We reunite one last time with HASOU Mentor, Gemma Metheringham, to wrap up our insightful series exploring the evolving world of sustainability in fashion 💫

Today marks the final instalment of our 3-part conversation — don’t miss the conclusion to this thought-provoking journey.

Gemma is a circular fashion consultant exploring how the rise of second-hand fashion can help cut the industry’s carbon footprint. Her Instagram project “The Elephant in My Wardrobe” @the_elephant_in_my_wardrobe and her MA in Fashion Futures reflect her mission to challenge throwaway culture and inspire change.

❓ What challenges exist in making supply chains more transparent, and how can consumers help push for greater accountability?

Gemma –

I think we, as consumers, consistently underestimate our power to influence brands and fashion businesses. When I worked in brands, what our consumers bought from us – our best sellers – really drove our future design, and business strategies. Brands really don’t want to make things they can’t sell! We all have different values and different lives and different budget constraints, but I think the key thing is to try and shop your values. To buy things from brands, or people that you think are doing the right thing – whatever that means to you. I think that’s all about becoming a curious consumer. Asking questions about what your clothes are made of what chemicals were used, where they were made, whether everyone that made them was paid a fair wage, whether the brand selling them is paying their taxes or treats their employees well. Ask about whatever’s important to you and do your own research – the GoodonYou App and theRemake Report are great sources of information about what brands are or aren’t doing. My hope is that the more questions we all ask, the more brands will realise most people really do care about fashion’s impact on people and the planet and start thinking seriously about doing fashion differently at scale.

📷 Gemma Metheringham