We’re gettin' wild, and SHEIN is ridiculous

Fashion, Really? is back with another deep dive into the messy and hidden truth behind our clothes. This time, Emma and Joshua unpack the political forces shaping fashion from the California Fashion Act and a French fast fashion bill to Vietnam’s push for a circular economy.

We also shine a light on the hidden victims of fashion’s supply chain: wildlife. From deforestation for leather and wool to the far-reaching impact of land use on global biodiversity, we’re exposing how biodiversity destruction is tied to animal exploitation that’s literally woven into the industry’s fabric.

Plus, we’re back with one of our favourite segments, green-wash of the month. This time, we’re chatting about the sneaky misuse of "recycled" labels to the illusion of ethical productivity in marketing. Join us as we challenge the status quo and explore what it really takes to make fashion responsible when considering people, animals, and the planet. We’re doing it while keeping it cute.

Each of our episodes will be broken down into short and sharp sections, find episode one breakdown below:

0.00: Welcome!

1.27: First things first: what are we wearing?

4.41: The latest fashion gossip and news… but green

15.30: You’ve got to read this

23.49: Quick fire summary: wildlife

39.40: Green-wash of the month

48.09: Wrap-up and next time

 

This episode kicks off with a very special ‘what are we wearing’ with Joshua sharing the stories woven into his vintage ensemble and  Emma breaking down the incredible innovation behind her shiringa bio-leather jacket. (watch this episode on YouTube for full effect as well as our documentary, SHIRINGA: Fashion Regenerating Amazonia).

We also tackle some of the industry’s biggest headlines from the last month: the devastating Kantomanto market fire in Ghana, UK parliamentary scrutiny of Shein’s labor practices, and the ethical minefield of vintage fur’s resurgence. Plus, we unpack key fashion legislation updates, from the New York Fashion Workers Act to the latest greenwashing controversies in the wool industry (AI images on a webpage about transparency and sustainability?!).

Join us as we challenge the status quo and explore how fashion can (and must) do better – while looking good.

 

Each of our episodes will be broken down into short and sharp sections, find episode one breakdown below:

0.00: Welcome!

0.47: First things first: what are we wearing?

9.40: The latest fashion gossip and news… but green

25.12: You've got to read this

42.59: Green-wash of the month

49.25: Wrap-up and next time

 

Book, articles and other things to look at:

Scaling next-gen materials in fashion: an executive guide

 

Coyote America by Dan Flores

Biodiversity: The next frontier in sustainable fashion

Circumfauna

Designer Nancy Gonzalez sentenced to prison for smuggling crocodile and python handbags

Collective Fashion Justice submission into the Australian Parliamentary inquiry into greenwashing