Hello and welcome to another episode of the Perception Podcast with me your host Caroline Partridge. In this episode, I talk to Sustainable Stylist and Founder of the Ethical Brand Directory Roberta Lee. Roberta reveals how corporate burnout and a deep seated feeling of unhappiness, caused her to develop an addiction to buying clothes, which at it's height would see her spending up to £500 per month - and then the shocking pivotal event that changed her life and career path forever. Roberta recalls the moment she realised her mission was not only to empower women through fashion, but to redefine and actively change the whole landscape of fashion and sustainability. We discuss the long-term implications of our short-term choices, the seductive rise of 'ultra-fast' fashion and the manufacturing misconceptions around luxury brands. We also examine ways to embrace and remove the stigma around pre-loved clothing and Roberta offers achievable, actionable tips on how to build a sustainable wardrobe. Please join me as we look at life through a different lens.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Clothes shopping addiction or compulsive buying can be a coping mechanism for many.
• The fashion industry often disempowers women and exploits garment workers in unsafe conditions.
• Contrary to consumer expectations, luxury brands may use the same suppliers and factories as fast fashion.
• Building a sustainable wardrobe is a journey, not a destination; start with one small change aligned with your values.
• Governments need to impose laws on fashion companies' production volumes to address sustainability challenges.
• Pre-loved, vintage, and upcycled clothing are becoming more popular as conscious consumer choices.
• Normalising clothes swapping, especially among younger generations, is crucial for sustainability.
• Creativity and patience are key to finding affordable, sustainable clothing options.

BEST MOMENTS

"I used fashion as a tool for myself to dress the parts in certain roles and male-dominated environments. I used to power dress, I realised I reached a fashion to make myself feel good."

"The reality of what was going on,I just couldn't escape. I was part of it I was part of the problem and I was contributing to this"

"Building a sustainable wardrobe is a journey not a final destination. So, we never get to perfection but we learn how to get there in the most responsible way we can within our means."  

"Taking away this stigma around pre-loved or second-hand or thrifted or swapped clothes is a really important step because we have so much clothing already in, in production that's already on the planet that needs to be home."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Roberta Lee | The Sustainable Stylist

https://robertastylelee.co.uk/

https://ethicalbranddirectory.com/

Since 2015, Roberta Lee has been a passionate advocate for sustainable style. Roberta Lee's journey began after she developed an addiction to shopping for clothes during her corporate career. Roberta found herself spending approximately £500 every month on clothes. After watching a single documentary called 'The True Cost', she had a rude awakening about the impact that these clothes and her shopping habits were having on the planet and on the people creating them. Not to mention the toll her addiction took on her mental health and confidence.

In 2017, she established the Ethical Brand Directory, a platform connecting conscientious consumers with vetted ethical brands and providing a secure and accessible avenue for sustainable shopping.

Many people thought she was going nuts, and it was an unworkable idea, but now she has a waiting list of clients wanting her to cut up and restyle their wardrobes and has also worked for celebrities and TV shows.

CONTACT METHOD

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/caropartridge

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-partridge-03131520

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/partridge_caroline