Sustainable fashion is, in essence, a movement of fostering change within production and consumption of fashion products. No matter how it is defined, it concerns more than just addressing fashion textiles or products. Simply shopping for items labelled “sustainable” isn’t enough; we need to completely rethink our purchasing habits and the way we consume clothes in order for us to bear the fruit of change.

Any kind of conversation of sustainability is worth hearing. In their own words, our Metro Most Stylish women talked us through their sustainable practices as consumers and as women of great influence. Learn how they have adapted to a more sustainable lifestyle by lessening their environmental impact, promoting circular fashion, and using their platforms to evoke change.

For more articles about sustainable fashion here in the Philippines, read our related articles down below.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo

How do you practice sustainability in your own way?

When we think about sustainability, we always think in terms of materials and ingredients or the way something is produced. But sustainability is also a matter of how we consume. It can be tempting to buy new eco-friendly products to fill your home with, but the first step toward living sustainably is making use of and maximizing what you already own.

Take good care of your things so they last long and can be used over and over. Don’t just shop for local brands, shop for locally-made products. Not only is the carbon footprint significantly much less but this also creates more jobs in the country and supports our local artisans. Always choose well-made products because the sustainability of good design means the piece can be a lifelong companion, outlive us, and be passed on to our children later on.

What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

Celebrate quality and move away from the throwaway mindset. Fashion should never be single-use or disposable.

Advocate for repeating fashion pieces instead of filling your closet with items that you’ll only use once. Quality over quantity always.

No matter the brand, choose investment pieces you can pass on to your daughters. The most sustainable wardrobe is one that can transcend seasons and will remain relevant forever.

Why do you think it’s important for people in your platform/profession to practice sustainability?

Because we can’t continue to consume more than what the planet can replenish every year. Fashion and beauty should never come at the cost of the planet. Regardless of industry or profession, I’m a firm believer that every business can be a force of good. A kind of business that focuses on the triple bottom line—that considers not just profit but people and planet too.

Kelly Misa-Fernandez

How do you practice sustainability in your own way?

My husband and I really make it an effort to keep our home green and sustainable. Our end goal is to have very little carbon footprint, but we’re doing it slowly but surely, little by little, in our own way. One way we practice sustainability at home is by creating eco bricks, or simply stuffing containers like bottled water bottles or home cleaning product containers with loose plastic to avoid it reaching our oceans. Also, I sell clothes, shoes and accessories I no longer use in my Instagram account. This gives my old clothes a new lease in life as they hopefully find new owners who will love them as much as I did.

What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

I already know my personal style so I only buy pieces in my closet that I know I’ll use for the next 10-20 years. I love using my things over and over again, and I’ve found that when I invest in high quality pieces, the more I use and love them, and find ways to wear them again and again. So the things I look for are: well-made items with natural fabrics/threads, amazing fit, clean palette I can mix and match.

Why do you think it’s important for people like you who have a platform to practice sustainability?
I think social media creators have a huge responsibility to our followers. Whether we like to admit it or not, we have a big influence on people’s buying habits. As much as possible, I promote finding your own personal style and sticking to it, so there’s no need to keep buying trends that don’t necessarily work for your lifestyle or wardrobe. And I try to make videos showing different ways of wearing an article of clothing so we love our things more and not have to keep buying more.

Kimi Yap-Sy

How do you practice sustainability in your own way? What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

I shop for luxury clothing and accessories based on quality, and their potential value over time. I look for pieces that are high quality so that i can wear it a couple of times. My motto is buy less but buy better.

Why do you think it’s important for people like you who have a platform to practice sustainability?

I think it’s important for everyone to practice sustainability. We only have one earth and it is our responsibility to save it for future generations.

Nicole Andersson

How do you practice sustainability in your own way?

I try to do what I can in my own way, such as: recycling, bringing reusable tote bags when shopping, supporting brands that are environmentally conscious etc.

What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

I don't really purchase so much lately since I have been trying to reuse my clothes at home, but when I do buy, I look for pieces I don't already have so I won't have doubles.

Why do you think it’s important for people like you who have a platform to practice sustainability?

Having an audience means, you have to be aware of what you are selling your audience. We have to be so aware that the planet is being affected and that the Philippines will be one of the worst hit with climate change. So I don't say yes to all projects and only pick and choose those that I really love.

Tessie Singson

How do you practice sustainability in your own way?

Actually, my son JP and I are advocates of circular and sustainable fashion for quite some time now. This is why we started @lolaabijoux on Instagram where JP showcases covetable pre-loved designer vintage jewelry sourced mostly in Europe and @lolaacloset where I sell pre-loved fashion straight from my closet. It's an excellent way of extending lifespan of unwanted items and at the same time making extra cash for future purchases. I also love scouring flea markets abroad and ukay-ukay. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 I avoid going out so much these days. I mostly shop through my son JP who specializes in luxury and niche sustainable brands as well as vintage and pre-loved archival designer fashion (@lolaaafinds on Instagram). There are several social media platforms such as Instagram and Marketplace on Facebook as well as selling platforms such as Carousell where you can find pre-loved designer fashion at a fraction of its retail price.

What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

Quality over quantity. I always make sure to examine the materials and construction of the items before pulling the trigger. Also, I make sure to do substantial research to ensure I'm investing into something worth keeping for a long time.

Why do you think it’s important for people like you who have a platform to practice sustainability?

I think in this day and age of fast fashion and unnecessary consumption we need to be responsible shoppers and support causes that limit wastage and protect the environment. Also, let's educate young people the importance of recycling so it turns into a habit. By doing so, we can maximize our resources and avoid possible scarcity in the future.

Vern Enciso-Lim

How do you practice sustainability in your own way? What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

I make sure to invest in quality pieces that I can keep forever and for pieces that I can already let go, I sell them online so that other people can love them too.

What are the things you look for when purchasing an item of clothing?

I always pay attention to quality and how much outfits I can create with the item of clothing I’m buying. I’ve veered away from trendy pieces ever since the year started because I have limited closet space so I make sure every item I buy is worth keeping.

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