In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne sits down with Puja MJ, a bold sustainability advocate and climate justice leader from Mumbai. Their conversation dives into the Slow Fashion Movement and its powerful 90-day challenge that invites people to step away from buying new clothes and reimagine their relationship with fashion.

Puja brings the perspective of the Global South to the forefront, reminding us that the sustainability conversation is incomplete without the voices of those most affected by climate and labor realities. She shares how grassroots movements and community-centered action are shaping the future of fashion, and why education in fashion schools is key to sparking long-term change.

This episode is a reminder that real transformation often begins with individual choices—and when those choices connect into collective action, they can shift an entire industry.

Takeaways:
Puja MJ emphasizes the importance of community in the Slow Fashion Movement.
The 90-day challenge encourages individuals to rethink their consumption habits.
Sustainability conversations must include voices from the Global South.
Education on sustainability should be integrated into fashion curricula.
Grassroots movements can create significant impact in the fashion industry.
The Slow Fashion Movement is volunteer-powered and fueled by passion.
Real change happens through daily choices and community conversations.
The narrative around sustainability should focus on people, planet, and profit.
Degrowth is a necessary concept for sustainable fashion practices.
Social media can be a tool for positive change in fashion consumption.

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Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne engages with Yayra Agbofah, founder of The Revival, a movement in Ghana focused on transforming textile waste into valuable resources. They discuss the impact of fast fashion on local communities, the importance of education and collaboration in sustainability, and share inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through upcycling initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability from fashion brands and encourages listeners to support sustainable practices.

Takeaways

The fashion industry is facing a significant waste crisis, particularly in Ghana.
Yayra Agbofah's work focuses on community-driven solutions to textile waste.
Education is crucial in shifting mindsets about fashion and sustainability.
Upcycling can transform discarded clothing into valuable resources.
Individual stories highlight the positive impact of sustainable practices on lives.
Collaboration is essential for creating meaningful change in the fashion industry.
Fast fashion contributes to waste colonialism, impacting local economies.
Consumers can advocate for sustainable practices and support responsible brands.
The Revival has diverted over seven million garments from landfills.
Real change in fashion starts with community involvement and responsibility.

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Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne sits down with special guest Tsui Yuen-Pappas for a thought-provoking conversation on the evolution of manufacturing and the urgent need for sustainability in fashion. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, Tsui explores the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of eco-friendly fabrics, from biodegradable materials to scalable, responsible production methods. Together, they unpack the realities of fast fashion, the role of certifications, and the power of collaboration to drive systemic change. With clarity and candor, Tsui underscores how intentional choices in sourcing and manufacturing can create a lasting, positive impact on both the planet and the people who make our clothes.

Takeaways

Tsui Yuen-Pappas has a rich background in the fashion industry, growing up in manufacturing.
Innovations in functional fabrics can significantly impact sustainability.
Eco-friendly products like Chloris and Bolina are game changers in the industry.
Scalability remains a challenge for many sustainable innovations.
Biodegradable fibers like Smell this offer promising solutions to plastic pollution.
Public perception and demand are crucial for the success of bio-based fibers.
Transitioning from design to sourcing can enhance understanding of manufacturing processes.
Fast fashion poses significant ethical and environmental challenges.
Mechanical recycling requires investment and innovation to be effective.
Certifications are essential to combat greenwashing in the industry.

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Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne engages with Dinie Van Den Heuvel, co-founder of Infantium Victoria, a children's fashion brand focused on sustainability. They discuss the importance of storytelling in fashion, the challenges of creating vegan and organic clothing, and the responsibility of designers in the industry. Dinie shares insights from her experiences at the Global Fashion Summit, her approach to sustainability in kids' fashion, and the need for a comprehensive overhaul of fashion education to embed sustainability as a foundational principle. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, creativity, and ethical practices in shaping the future of fashion.

You can follow Dinie by using the links below:

www.InfantiumVictoria.com,

www.dinievandenheuvel.com

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this engaging conversation, Michelle Alleyne and Muchaneta Ten Napel explore the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and technology. They discuss the importance of accountability in the fashion industry, the role of policy in driving change, and the need for collaboration over competition. Muchaneta shares insights from her experiences at the Global Fashion Summit and her work with LVMH, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the potential of AI in fashion. The discussion also highlights the significance of educating the next generation of fashion leaders and reframing waste as an asset for the Global South.

Takeaways

• The fashion industry needs to shift from a 'me' to a 'we' mentality.
• Accountability is crucial for progress in sustainability.
• Fashion waste should be reframed as an asset, not a burden.
• Collaboration among brands is essential for industry-wide change.
• Progress is more important than perfection in sustainability efforts.
• Consumer behavior varies significantly across different regions.
• AI and technology can enhance the fashion industry but come with ethical responsibilities.
• Education is key for the next generation of fashion leaders.
• Legislation can drive significant change in the fashion industry.
• The Global South plays a vital role in the fashion supply chain.

Sound Bites

• "We need to send better clothes."
• "Waste in fashion can be an asset."
• "It's about progression, not perfection."

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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This week on The Ethical Stitch, Michelle Alleyne speaks straight from the heart in a powerful July 4th edition that reexamines what freedom really looks like in America today.

With raw honesty, Michelle reflects on the current political climate, recent policy shifts, and how they’re impacting real people—including her own family. This isn’t about party lines—it’s about people. And in a time when division feels louder than unity, she challenges us to return to compassion as our most radical act.

Tying personal truth to professional purpose, Michelle explores how fashion—like society—must choose empathy over aesthetics. From holding sneaker giants accountable to demanding sustainability in design education, she calls on creatives and consumers alike to lead with integrity.

This episode is more than commentary—it’s a heartfelt call to action.
Because when the seams of society are splitting, compassion is the thread that can still hold us together.

Takeaways


She expresses concern over current socio-political issues affecting vulnerable communities.
The importance of sustainability in fashion is emphasized, questioning major brands' commitment.
Michelle advocates for embedding sustainability in design education for future generations.
She highlights the role of empathy in fashion design and its impact on the future.
The episode celebrates caregivers and their vital role in society.
Michelle calls for a collective effort to prioritize compassion over profit.
She stresses that life is precious and should be lived with purpose.
The conversation encourages listeners to reconnect with their values and community.
Michelle concludes with a reminder that compassion is a powerful force for change.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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Soft Revolution: Chloe Grant’s Mission for Ethical Intimates

🧵 Episode Summary

In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne sits down with fashion disruptor and eco-intimates designer Chloe Grant to unzip the layered world of ethical lingerie and sustainable swimwear.

Together, they thread through the real talk behind greenwashing, textile waste, and the tiny culprits—microplastics—hiding in your underwear drawer. From natural fibers to designing for disassembly, Chloe breaks down how thoughtful design can be sensual, supportive, and sustainable.

More than just a conversation about what we wear underneath, this episode challenges us to rethink the entire fashion industry from the inside out—inviting us to buy better, dress smarter, and embrace conscious design without sacrificing allure.

🧷 Episode Keywords:

sustainable fashion, ethical fashion, lingerie, swimwear, Chloe Grant, textile waste, microplastics, eco-friendly materials, fashion industry, conscious design

🔑 Takeaways

• Sustainability can be both beautiful and functional.
• The intimate apparel industry faces unique sustainability challenges.
• Redefining fashion means focusing on personal style, not just trends.
• Education is key for both consumers and designers in sustainable fashion.
• Natural fibers are essential for intimate apparel.
• Greenwashing is prevalent in the fashion industry; consumers must be aware.
• Local initiatives can have a global impact on sustainability.
• Designing for disassembly is crucial for future sustainability.
• Technological advances are making sustainable materials more accessible.
• Every purchase is a reflection of our values and choices.

🔊 Sound Bites:

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Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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🎙️ Episode 7 – Couture with a Conscience: Moon Chang’s Planet-First Aesthetic

This week, The Ethical Stitch spotlights a truly provocative voice in sustainable luxury fashion: designer Moon Chang, the mind behind the fashion label Moon Chang NY.

From developing designs for NASA (yes, that NASA) to crafting genderless faux-fur couture that challenges everything we know about fashion, Moon is shaking up the industry with bold storytelling and a conscience-first mindset. Her work is raw, sculptural, emotional—and always rooted in sustainability.

Moon opens up about the deeper layers of her creative process, including the unexpected muse who’s been at her side for it all: her male black bulldog, a symbol of resilience, softness, and style in her evolving narrative.

In this episode, we explore:
♻️ What sustainability looks like when you don’t play it safe
🐾 How her bulldog sparked an entire luxury petwear movement
🪐 Collaborating with NASA on forward-thinking fashion innovation
🧵 The role of grief, empathy, and ethics in design
❌ Why Moon refuses to compromise between fantasy and function

Moon Chang isn’t just dressing the future—she’s designing it with radical transparency, next-gen textiles, and a commitment to pushing couture out of its comfort zone.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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