The Future of Fashion Through the Lenses of Sustainability: A Conversation with Paulina Kellermann

In a world that's constantly changing, fashion is no exception. As we become more aware of the impact that the industry has on the environment, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic in the world of fashion. Brands are starting to recognize the importance of being eco-friendly and are implementing new ways to become more sustainable. But what direction will fashion take in the future? In this first installment of Future of Fashion, we will be interviewing fashion and branding student Paulina Kellermann to share her thoughts on the current and future role of sustainability in the fashion industry. Read on to find out what she has to say.

Our world moves at breakneck speed, and with it, fashion does too. With consumers becoming more aware of the impact that fashion has on the environment, the industry is seeking new ways to become more sustainable. What direction will fashion take in the future?

For the first installment of Future of Fashion, we will be interviewing fashion and branding student Paulina Kellermann (paulina_048) to raise her voice and share her thoughts about the current and future role of sustainability in the fashion industry.

Paulina, How would you describe the ongoing role of sustainability in the retail industry now that many brands like Prada are stepping up their sustainability game?

I think sustainability is now more of a topic than ever! People know how important it is to be conscious of their shopping behavior, and brands adapt to that. I see more and more little companies as well; for example, Djerf Avenue has sustainability as one of its characteristic features. They focus on designing timeless, long-lasting pieces ethically produced in Portugal.

Do you think you face any challenges when it comes to sustainability on a daily basis? For example, when it comes to buying online, is it important for you to keep in mind the production method, sustainable fabrics, etc.?

I cut out fast fashion as much as possible. Both the less, it's very difficult, especially as a fashion student, to express your style without the ability to shop fast fashion. I don't restrict myself to clothing, e.g., Zara articles, when I like them. I'd say I shop 80/20; most of it is sustainable and made out of organic

By Mencia del Rio

fibers, but the others are not, and that's ok right now.

Which role do you think our youth plays nowadays in sustainable development?

We shape the future, so we play a huge role. Our university, AMFI, strives for sustainability and teaches us everything we need to know to make a change in the industry. Sustainability has to be the priority!

Are fashion and sustainability—long-term speaking— compatible?

Of course! You can be stylish and wear only sustainable fashion. High-end designers, like Stella McCartney, reshape the industry right now and show us that there is no compromise when it comes to sustainability and fashion. "We consider our environmental footprint at every point of our design process," says the brand. In my opinion, this is how every business should think.

What can we do, as a society, to empower new generations through fashion to become a force for positive change?

We can show how easy it is to live sustainably and embrace upcycling, rewearing, and vintage shopping. Additionally, we can use the impact of social media, for example, Instagram and TikTok. There, you can make a positive change, broadcast that sustainability is more than a trend, and make it visually aesthetic and desirable for the younger generations to adapt.

You´ve heard it! This year has given us the best opportunity to have a greater awareness of all the issues concerning our society. Still, it has also given us time to stop, reflect, and, above all, listen to our young generations, who are often the ones that can best guide us towards a new—and hopefully more sustainable—path.

If you want to know more about sustainability, how to buy responsibly, and where to buy, don’t miss the next installment of The Future of Fashion, coming next month in Nfm Magazine's May issue. The Future of Fashion Through the Lenses of Sustainability: A Conversation with Shannon Foley.