Convo No. 9
25 y/o
Nationality: Dutch
Lives & works in Amsterdam
Travelled countries: quite a few, my favourites were Cuba and Bali. I guess I like the island life when I'm on holiday. Also adore Italy!
Favourite cities: New York, has a special place in my heart. I went there when I was 18, all by myself and it was amazing! I still miss it. If you count my stays in New York, it would actually make up almost a whole year. But I love Amsterdam too! I feel at home here and it's less hectic than New York.
How would you describe yourself?
Entrepreneurial, a bit quirky at times, and I take things seriously. If I want something I will make sure to achieve it.
On your blog, Let’s Talk Slow, you share your conscious journey & guide people on how to embark on their own. What led you there?
I've studied Fashion and Branding at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute where I got to learn a lot about the fashion industry. In my 3rd year I came across the brand Reformation and loved it, it showed that it's possible to be fashionable and sustainable! I looked more into it and after my studies I worked at a Dutch label called Miss Green. I got so into the sustainable aspect, and that's why I started Let's Talk Slow next to my job at the time. I would consider Let's Talk Slow more as a guide than a blog. I want to show people how they can do things in easy steps and by creating handy lists. I've created a very easy and basic (5 step-)guide to a fair wardrobe which is very helpful when you don't know where to start!
![sustainable fashion [Rêve En Vert]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596b9657bebafbf17772a53d/1521331899103-JV9B72TO994L6TE3NMIF/28907754_1593590160696377_334248258_n.jpg)
sustainable fashion [Rêve En Vert]
What does the future hold for Let’s Talk Slow?
In February of this year I actually registered Let's Talk Slow as a company. I want to help brands with their branding and help spread the conscious lifestyle. I work on branding projects, branded content and project management. I wish to do this for sustainable brands but as I've only recently started, I'm working for conventional brands as well, just to make sure I receive enough money each month and work on my platform to spread the word.
What do you find the most rewarding and most challenging about adapting to a more conscious sense of fashion and consumption?
I actually don't find it that hard. I think you just need to know what your options are, and finding those takes a lot of time. Also I think you shouldn't be too hard on your self. If you really want to buy something and you think you'll wear it often, then just do it! It really helps to know what types of clothes you wear more often than others, and to get to know your style. I think the best or most rewarding is when you come across a really nice unique vintage find!
No doubt, great vintage finds are a perk! Moving on from that, what are your top tips for someone who wants to become a more conscious fashionista and/or consumer?
First of all, think WHY before you buy. Do you really need it? Then, next you should check if the garment is sustainable. You just need to read a bit more about sustainable fashion (here for example) and then it will be fairly easy. It's also handy to know why you don't want to buy from fast fashion stores and brands, this helps you to just keep walking when you pass any of them. I know if I go into the store to begin with I'm only making it harder for myself.
That's some great tips! Unnecessary consumption is certainly a fact, and I've found it super helpful myself, like you say, read and educate yourself about what's going on in the fashion industry. For me that's what really helped change the way I shop, both how and where I look for clothes.
Where do you consider yourself on the pessimist-optimist scale considering our generation and the challenges we have ahead – whether it be climate change, sustainability in fashion, or global politicians and their politics?
I'm quite positive, I think we all need to be positive. I mean yeah it's terrible what is happening, but the only way to change it is to do something about it. We can talk as much as we want, but doing something is what makes the change. I think all small steps help! I once read a quote which said If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito, and it's true.
Follow Stephanie @letstalkslow to see where her conscious journey brings here & get great tips on sustainable brands to get you going!
Oh, and if you ever find yourself in Amsterdam she's also got a great conscious city guide!
PS.
for all aspiring sustainable fashionistas & consumers out there Hey Magazine is marking Fashion Revolution Week 2018 big time, keep an eye on this space for amazing resources and interviews with people in the field of sustainability & fashion!
