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

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 [https://highteawithmrswoo.com.au/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/highteawithmrswoo/] * Instagram @highteawithmrswoo * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX6Np9feQDAJqurCeqkXSw] 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. [https://mckellinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Microbusiness_2023_WEB-SINGLES_compressed-1.pdf] ---------------------------------------- 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. 🐏✨ Connect with Vanessa Bell: Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com [http://www.vanessa-bell.com/] Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock [https://vanessa-bell.com/] Email:  info@vanessa-bell.com [info@vanessa-bell.com] Instagram: @fashiontofarmer [https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/] LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/] X: @FashionToFarmer [https://twitter.com/FashionToFarmer] Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095]. ✨ Credits: Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

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) [https://sustainablestyleschool.ck.page/seasonalcleanse] Links: * Sustainable Style School [https://sustainablestyleschool.thinkific.com/pages/home] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_style_school/] Connect with Vanessa Bell: Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com [http://www.vanessa-bell.com/] Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock [https://vanessa-bell.com/] Email:  info@vanessa-bell.com [info@vanessa-bell.com] Instagram: @fashiontofarmer [https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/] LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/] X: @FashionToFarmer [https://twitter.com/FashionToFarmer] Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095]. ✨ Credits: Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

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 [https://acalastem.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/acala.stem/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-savage-bb877117/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@acala.stem] Connect with Vanessa Bell: Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com [http://www.vanessa-bell.com/] Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock [https://vanessa-bell.com/] Email:  info@vanessa-bell.com [info@vanessa-bell.com] Instagram: @fashiontofarmer [https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/] LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/] X: @FashionToFarmer [https://twitter.com/FashionToFarmer] Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095]. ✨ Credits: Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/seamless-australias-clothing-stewardship-scheme/posts/?feedView=all] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/seamlessaustralia/] Website [https://www.seamlessaustralia.com/] Connect with Vanessa Bell: Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com [http://www.vanessa-bell.com/] Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock [https://vanessa-bell.com/] Email:  info@vanessa-bell.com [info@vanessa-bell.com] Instagram: @fashiontofarmer [https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/] LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/] X: @FashionToFarmer [https://twitter.com/FashionToFarmer] Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095]. ✨ Credits: Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.

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 [https://www.instagram.com/auscotton/] * YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/@CottonAustralia] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CottonAustralia/] * Twitter [https://x.com/CottonAustralia] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cotton-australia/] * Website [https://cottonaustralia.com.au/] Connect with Vanessa Bell: Website:  www.vanessa-bell.com [http://www.vanessa-bell.com/] Sign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The Flock [https://vanessa-bell.com/] Email:  info@vanessa-bell.com [info@vanessa-bell.com] Instagram: @fashiontofarmer [https://www.instagram.com/fashiontofarmer/] LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/] X: @FashionToFarmer [https://twitter.com/FashionToFarmer] Subscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fashion-to-farmer/id1728963095]. ✨ Credits: Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainability Advocate & Champion of Australian Merino Wool Producer: Bogdan Bratis, Saspod Productions UK Fashion To Farmer acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Kamilaroi people of the Kamilaroi Nation in New South Wales, Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We further extend our respect to the people of the Biripi Nation on which we live and work.