Investment Pieces

Money, supposedly, makes the world go round. It also, though, has the power to stop it spinning altogether. It’s why Earth Day’s theme this year is Invest in Our Planet, reminding us all that when it comes to spending power, the stakes are very, very high. We’re all shareholders in the planet; while consumers have a duty to lower consumption, companies, governments and philanthropists have to fuel real change with cold, hard cash. 

Follow this thread of thinking towards the world of fashion and it’s the same two cents; if you’re choosing to invest in your closet, make sure you’re investing in the planet. The most sustainable choice, as we all know, is never buying a single item of clothing again; but unless you have an unbreakable moral fibre, never seek newness and always eat spaghetti with an apron, that might not work. So, when you choose to buy, make sure it’s an investment piece, something that you truly cherish.

It’s why for Earth Day this year we’ve partnered with FARFETCH, celebrating the luxury store’s Positively FARFETCH initiative and ever-increasing range of Conscious-certified and pre-owned pieces. Following our night together at The Green Carpet Fashion Awards, we tasked climate activists and creatives Tindi Mar and Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh with curating an edit of Conscious clothing and asked them a few questions about investing in your closet and the planet. 

This year’s Earth Day theme is invest in the planet- how does investing in life lasting clothing pieces help this?

Embracing life-lasting clothing signifies a conscious decision to resist the throwaway culture perpetuated by fast fashion. There are staggering statistics that underscore the urgent need to address waste generation, which is among the most critical environmental challenges of our time. This is why when we invest in high-quality, durable garments, we not only curtail our individual contribution to landfill, but also send a powerful message to the industry to prioritise sustainability over disposability.

What’s your favourite investment piece in your wardrobe? Any top tips for choosing something carefully? 

I recently bought a super colourful, psychedelic, delicious texture huipil, my favourite piece so far. I believe that fashion can be a beautiful medium for self-expression, and allow each of us to showcase our unique personality. However, in today’s digital era, the influence of online platforms can create social pressure on consumers to chase whatever is popular or trendy. I think it is so special nowadays to embrace our own individuality, to be conscious of what fits and feels comfortable, and how that can lead to a deeper engagement with our personal style. This, in turn, can result in choosing more carefully your clothing, buying less unnecessary and opting for high-quality long lasting garments instead.

What’s the most challenging part of living in a self-sustaining community? What makes it worth this?

I believe the greatest challenge in any community has always been human relationships, the ability to harmonise different wills and desires. Yet, the beauty of it lies precisely in the fact that when individuals share a vision and purpose that transcends their differences, their pursuit of understanding and connection amidst such diversity becomes a beautiful and intriguing journey. And it is precisely the very sense of community that makes it worth it, the diversity of backgrounds, the unity of efforts, the affection, because none of the enjoyment found here would be the same without a community to co-create and share it with.

You grow your own food: what crops do you currently love cultivating? 

There is something called the milpa system that is my all time favourite. It’s an ancestral farming technique that involves growing corn, chilli, beans, and squash together in the same plot. At home, I also add fruit trees to the formula. I’m also really into medicinal plants, such as euphorbia hirta (commonly known as “yerba del sapo”), larrea tridentata (known as “governadora” or “creosote bush”), Aloe vera, borage, pot marigold, mullein…

What’s your husky’s favourite food?

My husky is in love with carne asada, grilled chicken and whatever falls from the counter. She’s truly living her best life as a foodie and I can’t help but admire her passion!

This year’s Earth Day theme is invest in the planet- how does investing in life lasting clothing pieces help this?

If you’re able to, it’s a great move to purchase timeless staple pieces that will survive trend cycles and are more durable than what fast fashion has to offer. I love to see my generation starting to collectively reject fast fashion and the culture of disposability and waste. I love thrifted and vintage clothes for how much longer they often last, the durability of the materials and the timelessness of the styles you find. Plus it’s a relatively more accessible way for folks from many class backgrounds to be a part of investing in pieces that last longer than what fast fashion has to offer. Hopefully in the near future, we can remove plastics from the supply chain, and all of the clothes we make can eventually decompose and return to the earth without harming it. 

What’s your favourite investment piece in your wardrobe? Any top tips for choosing something carefully? 

Last year at a vintage market in Portland, as everyone was packing up their booths and closing for the day, I found a gorgeous earthy-maroon coloured Pendleton top coat that I absolutely love. Haggled a bit on the price, but it’s definitely a piece that will stay in my collection and get lots of use out of it.

How can we all support indigenous communities and focus on action, not just conversation?

I think Indigenous leadership is the future of the climate movement. The movement for Indigenous Sovereignty offers us a view into what a world beyond extractive capitalism can look like. Studies published over the last few years show us that Indigenous resistance to fossil fuel projects are responsible for delaying or entirely stopping massive quantities of the US and Canada’s carbon emissions. Native people getting their land back is a critical piece of us holistically addressing the climate crisis, and ensuring our species’ survival. Support the return of lands to Indigenous people in your community; supporting Indigenous communities in a meaningful way requires you to listen, be willing to learn, and do the hard work of building genuine relationships.

You’ve been active as a youth activist for eight years now – as you get older, is your activism changing?

One of the most beautiful and difficult parts of this work is the nature of its growth and change over time. It’s important to know that your work will likely change. Your skills will grow, your politics will evolve, your relationship to yourself and your voice, or your form of leadership may change entirely. The more in tune you can be with yourself, the more effective you can channel your energy into contributing to the greater community and the world.  I’ve played lots of different roles in the world of climate organising, and I’m slowly finding ways that are more effective, and reflective of who I am to play my part.

I love the ways that art, music and cultural organising have shifted my leadership towards a more creative and expressive form of showing up in the world. I love how learning about abolition and my study of Indigenous resistance movements have expanded my horizon on the transformative power our generation holds when confronted with the climate crisis. When our work is grounded in the things we love, and channelled through the expressions that make us come alive, I feel that this is when we have the power to reach our greatest potential.

What environmental topics would you love to see discussed in mainstream music?

I’d love to hear 21 Savage rap about kelp farming. Or mycology. It would go crazy!

Hair: Tiago Goya

Makeup: Sara Tagaloa

Set Design: Spencer Vrooman

Casting: Noah Shelley

Production: Rhianna Rule