Reimagining Fashion with Amy Powney

Amy Powney, creative director at Mother of Pearl, shares how she embarked on her sustainable fashion journey and remains on it despite mounting challenges.

What does it take to build a sustainable fashion brand? And has the fashion industry reached a tipping point in sustainability? Or is it still early days yet? Find out what Amy Powney, creative director of Mother of Pearl, has to say as she takes us through her new documentary, Fashion Reimagined, on developing her passion for designing clothes sustainably.

Amy joins host Carla Buzasi, CEO at WGSN, to reimagine the state of fashion in this episode. Together, the pair discuss the role of fashion in our lives, how sustainability ties in, and how everyone can play their part in making fashion circular.

Fashion as a status symbol

“Being the kid that grew up in a caravan, we didn’t have any money. And I wanted an adidas tracksuit desperately, I wanted to wear three stripes. I wanted a pair of Kickers shoes, an Umbro coat, a Firetrap coat and a backpack with branding because that was what gave you social status at school and it was what I was desperate for. And I guess that’s part of where my kind of love of fashion merged in.”

Consumers’ role in sustainable fashion

“Resale is huge and it’s another way for you to sell your garments after you’re finished with them because it’s not just about what you’re buying. It’s what you’re doing after you’ve bought something too. And it really is simple – just buy less, buy better. Resell, circulate your product afterwards and think about buying secondhand rather than primary things.”

Understanding the big picture

“Once I started on this journey of sustainability, I ended up looking at international politics, trade agreements and the way they treat their staff and people. You don’t just become a designer looking at your fabric anymore. It becomes this global puzzle, because fashion is global. Your supply chain is global. And you can’t do any of this without understanding the playing field.”
– Amy Powney, creative director, Mother of Pearl

Head to Apple or Spotify to hear the full discussion on our Lives of Tomorrow podcast episode, Fashion Reimagined with Amy Powney.