Fashion Design School & How I Became Passionate About Eco & Ethical Fashion

[@eucalyptus16]

Wow! So interesting to hear your story. I love your channel! I'm so glad that you provide us with an alternative to all fast-fashion/consumerism options out there. I am so impressed that you manage to keep your channel both full of information and still very positive, light and inspiring. Sometimes, trying to live sustainable can seem like an endless read of really depressing facts. So thank you so much! /Petra

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you! I really appreciate that

[@mitchell32584]

I enjoy your videos a lot. I'm vegan and somewhat of a minimalist (although I'm relatively new to that, as well) and am in my second year of having a capsule wardrode, but I only recently began thinking a lot about eco fashion and sustainability when it comes to clothes. I have to say that your videos have helped me a lot already, and I'm definately already making better choices when it comes to my clothing. I never really commented before, I think, I just wanted you to know that you influenced my life in a positive way and that I hope you keep up your very good work! It was very interesting to hear your story, tbh I was curious for some time now. Take care! Oh, and more green tea talks would be great! :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much for commenting and for your kind words! It's really nice to know that my videos have helped! :)

[@PsychicKathleen]

When I first began watching your videos (found you through "sewing" keyword), I had no idea you were Canadian - until this morning. I am excited about how many young people you are influencing in so many positive ways - not only for the environment (David Suzuki is my hero too and has been for almost 50 years - my aunt met him in his garage in VAN in the '60's with some other friends and thought he was a freak lol!) but for their own lifestyle choices to be more healthy and less stressful re debt. As you undoubtedly know debt levels are growing at an alarming rate among the young and it is a horrible TRAP :( I have been identifying myself as an eco-feminist since the early '70's - long before it was fashionable especially in Sudbury ON :) - and have spent a lifetime doing whatever I can to reduce my environmental impact but it is challenging and from what I've seen over the past 40 years getting worse not better. Mass production, cheap fashion, waste, plastics - far worse than it was 40 years ago. I worked in hospitals where I watched the gov't selling our steralizers over seas and moving into throw away items ie needles etc. All done by big companies lobbying in Ottawa. Only a tiny example - I could name hundreds of areas I've witnessed shifting to far less sustainable practices BUT the fashion industry!! It has be one the worst which drove me back to sewing my own clothes. The thought of supporting slavery (child or otherwise), the heavy polluting practices and all the other horrors in this industry appalls me. I'm in Victoria (Andrew - Green Party is our MPP) and I so I see some shifts in positive directions but I'm very aware this is not by any means the norm. So this is getting long :) But thank you for all the work you are doing!!

[@milenakury1031]

Hi Verena! First I would like to say I'm a big fan of your channels. I find them very inspiring! Well, I liked this Green Tea Talk, and I -again- learned something new: that different fabrics use different amounts of water and other resources (which is now pretty obvious, but I never stopped to think about that). As an environmental sciences student, I am interested in how the fashion industry affects the environment, and I would like to know more about the production process, and which are the more "sustainable" fibers to look for. Thanks for your videos, I hope you keep doing them! :) Hugs from Brazil.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you!! That's so cool you're studying environmental sciences! My next video will be about common fibres/fabrics and what the pros and cons are for everyday use and the environmental impact. So please check it out next week and I'd love to hear your thoughts! :)

[@danastaples5978]

I've been loving your channel and watched this today. I can't say enough how much I love what you're doing and the way you are informing others. I'm really impressed with the way you've taken your passion for fashion and design and figured out how to do good with it instead of either 1) abandoning the industry altogether when you discovered all its issues, or 2) abandoning your own values and just going along with the way things are done in the industry. That must have been a really difficult thing to grapple with and I'm impressed with how you did. Keep making awesome videos and spreading the word!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Dana, thanks so much for this comment! It really means a lot to me and honestly the timing was perfect because I woke up today feeling pretty unmotivated and reading your comment totally changed that! Thank you for the support and encouragement

[@milicamarshastefanovich3312]

You made some really beautiful pieces! I hope that you get an opportunity to really expand on your design because there is a market for it and you have the artistic design for it. Fantastic video!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks so much!!

[@eleanormathews8373]

You are exactly what i've been looking for on KZbin!!! Your videos are so informative, thank you so much :)

[@samanthalindseyromano]

I enjoyed my black coffee while listening this morning-- loving your green tea talks :) It was really interesting to hear your story/background in the fashion industry. The pieces you designed were lovely!!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you!

[@lilliput112]

So nice to hear more about you/your story - I generally really enjoy these tea talks, it feels just like having a chat with a very good friend :) I can imagine how frustrating it must have been not to find a job where you can work in a more ethical way... I wish you all the best for your career, I loved the pieces you designed and am sure a ton of other people would as well

[@MyGreenCloset]

I'm really happy you enjoy it! Thank you so much

[@jayathome848]

Great video! You have an interesting background. In answer to your previous video question, yes I have taken sweaters apart, but usually because I've found a mistake half way through! lol If you wanted to try it with a thrift store find, I would look very closely at the seams. Unless you can get the seams apart easily, you will have a huge risk of cutting the threads and ending up with spaghetti instead of nice long runs of yarn. The best bet would be something handmade. I found this interesting company for you: Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibers. They have a new yarn called Reluxe, which is 100 per cent recycled cashmere. And that leads me to another suggestion. With your love of design and fiber, and given that you wear a lot of sweaters, why not learn to knit? Who knows, if you have a good aptitude for it, you could add it to your inventory of things to do for employment in the green eco fashion industry. Knitting, or crocheting, is the ultimate eco fashion niche. For example, I am currently knitting natural wool socks for my daughter, that, because I made them, I also have a greater understanding of how to darn them, giving them a longer life. I didn't waste anything in their production, since I'm also making the Bee Keepers quilt pattern, as a knitted throw, with sock yarn scraps. I could sell them, to friends, or custom orders, for a fair wage, and the only other environmental impact (barring the yarn production/distribution etc) was the several glasses of wine consumed during the process ;)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Sounds interesting, I'll check them out, thanks! I do knit :) both by hand and domestic machine when I have access to one. I don't have much time to knit currently but I'm hoping to do at least one project during the holidays in December. I've always been interested in making a pair of socks but haven't tried it yet. Do you have a good pattern you'd recommend?

[@theminimalistninja]

thank you so much for sharing your story, this was wonderful to watch! :) I'd say the most eco friendly way to shop is at the thrift store and that's something most people can afford (provided that there are stores around) :) love your collection! just beautiful!

[@JenRiveraBell]

Awesome video! I was actually drinking green tea when I clicked on it. Great to know your story.

[@lilithlove7614]

Erin, I think you're great! You're gorgeous and your videos are so informative; I love you and you're such a beautiful spirit. Keep on keeping on. :)

[@MP-tj7zn]

I'm so happy and grateful to find your channel. Thank you for all the information you share in the videos, you are changing the world for the better.

[@aromaofhope]

Very nice video. Loved your collection and your ideas for sustainable dying. Actually, years ago one of my dreams was to be a fashion designer. I never did much with it besides drawing some pictures and learning to sew. Thanks for sharing! It's inspiring.

[@viviennewolf9181]

I've recently become very much into capsule walbrobe, minimalism and sustainable clothing. You and your video have been very helpful and well made also so insightful. They have taught me a lot and I hope you continue making more. All of my research have made me want to open a store bringing some sustainable clothing and living to Guyana and to bring a fresh outlook on fashion... to make others aware of sustainable clothing and that they can be beautiful and fun. I'm working on it will see how it goes

[@ariacardwell1033]

I really appreciate your realism in your Green Tea Talks - in your usual videos you seem so well put together, and this shows a more real and unscripted side of you that is heartening to see. Thank you for sharing your authentic self! You mentioned learning about green beauty - one thing you could try is natural bronzer and blush. For the bronzer I use loose cacao powder and cinnamon, and blush can be done with beet root powder (usually available from health food stores.) See what you think. :)

[@mariepauleetpenelope7410]

I loved this video! It's really interesting to see everyone's background and how and why they decided to change their lifestyles! I really love your channel, it's empowering and it really does open my eyes on many other ways to live!

[@LisaMarieP88]

Hi! I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying your videos. I have already learned so much and am interested in what's coming next. Your decision to not work with bigger brands but to try to stay true to your values is very brave! I hope that there are more people like you out there to make the world a little bit better. Thank you for your commitment and keep it up!

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's very kind of you and means a lot, thank you!!

[@macarenaalgorta5717]

something similar happed to me! i realise i want to be a sustainable fashion designer and blogger when i made my graduated collection made out of textile waste and start to investigate about whats was "slow fashion". Nice video

[@carlydonath210]

The collection you made was absolutely beautiful. I had no idea you had such a rich background in the fashion industry. This video was incredibly interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much! :)

[@sallychail4208]

Your collection is lovely, I wish you still made these pieces

[@violetnicholson7891]

I can't get enough of your videos. I find your message very inspiring and really appreciate all the work you put into researching these topics. You have definitely influenced my shopping habits and general outlook. Thank you.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much, that's really nice to hear!

[@RafaRochaEnglish]

I love your channel so much! :) it inspires me! :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Aw thank you!! :)

[@RafaRochaEnglish]

:) :*

[@biancaleite1073]

Hi Erin! I enjoyed this video tremendously! I felt like sitting down in front of you having a chat about your fascinating background and our shared passion for sustainability. Your collection looked amazing and I truly comend you for sticking to your values by not getting jobs that were so far removed from what you stand for. Come to London so we can have this chat properly with your tea and my coffee! Xxxx

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much! That's really lovely

[@biancaleite1073]

+My Green Closet hi Erin!!! I would TRULY love to have the chance to meet you for a coffee/tea, or whatever you will have time for. My email is [e-mail] 😘😘

[@hmerle]

You're really good in front of the camera :) you seem so calm and confident. Liked the topic of this tea talk!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much! :)

[@sushisamosa222]

I'm stuck between kwantlen and ryerson. any help?

[@Luma994]

Wow! This is such an interesting topic. I love your videos about sustainable and eco friendly fasion. Now I know even more that you know what you are talking about. You are such an inspiration. Thank you.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much! That's very sweet

[@AnnaRogov]

Enjoyed this video while drinking red raspberry leaf tea :)!

[@SaraNovau]

Wow you are really an inspiration :) definally I really want you continue doing this green tea talk :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much!

[@314joanna314]

You are so thorough with your videos. Thank you!

[@MaddyDCB]

hi :) I had no idea you had such a background in making and designing clothes! im in australia and have taken on the minamilist/10 item wardrobe idea but alsi want sustainable clothes. its pretty hard find anything where I live and shipping from international green companies is crazy. I had the idea the other day just to start making my own clothes as my nan gave me her sowing machine :) but dont know where to start. do you think yoy could do some how to so videos? or how to adjust clothes? I found a maxi dress in an opp shop but it was too big etc. or a book on making clothes you could recommend? thanks for all you videos I really appreciate all the effort you put in and I find you really inspiring xx

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you! That's really exciting you're interested in making your own clothes! There are lots of good beginner how to videos and blogs, I haven't looked into them a lot but these are a few that might be good to check out: ThreadBanger Learn to Sew Playlist kzbin.info/aero/PL01A768FA242EAF91 Made to Sew channel kzbin.info -there's a beginner sewing course series Creative Bug Sewing Techniques Playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLvmBXVLQmyTClROj0WuzTRkxGgaaiM1iJ -this seems to be good if you're looking how to do something specific, like sew a buttonhole, but there's also some basics videos Angela Kane Sewing TV kzbin.info -there's some beginner videos, but this channel also has pattern making, specific projects like jeans and more difficult/technical info and tutorials if you want to go more in depth later on :) For a blog check out Tilly and the Buttons www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/learn-to-sew.html -lots of info and beginner projects Also if you're looking for sustainable clothing, EKOLUV www.ekoluv.com/ and Sustainable Fashion www.sustainablefashion.com.au/ are online boutiques based in Australia. I also recommend checking out Eco Warrior Princess ecowarriorprincess.net/ and Kindness by Design designandkindness.blogspot.de/ they are both Australian eco bloggers. Hope that helps! :)

[@jayathome848]

I think an awesome first sock pattern is the Rose City Rollers socks that can be found on Ravelry. They are super quick and easy because they are little roll top sockettes. You learn all the basic construction of socks, and the pattern is very well written. Let me know how it goes if you try them. Which made me wonder, how about an eco video on hand making and/or hand altering your wardrobe? Like the little denim top you made from the dress. You could give some ideas of what to thrift for, and how it can be altered, and which pieces of your wardrobe can be easily hand made, like socks, scarves, and hats :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you! And thanks for the suggestion, that could be a fun video :)

[@studionaiipah]

Hi! I just discovered your channel yesterday and watched all of your videos non stop. :) Your channel is inspiring me a lot! I'm interested in cruelty-free products so can you please film video about that? Thank you for sharing :D

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you!! I have a few videos about some cruelty-free beauty products kzbin.info/aero/PLab1HN1VQq5OzlBs6HK1XQrl1kWDLvCgx but I can definitely do more about cruelty-free :)

[@theotherlea]

Your background sounds incredebly interesting and I am very sad that the companies only focus on profit. I am so young and have so many dreams and visions about sustainabilty in gerneral and hope they'll come true and the real world doesn't discourage me. Keep up your great work and your great videos :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks! I'm optimistic that things in the fashion industry will get better and are slowly improving. It's good to remember that for all the negative things you hear or learn about there are also really positive and exciting things happening too :)

[@mikahlactpo]

wow your designs are so amazing! Your chat was very inspiring, I actually went to school for Fashion Merchandising and i have been conflicted for a while about where to work.. I live in Canada and don't know of any ethical fashion brands to work for here. I was just wondering if you had any suggestions? Thanks for sharing your video with us

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you so much! Where do you live in Canada? A lot of the ethical brands are pretty small but there are some really great ones in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto in particular.

[@chiribitica]

a thousand thank you for all videos¡¡! are greats.... thanks for all your researchs............ and your help to improve my english skills!¡!! thanks,!¡!¡

[@Evey202]

Omg! If you would've produced and sold your collection I would've bought it all! I loved it all: the colors you used, the style, everything. you're highly talented. Have you ever thought about just starting your own label? Just selling your own stuff again?

[@MyGreenCloset]

You're so sweet, thank you!!

[@hannah1torres]

Hello I have a question. You mentioned your how you made the clothing for your collection with organic cottons and things of that sort. Now since I stopped buying clothes I said that I was only going to make my own clothes and make whatever I need. So I was wondering how I could I sew ethically and not harming the environment. Like where could I get my fabric from and what should I avoid? Thanks for the help.

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's so cool you decided to sew your own clothes!! I'd love to see some of the garments you make! There are some websites you can order organic fabrics from, if you live in the US, Organic Cotton Plus organiccottonplus.com/ is a good one. I have seen some fabric stores that also have an 'eco' section with organic materials so those might be worth looking into, I would just ask the store about where they came from/were made. I've also found fabric at thrift stores and depending where you live sometimes local fashion designers will sell their deadstock (leftover) fabric from previous collections which can be a great way to use fabric that might be otherwise thrown away and get quality materials for a good price. If there are any small fashion brands where you are it might be good to contact them and see if they do that. You can also find vintage fabrics online and if you already have a fabric stash that you aren't using I've heard of sites where you can sell and trade fabrics, there might even be sewing groups in your area that host fabric swap events. Regarding what to avoid, I'm going to be talking more about fabric pros and cons in this week's video so please check that out for more info. Basically I try to stick with natural fibres and avoid synthetics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic both because of the toxic and polluting chemical process to make and dye them and because as they get washed and used little microfibres come off and are ending up in the oceans. But it also depends what you're making, for some things like swimwear or a raincoat synthetics will generally be more functional. Hope that helps :)

[@hannah1torres]

+My Green Closet thanks for the help. If you want to see some of the things that I've made I have my Instagram that I post some pics on. My instagram is hiphopgirl21 if you want to check it out.

[@bearisland55]

Have you heard of the fibershed in California? Look it up on KZbin. It's so inspiring to see what others are doing without corporations. Very nice tea break. :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Yes! I love it!! And there are Fibershed projects starting up in Canada, the UK, and Australia which is really exciting to see :)

[@BernadetteSky]

It's really great to hear where you are coming from. I also went to school for a stint for fashion design but dropped it like a hot potato for many of your same reasons. I was a seamstress for 13 years and tried to also start my own Eco line but never quite had the money to get off the ground. What do you do presently? I've pretty much given up on trying to be a part of fashion/clothing costume design because I found that fast fashion devalues the work it really takes to make something! I can't compete with India. Peoples mind sets about cheap clothing has become so frustrating. I know you mostly talk about the environmental impact but also the globalization of the industry and it's effect on middle class economy in many first world nations is depressing. Is it the same in Germany? I have read that they have tried to hold onto a lot of light industry, is that what you do there? Sorry for the novel!

[@MyGreenCloset]

I totally hear you and could rant about it for hours. :( Fast fashion has definitely completely changed the industry and it's for the worse in almost every situation. On the bright side though there does seem to be a bit of a counter-movement with some people seeking out hand-made, quality, custom/bespoke garments, so even though it's very small it's encouraging to see. From what I've seen, Germany is definitely better than America or Canada; there are a lot more small, local businesses and less big box stores, and they seem to have a very good textile industry.

[@tiffbaker001]

Love this video, thanks for sharing :)

[@experimentsandadventures9208]

Awesome ! About the fibers and all, i've heard about Nettle fiber. Apparently, it is very nice and much less water-consuming than cotton, do you know anything about it ?

[@MyGreenCloset]

There is a fabric called ramie which is made from a plant in the nettle family. It's very similar to linen, but can be more difficult to process which sometimes means it's more expensive and also can have a slightly larger environmental impact than linen or hemp, but I think it's definitely better than cotton. I've also seen nettle yarn made from I believe stinging nettles (removing the 'sting') but I don't know much about it and haven't seen it as clothing.

[@experimentsandadventures9208]

+My Green Closet Thanks for answer ! :D That's really interesting. I've read about that stinging nettle yarn too, it sems like it could be a correct alternative to cotton...

[@siljasilbuch]

Hello, thank you for the video. It is very interesting to hear your story! Did you thought about moving to Europe for a job? Here in Germany, England and Austria we have a few substantial brands like armed angels, grüne Erde, Hessnatur and Lanius. Maybe this brands would be an opportunity for you to work for a fair fashion brand? Just a thought. :-) Lot's of love from Germany!!

[@sarahelh5962]

Can we buy your own clothes collection ? It's so amazing, and thank YOU to inform us !

[@MyGreenCloset]

Aw thank you!! Unfortunately you can't buy them, but maybe someday! :)

[@cristinacapaz2359]

hi!! very interesting video. I have an arts background as well and I've always been interested in sustainable economy. I sometimes find myself thinking that in order to work on a sustainable project or company you have to create it yourself because it is very hard to find great projects looking for workers.. haha I have a question for you: would you recommend me a supplier for good and ethical plain t-shirts? Or probably it's better if you can tell me how should I search for them. I'm thinking about starting a project with t-shirts and art and I find it very hard to really discover ethical suppliers. Thanks a lot!!

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's really cool, what kind of artwork do you do? For tshirt suppliers it really depends where you live. I think it's best to start by searching for organic cotton, fair trade or made in America (or where you live) t-shirts, and if you want to buy a larger quantity search for wholesale. I think there are quite a few companies that sell organic, ethically-made t-shirts wholesale and a lot of organic cotton brands will also have a basics line with plain t-shirts so those are good to check out too. Hope that helps, let me know if you're having trouble finding them and I can try to help find a few suppliers. :)

[@cristinacapaz2359]

+My Green Closet thanks a lot! I live in Spain although I'm planning to move to London by the end of the year. I will definitely find something there :) well right now I'm working on some Zentangle inspired art. You can see a few things on my instagram profile: criquita. Thanks a lot. I love your work helping people understand more about sustainable and slow fashion because sometimes it's really difficult to find this kind of information all gathered and organized.

[@kaysmith4493]

Hi, I'm currently a senior in my fashion program at my university and my story is much like your own. I am having difficulty wanting to enter into the fashion industry and be part of the problem if I work for a large corporation. I am considering alternate options as I would like to get into blogging, as well as designing. Do you have any advice having already gone through this experience and being able to also support yourself?

[@kaysmith4493]

Thanks so much! My Green Closet​​ I have done some internships, pretty much all fair trade (and unpaid). I have went on a corporate visit but haven't had any luck landing a job with one, although I've applied to many. I plan on shadowing at one later in the year. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate your response and advice! Keep up the good work with your channel!

[@MyGreenCloset]

I think it really depends on what you want to do. Sometimes it can definitely be worth it to spend some time at a large corporation to get the experience you need and then leave to pursue something that's more in line with your passion/values. Looking back I honestly don't know if it might have been better to spend some time working for a large company just to learn more and get the experience. Working on your own can be a really good experience too but it's also very difficult and requires a lot of time, energy, and savings. I don't think I would recommend it unless it's something you really want and then I think it's good to start small. A lot of designers will work a part-time or full-time job while starting their lines because it can take a lot of money to get started and a long time till you actually make any money. I think it's really important to do a lot of research and planning before deciding to start your own business. Have you done an internship already? If you're trying to figure out the kind of jobs you might want, interning for a short time at some places you're interested in or job shadowing someone for a day or so can be a great way to see if that's something you'd like to do! You might be able to intern with a blogger or independent designer if that's what you're thinking about. :) I wish you all the best!!

[@8KITA8]

that's a great video :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you!

[@franciscaetchegaray9942]

wow!!!!!!! i know that this sounds crazy... but I'm 18 and i have SO many questions about this, could we possibly skype? or anything that you feel comfortable talking through like email or what not. Let me know! Loved this video

[@MyGreenCloset]

Feel free to send me an email! My address is under the about tab on the channel page :)