11 Comments
User's avatar
Dr. Louise Schriewer's avatar

What a great insight: the most sustainable thing you can do is to NOT start your own brand. So true. Really enjoyed reading how you have related to fashion over the years, Sascha!

Expand full comment
Sascha Camilli's avatar

Thank you! Yes, it has been quite a journey and I'm still conflicted about it quite frequently, as I'm sure you've noticed. Thanks for reading.

Expand full comment
Michelle's avatar

Really enjoyed this, as somebody that used to work in fashion. I eventually moved into fashion and sustainability, before transitioning out altogether.

Expand full comment
Sascha Camilli's avatar

It's so fascinating to me that other fashion people relate. I'm guessing there must be more people who feel like this, which should really be a catalyst for change.

Expand full comment
Maria Polansky's avatar

Oh how I understand you! I often feel the same way, though I'm still working as a fashion copywriter. I'm lucky that I seem to attract clients that align with my values, but that also puts me in a difficult position when trying to find new clients. Sometimes I wonder if I should switch lanes. But I think I'm like you and I'll always have a place in my heart for great style.

Expand full comment
Sascha Camilli's avatar

That's lucky - and probably also an indicator of your skills - that you are able to get clients that align with you. I'm glad I left fashion, but I didn't entirely leave, I still work on a lot of fashion-related campaigns, only not within the industry.

Expand full comment
Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Another thing we have in common! I used to work in fashion, but on the product development side. Eventually I launched my own brand. I’ll never go back. Haha. I love the idea of focusing on personal style, focusing on what works for you rather than chasing the next big trend.

Expand full comment
Sascha Camilli's avatar

Oh I didn't know that about you! How interesting. Yeah, I think trends need to go away as a concept. But I don't think they ever will, it's human nature to be aspirational and being on-trend gives us something to aspire to.

Expand full comment
Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

For sure. It’s always how all the companies make money by always having some new “must have” item. I’ve been trying to shop my closet lately. I still have stuff from 15 years ago. lol

Expand full comment
Sascha Camilli's avatar

So do I! It's such a harmful mechanism, creating this idea of "must-haves" that really aren't musts at all, to manufacture a "need" and make money from it.

Expand full comment
Tina Boetto's avatar

This really resonated! My degree is in fashion and I've worked in corporate fashion roles throughout my career and have felt this way about the rise in overconsumption, especially with the proliferation of ultra-fast fashion and microtrends. I'm hopeful that secondhand will continue to gain traction and slow down new production. I prioritize secondhand now, but those Ganni shoes totally got me and were worth every penny.

Expand full comment