Meet the Central Saint Martins students empowering readers to make sustainable fashion choices

Two Central Saint Martins MA Innovation Management students have founded an editorial platform on sustainable fashion, sharing guides, petitions and conversations with changemakers from around the world. We caught up with Lilian Weiermann and Melenie Hecker to find out more about The Stitch and their hopes for the future.

What is The Stitch?

The Stitch is an education-for-action editorial platform on sustainable fashion. We aim to transform knowledge on ecological and social injustices in fashion. Our work encourages individual action to empower responsible consumption and production systemically. We share diverse voices, guides and resources on how to combine sustainability attitudes with your love for fashion.

How did you first get the idea for the platform?

With a background in fashion, both of us have started to question the dominant linear economic system which is built on unlimited growth. We decided that fashion shouldn’t cost the earth and the people in its supply chain. While we began the project looking at sustainable fashion alternatives, we noticed that our friends and family are challenged to transition towards a more conscious lifestyle. This inspired us to build a platform which shares stories of sustainability pioneers and creates resources to encourage and enhance climate action. All while keeping fashion fun and knowledge accessible.

What kind of resources are available on The Stitch?

We are speaking to industry experts and organisations and have developed various online resources that help you to get started in sustainability and fashion. Check out our Brands link list for a shopping roadmap. The Sustainability Certifications & Standards guide enables you to understand all relevant labels that protect you from greenwashing during your purchase. Meanwhile, our Education link list provides you with a database on sustainable fashion divided into Read, Watch and Listen. If you want to take immediate action, our Petitions link list has the most recent campaigns to create tangible change. Our Instagram grew to a big resource archive as well  – we share brands, changemakers and facts in digestible formats.

What’s the first piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to make more sustainable fashion choices, but doesn’t know where to start?

We believe in progress over perfection. Reflect on your habits and get familiar with your surroundings, needs and belongings to know where change is realistic. Keep your learning journey a fun process instead of rigid immediate perfection. Our Sustainability Beginner’s Guide is a useful companion here: one of the chapters teaches you to build a conscious wardrobe or in another one you learn to wear your values.

Where do you think the fashion industry is failing at the moment?

The current economic system is built on unlimited growth, enabling the overconsumption of the planet‘s finite resources for wealthier countries, which is the main driver of the climate crisis. The people living on the frontlines of the climate crisis are those who contribute the least. Local communities in the global South face environmental damages caused by nations of the global North which accelerate the climate crisis.

Companies have a responsibility to people and the planet. No citizen or consumer should be solely blamed for the systemic failure of the fashion industry when it comes to environmental and social injustices. We aspire to enhance curiosity and courage to question the fashion industry’s current state and demand more climate action, transparency and inclusivity from companies which contribute the lion’s share to the climate crisis and social injustices.

What would you say to those of us who might feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis, and fear there is little hope? Are you hopeful for the future?

Even if climate change feels distant from everyday concerns, we still notice the increase in new heat records and unforeseen nature catastrophes. But by downplaying what we know and our role as individuals, we are creating barriers of inaction. It’s never too late to start your journey in sustainability and fashion. It can be overwhelming to tackle the issues on a global scale, but it is about small actions starting from your home that make a difference.

Are we hopeful for the future? That is a tough one. While scientific data is frightening and proves this is a race against time, we are impressed by the work of others. There are so many initiatives, projects, and individuals that fight against the climate crisis. In all honesty, it is easy to drown in that negative spiral, but we rather try to channel these strong feelings into powerful action. Eventually, seeing the passion, conviction and courage of others makes us hopeful for the future.

How can UAL students and staff get involved with your work? 

Through The Stitch, we had the chance to meet some incredibly fascinating people whose work for the fashion industry is enormously impactful. Inspired by this and wanting to give these voices and stories a platform, our Journal is home to conversations with and from inspiring changemakers. A forum for our community and for all those who want to share their stories and experiences in the industry.

We are always looking for exciting contributions that share new thoughts and opinions. Please get in touch via our Instagram or Homepage!