The Circular Village

04/04/2024

The road to circular transitioning requires us to re-think, re-build our business models around circular principles and re-use.

This starts at the design concept.

New fashion produced from circular principles sit alongside the repurposing of textile/fashion waste.

One cannot discount the other.

They both serve the objective of moving away from take-make-waste and problem solving our disastrous global fashion waste issue, created by over consumption and over production as a result of exploiting the fashion consumer market, namely by a few big players.

We’re all responsible and so together we can make it better

04/04/2024

Love the work that Grow the Future are doing in the Bega Valley, NSW.

01/04/2024

It’s important to understand the root of our problem.

29/03/2024

Don’t forget to throw your Easter egg wrappers my recycling.

27/03/2024

It’s always about what’s possible

Visibility is possibility 🌻💚

In Issue 60, appearance activist Carly Findlay rewrites a childhood yearning for disabled representation with her own seven icons. "If I had known more disabled people when I was younger, I would have found disability pride sooner," Carly explained. "I would have seen that disability isn't shameful or limiting. I would have been reassured that I could lead both an ordinary and extraordinary life."

Alongside this incredible feature was this stunning artwork from : "In this issue of Peppermint Magazine, my art features in a wonderful article profiling seven people who identify as disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent. Thank you Carly Findlay () for the incredible opportunity to be involved + capture these icons!"

Featured are: Shelby Sherritt, Elizabeth Wright, Renay Barker Mulholland, Craig Shanahan, Chenai Mupotsa-Russell, Cooper Smith, and Nat’s What I Reckon .Sherritt

If you missed this issue in newsagents, you can check our direct stockist list on our website, or buy the digital copy online. 🌻💚

📷️

https://peppermintmag.com/stockists/

27/03/2024

It’s been a bit quiet on here the last few days.

Have been out hanging in and around my favourite places…in nature, back to country, across the beautiful Tumut River, into Kosiosko, swam in a hot spring pool, reconnecting with Mother Gulaga, much needed time out on a boat, caught up with my all time favourite First Nations female Artist/Textile Designer, walked on dirt with my bare feet, hugged a number of trees and friends.

Back to reality.

It was good to come home.

24/03/2024

The very air that we breathe, comes from forests. 🌲✨⁠
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Forests are the biggest photosynthetic creatures on land. They take in CO2 and turn it into food for the ecosystem and in return the air we breathe comes from the forests. ⁠
⁠
Join us as we continue this journey to preserve such vital ecosystems. https://canopyplanet.org/campaigns/ |

23/03/2024

Couture in the making, using discarded fabrics by the incredible Ronald van der Kemp of Amsterdam.

Scouring fabrics, salvaging fragile laces and organza’s by re-sculpturing and layering to rebuild and strengthen fabric for long life.

This is the length and road that less is more takes, when we understand the value of reusing what we already have.

Would the value of the last 50 pieces of fashion we purchased,(which in Australia we’re purchasing well over annually) equate to one incredible outfit that will last generations, because it was so intentionally, masterfully and slowly put together?

www.ronaldvanderkemp.com

20/03/2024

When 'Ultra-Fast Fashion' is the new term for the state of production outputs by a number of brands who dominate this space, that's when you know we're in trouble.

The trajectory should be a lot more positive.

In a climate where urgency, responsibility and collaboration are the key words, if we don't make a commitment across all industry participants and community; instead of mitigating the severe impact of climate change, we'll all be responsible for fast tracking it.

According to the following research, the fashion industry is likely to reach and exceed 26% of global carbon emissions by 2050.

As fashion industry participants and global citizens, we can make a difference. It means banning the production, association with, purchase and use of fast fashion/ultra-fast fashion.

https://theconversation.com/ultra-fast-fashion-is-a-disturbing-trend-undermining-efforts-to-make-the-whole-industry-more-sustainable-224253
The reality is, it's putting planet and people at extreme risk.

It's going to take a collective approach between government agencies, fashion businesses and community.

According to the Ellen Macarthur Foundation in Fashion and the circular economy (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org) the following are needed to accelerate positive change and move away from risk creating activity in this industry;

1. New business models that increase clothing use.
2. Safe and renewable inputs.
3. Solutions so used clothes are turned into new resources.
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

At The Circular Village we believe good information about the reality and a 'what can we do to make it better' approach is the foundation that's needed.

Starting with questioning your fashion brand and asking for transparency and traceability.

We know fast fashion is bad for the environment. Ultra-fast fashion makes matters worse. This disturbing trend towards disposable clothing is the opposite of sustainable. Here’s what must be done.

18/03/2024

We love this from Eco Fashion Week Australia it’s how we feel about fashion.

18/03/2024

It’s always about what’s possible.

17/03/2024

Great news on multiple levels. We just hope that it dosn’t impact negatively on supply chain workers as a cost cutting measure.

This kind of stand against take-make-waste means other governments elsewhere are also now under pressure to make a similar move.

13/03/2024

I had the pleasure today of spending some time with The Couturist, Justin Pollheim.

From his Gilbert Street, Adelaide workroom/showroom Justin provides a very personal bespoke tailoring service.

Justin helps his clients consider the value of quality over quantity, where less is more, investment in a beautifully made product, made locally, with care and intention. Even down to the high-quality fabrics he works with from the sustainable textile companies who supply him.

Providing professional, practical advice which aligns with what his clients want around beautiful design, quality, durable workmanship, that looks great on them and also includes how to repair, re-use, re-design what’s currently in their wardrobes, so that valuable pieces can have a longer life.

It's truly delightful to encounter someone like Justin Pollheim, a skilled tailor who deeply appreciates the significance of his role as a local small business owner/operator.

Through his dedication, he actively contributes to the strength and value of our interconnected local community. Justin's commitment to circular fashion and personal values resonates with each client he serves, making a positive impact one person at a time.

122 Gilbert St, Adelaide
www.thecotourist.com.au

12/03/2024

To all First Nations Textile and Fashion Designers,

This is a very special opportunity.

Many of you may already know Walbunja and Ngarigo woman, Cheryl Davison-Overton, recognised and leading contemporary artist, storyteller and cultural teacher from the Far South Coast of NSW.

Cheryl is a painter, screen printer, weaver, sculptor, and installation artist.

Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Acquired by the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of NSW, the National Museum of Australia, the Wollongong City Gallery, and many more private acquisitions both in Australia and beyond.

Cheryl opened Garraywaa Gallery in 2023 in the main street of Narooma, NSW. A beautiful location along the NSW Sapphire Coast and a very popular destination town throughout the year.

Cheryl is dedicated to and passionate about her culture and storytelling as well as supporting First Nations creators, which now extends to a wonderful opportunity for First Nations Textile / Fashion Designers to join Garraywaa Gallery’s collaborative retail space opportunity.

For expressions of interest for short term and long-term opportunities to house your brand within Gaaraywaa Gallery please PM here at The Circular Village

11/03/2024

Our planet holds and creates the most incredible and resilient interconnected networks of living organisms.

We need a thriving planet in order to secure our own future, not to take-make-waste from it for the sake of progress, instead to place planet and people first so that our circular economic systems can thrive alongside nature and community.

Happy Monday.

Check out Canopy's great work here https://canopyplanet.org/

07/03/2024

Are you a sustainable / circular designer, maker, brand, upcycler, recycler or repairer on the South Coast of NSW?

Then we'd love you to join us for this one-day event in beautiful Bermagui.

Fashion Revolution Bermagui 2024 in it's 6th year brings our communities together to;

-Support local Designer / Makers
-Create opportunities to place recycled fashion back into the economy and not into landfill.
-Showcase what's possible when we consider how to do fashion buying positively different with people, planet and all biodiversity as a priority.

Stalls currently available. Please send enquiries by TEXT to 0415 117472 your enquiry.

04/03/2024

Claire Press talks about wardrobe detox in her new book 'Wear Next: Fashioning the Future', which is a page turner.

'Making is one side of the story. We also need slow wearing'. Claire goes on to talk about Slow Fashion Season which originated in Amsterdam in 2018 and came out of an awareness of fast fashions connection to climate change.

Now there's a topic to write about and I fully support this concept for obvious reasons. We love a good global campaign, especially if it influences the protection of planet and people.

Slow Fashion Season has three demands: transparency from companies, targets from governments and accountability from advertisers (no greenwashing).

However, if we're going to slow down as the trends suggest, we need to look after all participants in the industry to support their sustainability, as designer/producers and creators of local industry.

Slowing down also means we challenge our current economic value system, which pinches at most Australians today.

How much is enough? When it comes to the cost of commercial leases, power and all the overheads which are relied upon to support a thriving local business and shopping precincts within thriving communities...how much is enough?

The power to impact positively is in the hands of every member of the village.

03/03/2024

02/03/2024

Calling all up-cycling Designers, what a great opportunity.

Eco Fashion Week Australia is calling on upcycling designers around the globe to lodge Expressions of Interest in the 2024 EFWA Upcycling Challenge to share creative possibilities for reusing and repurposing textiles that already exist as a practical and regenerative way to reduce our material footprint on the world. 🌿💚♻️

EFWA Upcycling Challenge coordinator Jane Milburn OAM said there is space for 100 applications which can be lodged from now up until April 2, 2024. Based on these applications, 30 designers will be short-listed and then 15 chosen to feature in the EFWA Upcycling Challenge Runway Collection at Busselton Western Australia in early November.
Applications are now open via our website .

01/03/2024

Last night’s ’What is Circular Fashion?’ event which we hosted in Adelaide with local fashion businesses, Miss Gladys Sym Choon, Minski and Es Una attending.

We had a chance to discuss, share concerns around sustainability, what adopting circular practices could look like and to problem solve together.

That’s fashion industry collaboration and we love it!

28/02/2024

20 plus years' experience in the fashion industry in a story board. Most of those years advocating for a fairer, more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.

28/02/2024

It's estimated that between 200-300million trees are being culled every year for the fashion textile production of viscose. These figures also include old growth forests.

Consider lining up trees to circle the globe 7 times over, that's how many trees we're talking about.

As momentum continues to build for initiatives aimed at achieving climate goals, urgency is now required.

In order to safeguard biodiversity and this industry, there's transformation required. And now there's a strong interest for this.

The 'How To':

- As a fashion business, you can introduce a time-bound, measurable sustainable materials strategy and roadmap which includes targets.

- As global citizens, we can move away from the act of being 'consumers', buy responsibly, refuse to buy viscose fashion items, petition your fashion brand to consider moving away from textiles which rely on deforestation.

To find out more about Strategy and Roadmaps please PM for more info.

Source: Forest500.org

26/02/2024

This Thursday 29th Feb in Adelaide, we're discussing how this industry is moving towards circularity and what it means for our Australian fashion businesses...starting with 'What is Fashion Circularity?'

Follow the link to book in;
A NIGHT OF QUESTIONS - What is Circular Fashion?
Ask A Question: What is Circular Fashion?

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-night-to-ask-what-is-circular-fashion-tickets-824890689257

26/02/2024

Are you a fashion business or brand in Adelaide who needs to know more about fashion circularity and the industry's plan to transition to circularity by 2030?

Here's a night and Free event dedicated to good information and a chance to ask questions.

Glass of wine on arrival.

A NIGHT OF QUESTIONS - What is Circular Fashion?

Join us for A Night to Ask: What is Circular Fashion? How will transitioning impact my business?

23/02/2024

Happy Saturday.

Hope you’re enjoying your weekend so far. This happy moment was taken by Tom Reevs down at Grange Beach, SA.

23/02/2024

Love this Adelaide brand Closet Mod who handmake high quality vintage pieces locally.

22/02/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fUPSL0rOms
We love our natural fibers, it's kinder to the environment as it's not dependent on oil for it's production. It only takes 5-7 years to decompose when returned to the earth.

Over the next few weeks, we'll post a spotlight on a natural fiber and dig deep into the circular benefits of each one. Here's a brief intro for you.

Learn more about natural fibers here: https://bit.ly/2LkLOSSBuild a classic, year-round 27 piece capsule with my guide here: https://bit.ly/2LRmAXNSubscribe ...

22/02/2024

Just picked up a batch of good quality t-shirts from SALVOS Croydon store in Adelaide for a Recycled T-Shirt Printing project. If all goes to plan, you’ll be seeing them soon in Adelaide.

Thanks Koo, I think she’s as excited about this project as we are.