This week, we speak to Katy Ho, a 4th-year UBC Sauder student and Founder of Attire Media, who will be hosting the 'Fashion for Good' Panel Discussion as part of Sustainable Fashion Week Oct 28-30. Find out more about the events and RSVP today.
What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?
Put simply, sustainable fashion means producing clothes in a way that does not harm humans, animals, or the planet.
How do you feel about our very first Sustainable Fashion Week on campus?
I’ve always loved fashion, but it troubles me deeply that fast fashion has had such a negative impact on the planet. Fashion impacts so many people, animals, and ecosystems around the world, and it’s important for us to understand how to make better fashion choices. One piece of clothing can cause massive amounts of environmental damage while exploiting animals, farmers, and workers; on the other hand, if done correctly, fashion can help uplift communities and bring joy into the world. Attire is all about conscious consumerism, and Sustainable Fashion Week will be a great opportunity to help people get informed and make smarter decisions so they can wear clothes that they are truly proud of while minimizing harm.
Who or what organizations are you looking forward to seeing at Sustainable Fashion Week?
I’m very excited to be hosting the Fashion for Good panel on October 28, where I’ll be chatting with Working Gear and The North Face about sustainable fashion. It’s great to see big brands making sustainability a priority, and I can’t wait to learn more about what they’re working on. I’m also friends with Irina McKenzie from Frameworq, and was thrilled to hear that she’ll be hosting a workshop on clothing repairs so we can keep our clothes in good condition instead of throwing them in the landfill!
What are you hoping to take away from Sustainable Fashion Week?
The most exciting part of Sustainable Fashion Week is the opportunity for continual self-improvement. I always try to stay up-to-date with industry news and share information with others through Attire, and there’s always something new to learn when it comes to improving your fashion choices. I’m excited to learn what changes we can make as consumers to break out of the fast fashion cycle.
How would you describe your personal style?
This is a great question to ask, because knowing your own style is the best way to avoid getting swept up in fast fashion trends! My style consists of classic pieces with a modern twist. For the most part, I stick to a neutral palette and incorporate some pops of accent colour here and there. And, of course, I only buy secondhand or from ethical and sustainable brands!