporary accommodation without access to public funds. The collection was based on the power of family spirit for children and aims to give a voice to those marginalised women who may not have previously been heard. Bethany was inspired by the stories of the people she met within the project and the drawings by the children involved. She produced beautiful garments reflecting these messages and imagery alongside the talented artist Melissa Kitty Jarram. Again, she used a circular sustainable approach, making bags from children’s book waste and vintage lunch boxes. This creative recycling shows the uniqueness and beauty reusing can bring! This collection reminds me of that feeling of home and childhood nostalgia whilst also remembering the importance of the future for our young generations. Bethany Williams demonstrates a refreshing fashion design approach that shows us the potential fashion has as such a powerful industry. I am excited to see what it can achieve in the future!
Image source: Vogue
Bethany Williams is not the only advocate for change in fashion. Here are some other designers worth checking out: Vivienne Westwood has used her platform for a long time for political and climate activism, encouraging the mindset to ‘buy less, choose well, make it last’.
Stella McCartney with her central focus on ethical design through four pillars of sustainability; Respect for Nature, Respect for People, Respect for Animals and Circular Solutions.
Sandra Sandor, designer for Hungarian Brand Nanushka with her simplistic unique designs embracing nature as an inspiration, alongside sustainability initiatives to help protect it.
Katie Jones, eco-friendly knitwear designer who produces bold colourful looks with a ‘waste not’ approach using unused materials from apparel manufacturers.
Amy Brennan
University of Edinburgh Fashion Society
Such a great article - I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Such a positive and hopeful attitude towards the future of fashion. I have a podcast (’Keep Going and Growing’) where I had an episode on this topic of sustainable fashion and I agree with a lot of the things you said. You are very inspiring!