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ago, when packages from brands—clothes and beau-llegra Shaw remembers a time, three or four years GOINGthe Tnamhe influencer econompumsommspeed—oves at lightning By e of sustainability, ping the brakes. e of its stars are Allie VolpeGbut in the^ ridOFFy^
of solid waste generated from the production of clothing and crisis and ethical consumerism reach critical mass, she is one video to them—came equipped with confetti explosions and television screens. “Wfootwear was sent to landfills in 2017, according to the EPA. Still, dispose of it?” Shaw says. As conversations around the climate attitudes are changing. Burberry and Gabriela Hearst produced of many influencers rethinking a system that requires them to wear, share, and promote the latest trends at a breakneck pace.Fashion is a notoriously wasteful industry: Nearly 9,000 tons with nearly a million followers, would dedicate a ty products sent in the hope that Shaw, a YouTuber hen you get a TV in a package, how do you
fall that it is carbon-neutral across all its operations. Luxury ble over the past 15 years—and toward resale or eco-conscious giants LVMright along with them—sustainability arguably goes against plans. Meanwhile, some shoppers have begun to turn away from fast fashion—which caused clothing production to nearly dou-carbon-neutral spring 2020 shows, while Gucci announced last labels like Reformation and Everlane.what’s next and newest, encouraging followers to consume unsustainable—influencers’ livelihoods depend on promoting the job description. But while some influencers race to keep up Because the nature of the influencer economy is inherently H and Kering have unveiled detailed sustainability
with fashion’s hunger for more, others are aiming to change the narrative. Reese Blutstein of Double3xposure opts for vintage and repeat outfits, and she’s said her goal is to “show peopleA that they don’t need an endless supply of clothes or money to have style. The idea that you always need to have new items of clothing is just not realistic for most people, and not sustain-able.” Leandra Mwaste and carbon emissions, New York City–based holistic the morning easier.with how ethical consumerism is hardly black-and-white in an nutritionist and artist Bianca Valle, who has partnered with we’re more thoughtful about it and hold ourselves accountable for making! smarter! choices!” she wrote, advocating for more mindful shopping and urging readers to ask themselves if a piece will elevate their wardrobe or if it will make getting dressed in essay on her site: “I don’t think consumption has to be so dirty if Knowing that certain brands are taking strides to minimize. Cohen, founder of Man Repeller, grappled
ises to limit their environmental impact—uses her platform to we know there’s an issue, so people are taking steps.”promote labels that are making an effort. “Are they [all] 100 percent sustainable?” the 25-year-old says. “Mthe tension between aspiration and sustainability, encouraging they working hard to figure it out? Probably. It’s this notion of not condemning anything or anyone, because I think, as a whole, Outdoor Voices and Nike—brands that have made public prom-She uses the eco-conscious movement as an opportunity to ease says that since turning 30, “I’m a lot more wary of what I buy.” her followers to invest in high-quality pieces meant to withstand Monikh Dale, an influencer and stylist who lives in London, aybe not. Are
the wear and tear of near-everyday use. “The best comment I can get on my Instagram,” she says, “is when someone says to me, ‘God, I’m bored of those shoes you’re wearing.’”LEANDRA M. COHEN
MONIKH DALE BIANCA VALLEREESE BLUTSTEIN
ALLEGRA SHAWOIHEN:^ CHRISTIAN^ VIERCG/GETTY^ IMAGES;^ VALL:A^ SAMENTHA^
ANNDEZ/BFA;^ BLUTSTEIN:^ EDWARD^ BERTHELOT/EMTTY^ IGAGES;^
HRAW:^ MARGARITA^ MENASD;^ DALE:^ DAVID^ M.^ BEEYTT/GETTN^ IMAGES.^
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