The Thread Report

Jackie Zha

Hi, this is The Thread Report, your all-in-one podcast to learn more about the sustainability efforts and supply chain aspects of the very fashion companies you are wearing. This sustainable podcast is where knowledge which is hidden behind closed doors is unveiled as you hear from guest speakers of major fashion companies, professors researching sustainability, and other advocates for change. Are the clothes you are wearing well sourced? Are these fashion companies telling the truth? Are you getting your money's worth? Each episode will help bring a new perspective that allows you to be confident in the clothes you are wearing.

Episodes

  1. 25 OCT

    Interview with Vintage Fashion Enthusiast and Business owner Mathea

    Welcome to episode 8 of The Thread Report! In this episode, Jackie sits down with student,, and vintage fashion enthusiast and business owner Mathea to discuss all things vintage fashion, sustainability, FIT and New York Fashion Week. The two get into a deep discussion about dreams, goals, moving to the big city and what avenues opened up for Mathea as a result of the choices she made and risks she's taken.    Time Stamps [1:40] How did Mathea find herself at the Fashion Institute of Technology, how does it align with her goals, and how does it differ from her experience in Minnesota   [5:30] Mathea shares how she got started selling vintage fashion, what sets it apart from current fashion trends, what challenges are present, and how she curates and decides what she"s going to sell and focus on. She also shares some stories about a few of her favorite finds.   [19:00] Jackie and Mathea discuss her time at New York Fashion Week and how she got involved with 3 different shows and had 3 very different experiences, including finding designers that she loves and continues to work with.   [24:30] Mathea talks about working with Current Affair and how it expanded her horizons within the fashion industry and exposed her to a different perspective within fashion, and allowed her to get up close to a few celebrities.   [30:10] Jackie asks Mathea to elaborate on her experience at FIT and what role the school has played in her journey so far. She also shares what she's learned from being in New York and being surrounded by goal oriented and success driven people, and where she wants to go from here. Learn more about Mathea! https://www.instagram.com/cyb3rkillchain?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== https://www.instagram.com/math.sh0p?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Check out Mathea's online shop!  https://www.depop.com/mathshop/?moduleOrigin=homepage_women_tile&campaignTitle=women Check out the website! https://www.thesafepodcast.com

    49 min
  2. 11 OCT

    7 Strategies to help you shop smarter, wear longer, and reduce environmental impact

    Welcome to episode 7 of The Thread Report! In the past few weeks, Jackie has been talking a lot about sustainability, the cost of fast fashion, and interviews with some of the future leaders of fashion, but with all of that knowledge, what can you do to become a more conscious consumer? In this episode, Jackie shares 7 strategies to help you become a smarter shopper, wear your clothing longer and reduce your contribution to the global impact of the fashion industry.   Time Stamps [1:00] The first tip will help you make smarter chives when you shop, and stop you from being one of the 55% of people who will make an impulsive purchase today.   [1:53] While tip two may not be for everyone and tip 3 seems so simple, they both definitely play a massive role in reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.   [3:14] How often do you think about the logistics of your purchase before adding an item to your cart and hitting the checkout? Tip 4 will have you thinking about the packaging and transportation of your shopping experience every time you make a purchase.   [4:50] What does supporting local have to do with sustainability? Tips 6 breaks down how that choice impacts not only your closet, but the fashion industry as a whole.   [5:43] Tip 7 addresses the massive global issue of textile waste, and how you can do your part to combat it and reduce the overall impact it has on the world by doing your simple, significant, small part.   Check out the website! https://www.thesafepodcast.com

    8 min
  3. 27 SEPT

    Interview with High School Fashion Professional Wenny Han

    Welcome to episode 6 of the Sustainable Apparel and Fast Fashion Education Podcast! In this episode, Jackie speaks with Wenny Han, A high school student who presented a 28 piece collection at New York Fashion Week! Wenny was a little girl when her interest in fashion sparked for the first time. That love of fashion and investment into the art and design aspects of the trade continued up to her highschool years where she was accepted into New York Fashion Week to showcase a 28 piece collection inspired by cubism and picasso. Join Jackie and Wenny as they break down the process, emotions, challenges and vision that led to her success and beyond. Time Stamps [1:09] Wenny shares her experience with being a new designer at New York Fashion Week, and the challenges that came along with it. [3:20] How did Wenny become inspired by and invested into the world of fashion? [5:40] How did Wenny go about creating designs for her 28 piece feature at New York Fashion Week? [7:30] Wenny discusses balancing being in school and being a fashion designer, as well as some of the pros and cons to being both simultaneously. [13:30] Did the audience like Wenny's designs? Jackie and Wenny discuss going back to New York Fashion Week in the future, her overall reception at the event, and the feedback on her collection from members of the crowd. [18:20] Wenny shares her thoughts on being interviewed by various media outlets, including Forbes. Check Wenny out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wennyhanofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Check out Wenny's Website https://wennyhan.com/?fbclid=PAVERFWANDA81leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp0nq-04g6je4RyrY9-1-L4_zBZs41q3lv9YkNrcxSOzjjASqroODXMalilSR_aem_pVWKjPHmmZU3RA_JmYzPHw Check out the website! https://www.thesafepodcast.com

    26 min
  4. 30 AUG

    Interview with Fashion Pro Maggi-Blair Gu

    Welcome to episode 4 of the Sustainable Apparel and Fast Fashion Education Podcast! In this episode, Jackie speaks with fashion professional Maggi-Blair Gu about the fashion industry and her thoughts on sustainability and fast fashion. Maggi is an alumni of  the Parsons School of Design with a focus on design strategy, marketing and management. Her interest in fashion came later than some of her colleagues and peers. She shares some of the enlightening moments that came from attending Parsons, living in New York City, and being involved in Miami Swim Week, New York Swim Week and soon to be New York Fashion Week. Jackie and Maggi get into a fascinating discussion surrounding her career, and her experience within the industry, as well as what it takes to thrive within it, and who may or may not be cut out for it.    Time Stamps [1:50] Maggi shares when her interest in fashion started, who inspired her to look into fashion as a possibility, and when it became real to her that she would be seriously pursuing a career in the fashion industry. [5:20] Maggi discusses living in New York City, and how that helps in terms of immersion into the world of fashion. She also talks about two classes she took in school that really made an impact and piqued her interest. [12:40] What are Maggi's views on fast fashion? Does she feel it is going to continue to grow? Or will sustainability find a foothold in the market? [19:40] Maggi shares highlights and low points in her work experience within the fashion industry [24:00] Jackie asks Maggi what she would want to change within the industry if she was given the chance. He also asks about some of her favorite collaborations. She also talks about some of her career aspirations [32:00] Maggi discusses the emergence of AI and how it is being used within the fashion industry, as well as the fine line where copyright laws are concerned.   Check Maggi out on Linked In http://linkedin.com/in/yangyang-blairgu   Check out Maggi's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blair.maggig?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Check out the website! https://www.thesafepodcast.com

    40 min
  5. 16 AUG

    What are you wearing?

    In this episode, Jackie heads to the library to ask people a simple but powerful question: What are you wearing?   At first it seems like a simple enough thing to ask, but it quickly becomes apparent that there is so much depth to the question when it comes to sustainable fashion. Not only does it give us a look into what people are wearing, and where they are buying it, but also which companies they are choosing to support and give their hard earned money to. Jackie then goes on to dig a little deeper with some great follow up questions in order to figure out who knows about sustainability, who supports fast fashion, and what people would change about the fashion industry if given the chance. The answers are fascinating, and revealing, much like fashion itself.    Time Stamps [1:17] What is Sophie wearing, where does she typically shop, and what impacts her purchasing decisions?   [3:45] Has Kenzie ever purchased anything because it was trending or popular online? What does sustainable fashion mean to her?   [6:36] Does Xixi prioritize style, price or brand name? What does sustainable fashion mean to her?   [9:50] When Nadia shops, does she have sustainability in mind? What does she do with her clothing when she's no longer wearing them?   [11:28] Jackie shares his closing thoughts on what he found in speaking with his guests, commonalities between them, and what has to become more evident in terms of raising awareness surrounding the fashion industry.    Check out the website! https://www.thesafepodcast.com

    14 min
  6. 2 AUG

    Behind the Seams: What Fast-Fashion Really Costs

    Welcome to episode 2 of the Sustainable Apparel and Fast Fashion Education Podcast! In this episode, Jackie goes behind the seams a little bit to clearly define exactly what is meant by fast fashion, and the impact that fast fashion practices create for not only the environment and economy, but for the people who produce and purchase fast fashion as well. Armed with research backed studies from multiple sources, Jackie pulls back the curtain on just how much of an issue fast fashion has become, and how it has changed both the way the fashion industry functions as a whole, but also the psychology of the influencers and buyers as well. Jackie also helps us out by sharing alternate methods of expressing ourselves through our clothing choices without supporting the brands that continue to conduct themselves in unsustainable and socially irresponsible ways. There's a lot to learn in this episode and it won't take long to learn it, so click play, tune in, and don't forget to subscribe!   Time Stamps [1:30] What even is Fast Fashion?   [2:45] The cost of fast fashion practices and the impact that fast fashion has on the environment, humanity, and consumerism   [7:00] Making informed decisions and alternate ways to explore the fashion industry without supporting fast fashion brands.   Key Resources mentioned in this episode   https://unfccc.int/news/fashion-industry-un-pursue-climate-action-for-sustainable-development https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/46622 https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/ https://environment.upenn.edu/news-events/news/fast-fashion https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/Full%20Report%20-%20UNEP%20Sustainability%20and%20Circularity%20in%20the%20Textile%20Value%20Chain%20A%20Global%20Roadmap.pdf https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-fast-fashion

    9 min

About

Hi, this is The Thread Report, your all-in-one podcast to learn more about the sustainability efforts and supply chain aspects of the very fashion companies you are wearing. This sustainable podcast is where knowledge which is hidden behind closed doors is unveiled as you hear from guest speakers of major fashion companies, professors researching sustainability, and other advocates for change. Are the clothes you are wearing well sourced? Are these fashion companies telling the truth? Are you getting your money's worth? Each episode will help bring a new perspective that allows you to be confident in the clothes you are wearing.