Fashion To Farmer

FashionToFarmer
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Fashion To Farmer

Fashion to Farmer is an engaging podcast hosted by Vanessa Bell, a former international model turned farmer, who navigates the intersecting worlds of high fashion and sustainability. With her unique journey from the runway to the farm, where she produces exquisite Merino wool, Vanessa offers listeners an insider's perspective on sustainable fashion. The podcast serves as a curated journey for those intrigued by the blend of style, sustainability, and the special qualities of Australian Merino wool. "Fashion to Farmer" promises an exclusive look into the creative and ethical processes behind sustainable fashion, making it the go-to series for anyone aspiring to a conscious and chic lifestyle.

  1. 11 SEPT

    E15: Crafting Slow Fashion: High Tea With Mrs Woo Angela Foong

    In this last episode of Season One of Fashion to Farmer, Vanessa Bell sits down with Angela Foong, co-founder of the slow fashion brand High Tea with Mrs Woo, a creative collaboration with her sisters, Rowena and Juliana. Established in 2004, High Tea with Mrs Woo is celebrated for its timeless, eloquent designs and its strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production. Angela shares her journey in slow fashion, emphasising the importance of creating garments with longevity, passing down skills, and fostering a deep connection between fashion and storytelling. The conversation delves into how High Tea with Mrs Woo maintains a slow fashion model in a fast-paced, trend-driven industry, and the challenges they face in promoting sustainability. Key Takeaways: Longevity and Storytelling: The importance of creating garments with a lasting presence, each piece telling its own story. Passing Down Skills: Storytelling and craftsmanship are core to the brand’s philosophy, both within their family and the community. Unique Silhouettes: Traditional tailoring methods paired with experimentation result in distinctive designs. Sustainable Practices: Designing with the end in mind, mending garments, and creating a secondhand marketplace are essential to their practice. Ethical Partnerships: Long-term relationships with suppliers who share their values are a priority. Challenges in Slow Fashion: Maintaining slow fashion in a fast-paced industry is difficult but vital for creating meaningful change. Education and Awareness: Shifting consumer mindset towards sustainability is key to driving the slow fashion movement. Slow Wearing Well Initiatives: Engagement through workshops, wardrobe edits, and community events can help promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Future of Slow Fashion: Angela’s vision includes innovations like an irresponsibility tax to level the playing field and reward sustainable practices. Listeners can connect with High Tea with Mrs Woo via: Website Facebook Instagram @highteawithmrswoo YouTube If you’d like a copy of Vanessa Bell’s book Self-Care Craft, please email info@vanessa-bell.com. If you'd like to read the Micro But Mighty Report you can do so here. Thank you for tuning in for our very first season of Fashion To Farmer! Be sure to subscribe and leave a lovely review to stay updated on more inspiring conversations. If you'd like to reach out to Vanessa you can so via DM @fashiontofarmer or info@vanessa-bell.com if you would like to share your story on the show. Until next season, bye for now. 🐏✨

    45 min

  2. 4 SEPT

    E14: Sustainable Style School: Nicole Bennett

    In today’s Fashion To Farmer episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Nicole Bennett, the founder of Sustainable Style School, an innovative platform where she empowers individuals to blend their personal style with sustainability. Nicole Bennett’s journey into the world of sustainable fashion is nothing short of inspiring. With a background as an ESG Manager and a fierce advocate against greenwashing, Nicole has worked with some of the most recognised brands in the fashion industry, deeply shaping her approach to authentic sustainability. At Sustainable Style School, Nicole helps people discover their true style while making conscious choices aligning with their values. She challenges the fast fashion industry by promoting thoughtful, sustainable practices, emphasising the creation of wardrobes reflecting our evolving lifestyles and body shapes. Nicole also uses her influential social presence to shift the conversation from ethical fashion to sustainable style. She shares daily tips and hacks to guide those on their sustainable style journey, making it accessible and empowering. In this episode, we delve into Nicole’s insights on curating a wardrobe supporting sustainability while remaining true to who we are. Here’s what we cover: The importance of slowing down consumption and buying with intention. Holding brands accountable for their practices and making informed choices. Detoxing from trends to focus on cultivating a personal style reflecting your authentic self. How to experiment with existing wardrobe pieces to create fresh looks. The significance of expressing self-worth and identity through style. Giveaway: Nicole has kindly gifted our audience a free seasonal guide to calibrating your style! You can access it here:5 Steps to recalibrate your style each season (ck.page) Links: Sustainable Style School Instagram

    41 min

  3. 28 AUG

    E13: Acala Stem Ethical Luxury: Leanne Savage

    Leanne Savage, founder of Acala Stem, is a designer with over 20 years experience and a lifelong appreciation for fine textiles. Her brand, Acala Stem, pioneers a new standard of holistic luxury; sophistication without compromise, driven by core values of empathy and environmental impact. Acala Stem is a luxury product vs being a luxury brand; it’s a global leader in ethical luxury, recognised as the Global Winners of the Prestigious 'Duchess of York Special Award'. The brand is setting new standards by bridging opulence with advocacy. At the heart of Acala Stem’s offering is Pure Lotus Silk, a sustainable and luxurious fabric made from the microfibre inside a lotus flower stem, sourced directly from Lotus farms. Leanne’s journey began with a life-changing experience while volunteering as an English teacher in Cambodia, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women in the garment industry. This experience inspired her to create Acala Stem, a brand that not only produces luxurious, sustainable textiles but also empowers women in Cambodia by providing fair wages, flexible working conditions, and a path to financial independence. In this episode, Leanne shares the incredible story behind Acala Stem, from the challenges of launching to finding the right target market and conveying a message of holistic luxury. We dive deep into the significant issues facing women in the garment industry, particularly in Cambodia, and the impact these issues have on their children. Leanne also introduces us to the revolutionary Lotus Silk and discusses the clinical testing underway to prove the health benefits of this miracle fibre. Her passion for creating a positive social impact and educating consumers about the damaging effects of mass production in the fashion industry is truly inspiring. We also discuss how Acala Stem is dismantling the classism in luxury, promoting self-love and approval, and how Leanne is advocating for laws to regulate the fashion industry and protect the environment. Tune in to discover how Leanne is setting a new standard in sustainable fashion, proving that luxury and purpose can coexist beautifully. Key Takeaways: Leanne’s journey from a designer to founding Acala Stem. The story behind Lotus Silk and its luxurious, sustainable properties. The challenges of launching a brand with a strong ethical foundation. The importance of advocacy and community in driving positive change. How Acala Stem is empowering women in Cambodia and addressing issues in the garment industry. The need for regulatory laws in the fashion industry to protect the people and environment. Connect with Acala Stem: Website Instagram LinkedIn TikTok

    52 min

  4. 21 AUG

    E12: Seamless - Australia's Clothing Stewardship Scheme: Ainsley Simpson

    Today, we are joined by Ainsley Simpson, a visionary leader making a profound impact on the future of fashion in Australia. About Our Guest: Ainsley Simpson Ainsley Simpson is the CEO of Seamless, Australia’s pioneering clothing product stewardship scheme. Seamless is an independent, not-for-profit organisation holding fashion and clothing brands accountable for the entire lifecycle of their garments, from design to disposal. With a mission to make Australian fashion truly circular by 2030, Seamless is tackling the immense challenge of reducing the 200,000 tonnes of clothing waste that end up in Australian landfills each year. The Need for Seamless The statistics speak for themselves. Each year, over 1.4 billion new garments are manufactured or imported into Australia, with the average Australian purchasing 56 new items annually. Most of these garments are made from non-renewable materials, and more than half end up in landfills, contributing to a staggering carbon footprint of 13 million tonnes per year. Seamless aims to address this crisis by creating a circular economy in the fashion industry. Origins of Seamless Seamless was born from a collaboration led by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), in partnership with Charitable Recycling Australia, Queensland University of Technology, Sustainable Resource Use, and WRAP UK. While the scheme design was spearheaded by this consortium, Seamless now operates as a standalone entity, poised to drive systematic, transformational change across the entire clothing lifecycle. Seamless: A World First Seamless is the world's first circular product stewardship scheme, administered by Clothing Stewardship Australia. The scheme works with brands and stakeholders to prioritise nature and promote responsible clothing choices, enjoyment, and recycling. Funding for Seamless comes from a per-garment levy contributed by brands that join as members. Key Priorities Building a Collective: Seamless is focused on bringing together a collective of brands and supply chain partners to drive change. Setting Baseline Data: Establishing baseline data metrics is crucial for measuring progress and impact. Forming Partnerships: Seamless aims to create strong partnerships across the industry to support its goals. Circular Design Practices: Developing circular design practices and eco-modulated criteria to incentivise sustainable fashion design is a top priority. Resilient Circular Economy: The ultimate goal is to build a resilient circular economy that prioritises the environment, people, and economic well-being. Connect with Seamless: LinkedIn Instagram Website

    47 min

  5. 14 AUG

    E11: Cotton Australia: Brooke Summers & Ashley Hollis

    Cotton Australia with Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis Guests : Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis from Cotton Australia Discussion : The role of Cotton Australia in promoting sustainable cotton farming and the broader impact on the fashion industry. Guest Backgrounds Brooke Summers : Leader in the Australian cotton industry. Experience: 30 years in strategic communication, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Recognised with a Churchill Fellowship in Urban Conservation and Australian Rural Leadership Program graduate. Advocate for natural fibres and Australia’s cotton farmers. Ashley Hollis : Brand Relationship Manager at Cotton Australia. Experience: 20 years in retail, fashion, and education. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and fostering industry collaborations. Influencer of the next generation in the cotton and wool industry. Sustainability in Cotton Farming Key Achievements : 97% reduction in pesticide use. 50% reduction in water consumption. Enhanced land efficiency. Partnerships with iconic Australian brands such as Country Road. Environmental Assessments : Regular independent assessments to identify improvement areas. Focus on transparency, waste management, and reporting progress. Collaboration and Innovation Collaboration : Essential partnerships with brands, Government, and other industries. Emphasis on connecting farmers with brands and consumers. Innovation : Advances in water efficiency, precision agriculture, and integrated pest management. Importance of continuous improvement and investment in R&D. Education and Consumer Awareness Consumer Education : Vital for promoting Australian cotton and sustainable practices. Encouragement for purchasing natural and recycled fibres. Camp Cotton Initiative : Educates brands about the Australian cotton industry and its sustainability efforts. Future Vision Sustainability Roadmap : Focus areas: Traceability, sustainable certified cotton, human rights, data, and marketing. Global Collaboration : Collaboration across agricultural sectors and global cotton industries. Private Equity Opportunities : Investment potential in the agricultural industry, focusing on sustainability. Closing Thoughts The importance of rewarding farmers for sustainable practices. The role of technology and innovation in achieving sustainability goals. Cotton Australia's commitment to leading the charge in sustainable fashion and farming. Connect with Cotton Australia : Instagram YouTube Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Website

    53 min

  6. 8 AUG

    E10: Timeless Millwoods Shoes: Jane Robertson

    In this episode of Fashion To Farmer, we sit down with Jane Robertson, the founder of Millwoods Shoes, to explore her journey in creating practical yet stylish footwear for busy Australian women. Drawing inspiration from the rich colours and textures of the Australian landscape, Jane has built a brand that prioritises timeless, durable designs over throwaway fashion. Throughout the conversation, Jane shares the unique challenges of balancing her thriving shoe business with life on a working farm. She delves into the complexities of sourcing and manufacturing shoes sustainably, emphasising the importance of conscious consumer choices and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Listeners will gain insight into Jane’s philosophy of "casual distinction," which aims to elevate everyday outfits with high-quality, practical shoes. She also discusses the importance of taking care of leather products to ensure their longevity and comfort. Additionally, Jane and I touch on the difficulties small businesses face in exporting and importing goods, highlighting the need for government support. As an entrepreneur in the sustainable fashion space, she underscores the importance of anchoring oneself in values and building a strong support network. Jane’s story is an inspiring example of mindful shopping—buying what is needed and choosing the best available quality. Join us for this insightful discussion on the future vision for Millwoods Shoes and the broader impact of ethical fashion. Key Takeaways: Millwoods Shoes focuses on creating timeless, durable designs inspired by the Australian landscape. Balancing a shoe business with farm life presents unique challenges. Sourcing and manufacturing shoes sustainably is a complex but essential process. Conscious consumer choices are crucial for promoting ethical practices in the fashion industry. The philosophy of "casual distinction" elevates everyday outfits with high-quality shoes. Proper care of leather products is essential for their longevity and comfort. Small businesses face significant challenges in exporting and importing goods and require government support. Anchoring oneself in values and building a support network is vital for entrepreneurs in sustainable fashion. Mindful shopping means buying only what is needed and choosing the best available quality. Shout out to BFTB Buy From The Bush Connect with Millwoods: Instagram  Facebook Website Please follow, rate and leave a lovely review! Your support means the world 🌍

    47 min

  7. 31 JULY

    E9: Philosophy Australia Unveiled: Alison Lennard

    Today, I am thrilled to introduce a guest who truly embodies the values of ethical production and sustainability in fashion - Alison Lennard, the design director and owner of Philosophy Australia. Alison has been at the helm of Philosophy Australia, a Sydney-based women's fashion design house, for over two decades. With a rich background in the fashion industry, including roles at prestigious UK retailers, Alison has brought a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to sustainability and ethical practices to her brand. Philosophy Australia is renowned for its timelessly stylish statement womenswear, proudly designed and produced entirely in Australia. Every step of their process, from design to dispatch, reflects their dedication to quality, sustainability, and supporting local craftsmanship. Today, we'll delve into Alison's inspiring journey, her vision for Philosophy Australia, and her insights into the future of sustainable fashion. We'll explore how she maintains a balance between staying true to her brand's ethos and adapting to ever-evolving fashion trends. Alison's story is one of passion, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact on the Australian fashion industry. Key Discussion Points: Alison's Journey: Her background in the fashion industry. The founding and evolution of Philosophy Australia. Key influences and inspirations. Brand Values and Practices: Philosophy Australia's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The importance of local production and supporting Australian craftsmanship. Emphasis on quality, transparency, and customer loyalty. Challenges and Rewards: Navigating the challenges of maintaining ethical and sustainable practices. Balancing increased costs and changing retail landscapes. The rewards of customer loyalty and community support. Vision and Future Goals: Alison's vision for the future of Philosophy Australia. Upcoming initiatives like Sprinkling Kindness and the Digital Cheer Squad. Advice for consumers on making conscious decisions and supporting local businesses. Philosophy Australia's Core Values: Kindness as the number one core value. Ensuring fair pay, good working conditions, and a healthy work-life balance for staff and contractors. Minimising waste, using recyclable packaging, and sourcing fabrics from Australian wholesalers. Design Philosophy: Focus on easy wear, easy care, wear anywhere garments. Emphasis on comfort, durability, and longevity. Collaborative and Family-like Environment: Fostering a supportive and passionate team culture. Building strong relationships with suppliers and contractors. Takeaways: The importance of kindness in every business interaction. The value of local production and supporting small businesses. How ethical production and sustainability can drive customer loyalty. Alison's advice for a sustainable future in fashion: know your value, make conscious choices, support local businesses, and wash clothes in cold water. Join us for this inspiring conversation with Alison Lennard as we explore the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and ethical production. Discover how Philosophy Australia is leading the way in creating beautiful, sustainable womenswear that supports local craftsmanship and promotes a kinder, more conscious approach to fashion. Connect with Alison: Website: https://www.philosophyaustralia.com.au/ Email: customersupport@philosophyaustralia.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophyaustraliafashion/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philosophy-australia/posts/?feedView=all We mention The Australian Fashion Council.  Thank you for tuning in to Fashion To Farmer. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a lovely review. See you in the next episode! 🐏✨

    46 min

  8. 24 JULY

    E8: Thread Together Transforms: Anthony Chesler

    Today, we are thrilled to introduce a remarkable guest whose work embodies our mission to tackle fashion excess and celebrate sustainable fashion. Anthony Chesler, the CEO of Thread Together, joins us to share his insights and the impactful work his organisation is doing. Thread Together is dedicated to addressing the issue of fashion excess by collecting end-of-line brand new stock from fashion retailers and redistributing it to people in need. By keeping clothing in circulation and out of landfills, they are making significant strides in both social and environmental realms. Anthony's leadership has been instrumental in driving this mission forward, ensuring fashion waste is minimised and that those in need have access to essential clothing. Today, we will highlight his inspiring work and discuss how, together, we can promote ethical fashion and support those in need. About Thread Together Thread Together is an organisation tackling fashion excess and clothing insecurity by redistributing new clothing to those in need. The organisation was founded in 2012 and has since grown to become Australia's most ethical response to fashion excess. Thread Together works with over 2,000 fashion brands and retailers who donate their excess clothing. The clothing is then distributed to registered charities and welfare agencies across the country through various channels, including an online store, mobile wardrobes, clothing hubs, and wardrobe services in women's shelters. Key Initiatives Online Store: Thread Together operates an online store where registered charities can access clothing for their clients. Mobile Wardrobes: Bringing clothing directly to communities in need, mobile wardrobes make it easier for people to receive essential items. Clothing Hubs: Established hubs where individuals can select clothing in a dignified manner. Women's Shelters: Providing wardrobe services in shelters to support women in vulnerable situations. Volunteer Support The organisation relies on the support of volunteers who contribute their time and skills to help sort, pack, and distribute the clothing. Volunteers are the backbone of Thread Together's operations, ensuring that clothing reaches those who need it most efficiently and effectively. Future Goals Thread Together aims to scale up its operations, de-risk its dependency on traditional philanthropy, implement circular solutions to fashion excess, and advocate for reduced overproduction. The organisation believes that increased accountability and visibility of aged inventory in the fashion industry can lead to positive change. Takeaways Redistributing New Clothing: Thread Together redistributes new clothing to those in need, tackling fashion excess and clothing insecurity. Collaborations: The organisation works with over 2,000 fashion brands and retailers who donate their excess clothing. Distribution Channels: Clothing is distributed through various channels, including an online store, mobile wardrobes, clothing hubs, and wardrobe services in women's shelters. Volunteer Role: Volunteers play a crucial role in sorting, packing, and distributing the clothing. Future Plans: Thread Together aims to scale up its operations, reduce dependency on traditional philanthropy, implement circular solutions to fashion excess, and advocate for reduced overproduction. Connect with Thread Together: Website: https://threadtogether.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreadTogether/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thread_together/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thread-together/

    39 min
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About

Fashion to Farmer is an engaging podcast hosted by Vanessa Bell, a former international model turned farmer, who navigates the intersecting worlds of high fashion and sustainability. With her unique journey from the runway to the farm, where she produces exquisite Merino wool, Vanessa offers listeners an insider's perspective on sustainable fashion. The podcast serves as a curated journey for those intrigued by the blend of style, sustainability, and the special qualities of Australian Merino wool. "Fashion to Farmer" promises an exclusive look into the creative and ethical processes behind sustainable fashion, making it the go-to series for anyone aspiring to a conscious and chic lifestyle.

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  • Creator
    FashionToFarmer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fashion To Farmer

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