Entry 5: The Alchemy of Ethical Sourcing

The Weight of a Bolt: Searching for a Conscious Thread

In the world of business, I have learnt that the goal is often to find the cheapest raw materials in order to maximize profits. But this fashion is an extension of my own values, and I just cannot accept anything that is mediocre or something with no effort. I want to dedicate this week to the ethics of textiles, which is something that I have been procrastinating doing. I’ve spent hours researching the difference between organic cotton, deadstock silk, and hemp blends, trying to find a balance between sustainability and the unfortunate reality of my money situation. When you are starting from zero, the cost of doing the right thing can feel like a luxury you can’t afford, but I am beginning to realize that it is actually the only foundation worth building on.

My biggest challenge is that I am not just looking for fabric, I am looking for a story that does not involve any environmental degradation. It is almost impossible as everything is so expensive. But I am determined to solve this puzzle, because if I want to compete in a market that is saturated with fast fashion, my passion cannot be tied to a price, but instead integrity. I am learning to source deadstock fabrics, high-quality leftovers from larger fashion houses that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Using different advice from my teachers and friends, I have decided to let my fabric dictate designs. This lesson is something that textbooks have never taught me.

This process has also forced me to look closer at the marketing side of my future degree. How do I communicate the value of a $60 handmade top to a generation used to $10 disposable trends? I believe that the answer lies in transparency. I want my customers to know exactly where their linen was grown. By documenting this struggle to find ethical suppliers, I am building a brand that is rooted in honesty from day one. I am realizing that being an entrepreneur isn’t just about the finished product on the hanger but it is about the dozens of ethical decisions made before the first cut is even taken. I think that with more support, I can slowly reach my goals. It is a hurdle that will take time, but I am willing to trust the process. And that seems like a lot, but as Bill Cunningham said, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” And yes, I am living by this, thanks Bill.