Common Threads
45 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -A podcast about style that doesn’t sacrifice sustainability, from ethical fashion writer Ruth MacGilp and stylist Alice Cruickshank. We believe that fashion should respect both people and the planet, and we want to explore all the ways we can build a better industry, and talk to the people helping us get there. Let’s change the fashion game, one conversation at a time.
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Episodes
EP. 37 Ways of Caring from State of Fashion Biennale 2022
June 20, 2022 02:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBWe’re back for a special bonus episode, to give you the inside scoop from The State of Fashion Biennale 2022 in Arnhem, The Netherlands. This unique event is co-curated by Fashion Open Studio and Not Enough Collective. Every day the range of activities is different and brought to life together by creators and visitors. Think of it as a big, interactive sustainable fashion festival. This episode starts with an intro from Alice, followed by content from Ruth in Arnhem. She interviews Marina...
EP. 36 Fashion as a Social Enterprise with Birdsong
November 01, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MBWhat does being a game changer in fashion really look like? For the final episode of series three, we’re chatting to the founders of sustainable brand Birdsong, about their social enterprise model and how fashion can be a force for good. As well as our conversation with Birdsong’s founders Susanna Wen and Sophie Slater, we also chat to their embroiderer, Mona, about what fashion social enterprises provide for local communities. Follow Birdsong on Instagram, shop the latest collection here,...
EP. 35 Inclusivity in Sustainability with Ngoni Chikwenengere of We Are Kin
October 11, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBFashion can't be truly ethical if it's not inclusive. This week we're chatting to Ngoni Chikwenengere from size-inclusive brand We Are Kin about why inclusivity matters, and what fashion’s big players can do to get there. You can read more of Ngoni’s work over on her blog, and you can keep up with We Are Kin’s latest designs on Instagram. Common Threads is an ethical fashion podcast from stylist Alice Cruickshank and writer Ruth MacGilp. If you liked this episode and you want to support ou...
EP. 34 Unraveling the Journey of a Garment with Maxine Bédat
September 27, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBDo you ever think about the full life cycle of your clothes? This week we’re unraveling the journey of a garment with the wonderful Maxine Bédat, author and founder of the New Standard Institute. We chat with Maxine about the lifecycle of our clothes, the cycle of trends and seasons, the fascinating research for Maxine’s new book, and what shoppers and brands need to do to build a more equitable fashion system. Buy Maxine’s book ‘Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment’ here. Follow the...
EP. 33 - Appropriation or Appreciation? Cultural Sustainability with Monica Boța-Moisin
September 13, 2021 03:00 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MBIs it ever OK to use the designs of a community that’s not your own? Today we’re exploring the issue of cultural appropriation, and what it means for the Indigenous communities that designers and brands like to ‘take inspiration’ from. To help us digest this meaty issue we’re joined by the wonderful Monica Boța-Moisin, a cultural IP rights lawyer, and founder of the Cultural Intellectual Property Rights Initiative (CIPRI). Monica chatted to us about how brands can move from ‘Ego to Eco’ whe...
EP. 32 What does Transparency have to do with Fashion?
August 30, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBIf we can't see it, we can't fix it, and that's why transparency is essential for a fairer fashion system. This week's episode is a solo chat between Alice and Ruth, breaking down the Fashion Revolution Transparency Index results for 2021, and exploring what the future of fashion transparency might look like. We also touch on wokewashing, and how Covid 19 has impacted garment workers. Read the Fashion Revolution Transparency Index for yourself here. Follow Fashion Revolution on Instagram an...
EP. 32 What's Transparency Got To Do with Fashion?
August 30, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBIf we can't see it, we can't fix it, and that's why transparency is essential for a fairer fashion system. This week's episode is a solo chat between Alice and Ruth, breaking down the Fashion Revolution Transparency Index results for 2021, and exploring what the future of fashion transparency might look like. We also touch on wokewashing, and how Covid 19 has impacted garment workers. Read the Fashion Revolution Transparency Index for yourself here. Follow Fashion Revolution on Instagram an...
EP. 31 Sharing is caring with Aisling Byrne and Kalkidan Legesse
August 23, 2021 08:08 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBThis week we're talking about a topic that is fundamentally transforming the way we consume fashion, and it’s called the sharing economy. We're joined by two guests helping us explore how we can make our wardrobes accessible to others, and what that means for making the industry more sustainable. First up we chat to Aisling Byrne, founder of peer-to-peer swapping and renting app, Nuw. You can sign up to Nuw here, and follow on Instagram. Next up we spoke to Kalkidan Legesse, founder of eth...
EP. 30 F**k the system: How to transform fashion with Mairi Lowe
August 16, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBYou'll often hear us talk about how the fashion system needs to change, but what exactly is a system? We're breaking down what a more equitable fashion landscape could look like with systems expert and Sustainable Fashion Scotland co-founder, Mairi Lowe. Listen to our conversation with Mairi to learn what the 'fashion system' is, how to fight the feeling of overwhelm when thinking about all that's wrong with fashion, and what we as individuals can do to make a difference. To learn more abo...
EP. 29 Is Ethical Fashion Out of Touch?
August 09, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBCommon Threads is back for Series Three! In this solo episode, Ruth and Alice explore all their gripes with ethical fashion. From not serving everyday families to the difficulty of investing in clothes for life, this is an episode for anyone who’s felt like the world of sustainable style doesn’t quite cater for them. Common Threads is an ethical fashion podcast from stylist Alice Cruickshank and writer Ruth MacGilp. If you liked this episode and you want to support our work, you can buy us ...
EP. 28 Who Made My Fabric? Fashion Revolution Week 2021
April 19, 2021 03:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBWelcome back for a special mini episode to mark Fashion Revolution Week 2021. Now in its eighth year, Fashion Revolution Week is designed to bring the global community together to demand change within the fashion industry. You have likely already seen the hashtags #WhoMadeMyClothes and #WhatsInMyClothes, and this year the focus is on #WhoMadeMyFabric. In this solo episode, Alice and Ruth explore why rights for workers need to extend much beyond the cutting and sewing stage of garment produc...
EP. 27 How to Start an Ethical Fashion Brand with Lora Gene
February 15, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 62 MBIt’s the final episode of series two, and today we’re exploring the role of ethical brands in changing the fashion system. We’re asking: can an organic cotton t-shirt really save the world? We’re also joined in conversation with the brilliant Lora Nikolaeva. As the owner of the ethical brand Lora Gene for over 10 years, she has a lot to say on the state of the industry, and plenty of advice on how new brands can build a sustainable business of their own. Lora also chats to us about the need...
EP. 26 Loved Clothes Last with Orsola de Castro
February 08, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBThis week we’re joined by the co-founder of Fashion Revolution Orsola de Castro, as she releases her new book: Loved Clothes Last. Fashion Revolution has been instrumental in bringing the ethical fashion conversation into the public eye, and Orsola’s passion and knowledge for this subject is second to none. Listen to our conversation for an insight into her new book, advice on how we can all become fashion revolutionaries, and a first look into what’s coming up for Fashion Revolution Week 2...
EP. 25 Transforming Textile Waste with Zero Waste Design Online
February 01, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBWhat if instead of managing fashion waste, we designed it out instead? Today we’re chatting with two people working to help small-scale sewers and bigger brands alike do exactly that, by focusing on zero waste systems that incorporate the whole supply chain. Holly McQuillan is a researcher at the Swedish School of Textiles and co-author of Zero Waste Fashion Design, and Cassandra Belanger is a Glasgow School of Art graduate and founder of The Stitchery. Their partnership with fellow fashion...
EP. 24 Mending a Broken System: The Power of Clothes Repair
January 25, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBRepair is revolutionary, and today we are joined by two experts in this field to explore the power of sewing in combating the fast fashion system of consumption. First we spoke to Ros Studd, the creator of the free online resource for beginner sewers, Repair What You Wear. Since launching during the first lockdown, thousands of people have used her simple, accessible videos to learn how to mend their own clothes. We find out more about this project and how it’s educating the next generation...
EP. 23 Speaking truth to power with Bel Jacobs
January 18, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBIf you liked this episode and you want to support our work, you can buy us a Ko-Fi here. Welcome back to the second half of season two. Today we’re looking at the role of activists within the fashion industry itself, and how we can all ‘stay with the trouble’ to keep the conversation going, even when brands don't want to hear it. Our guest is Bel Jacobs, the former Metro fashion editor. She is also a founding member of Fashion Act Now, alongside Alice Wilby and Sara Arnold. Fashion Act No...
EP. 22 True or False? Let's Bust Some Ethical Fashion Myths!
December 14, 2020 04:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBIf you enjoyed this episode and you want to support our work, you can buy us a Ko-Fi here. To round off 2020, here’s a solo episode from Ruth and Alice looking at the six biggest myths surrounding ethical fashion. Here are the misconceptions we cover: Ethical fashion is really expensive Ethical fashion isn’t stylish Made in the UK guarantees clothes are ethical We need to buy fast fashion to provide jobs Capsule sustainable collections are a good thing Natural fibres are the solution...
EP. 21 Sustainability, but Make it Sparkle with Uzma Bozai
December 07, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBIn an ode to what should be the Christmas party season, we’re chatting all things sequins and embellishment in this episode. Most of us know that plastic sequins are a sustainability nightmare, but have you ever thought about the people who sew on those adornments? To chat about the role of these hand workers we’re joined by Uzma Bozai, whose eponymous label offers organic cotton sweatshirts with bold embellishments, crafted by artisans using traditional techniques in Pakistan. Uzma chats ...
EP. 20 The True Cost of Jewellery with Audrey Migot-Adholla
November 30, 2020 03:00 - 44 minutes - 60.4 MBHave you ever thought about who makes your jewellery? This week we’re exploring the ethics of our necklaces, earrings, and other adornments, with Audrey Migot-Adholla. Audrey is the founder of Yala Jewellery, the only jewellery company which is a certified B-Corporation in the UK. She's incredibly passionate about social justice, circularity and sustainability, as well as the wellbeing of her artisans. Be sure to follow Yala Jewellery on Instagram, and shop the collection here. You can r...
EP . 19 An Anti-Capitalist Guide to Fashion with Tansy Hoskins
November 23, 2020 03:00 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MB‘Tis the season to consume! As we approach Black Friday and Christmas, we’re exploring if capitalism and ethical fashion can coincide, with the help of journalist and author Tansy Hoskins. Tansy also chats about the ethics of our footwear, and why she’s quit Instagram for good. Follow Tansy on Twitter, shop her books ‘Stitched Up: The Anticapitalist Book of Fashion’ and ‘Footwork: What Your Shoes Are Doing to the World’ at all good indie booksellers, and read her latest investigative report...
EP. 18 Making Fashion Circular Again with Lynn Wilson
November 16, 2020 03:00 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBCan fashion really be ethical unless it's circular? This week, we're chatting with circularity expert, Lynn Wilson, about why fashion needs to be a 'closed-loop system', and why we should value access over ownership. Lynn explains the reality of textile recycling and zero-waste design, how we as consumers can get more circular, and what fashion has in common with space exploration (yes, really!). Follow Lynn on Twitter and Instagram, and watch her TedTalk: Circular Fashion. What's your Moon...
EP. 17 Building an Ethical Influencer Economy with Besma Whayeb
November 09, 2020 03:00 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBWhat does it mean to be an 'ethical influencer'? In this episode, we chat with Besma Whayeb, sustainable fashion and lifestyle blogger at Curiously Conscious, and founder of the Ethical Influencers network. Besma shared with us her feelings about influencers’ role in the ethical fashion conversation, the issues of the Instagram echo chamber, and how we can all use our social media platforms for social change. Visit the Curiously Conscious website and follow Besma on Instagram and Twitter....
EP. 16 How to Break Up with Fast Fashion with Lauren Bravo
November 02, 2020 02:00 - 40 minutes - 54.9 MBWe’re back for series two, with writer Lauren Bravo as our first guest. As the author of ‘How to Break up with Fast Fashion’, Lauren chats to us about her personal journey to a more sustainable wardrobe, as well as actionable tips for people looking to quit fast fashion for good. Follow Lauren on Twitter and Instagram, and purchase her book via all good bookstores. Remember to support independent retailers when you can! Here are the links we mention in the episode: Remake’s PayUp Fashion ...
EP . 15 Why it's OK to be Imperfectly Ethical
August 17, 2020 02:00 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MBIt's the final episode of series one of Common Threads! In this solo episode, Ruth and Alice explain why changing the fashion system isn't the responsibility of individuals, and that it's OK to be 'imperfectly ethical' on our quest to become more conscious consumers. We're taking a break until October 2020, when we'll be back with more brilliant guests and new topics to explore. Here are some of our top resources to continue your ethical fashion education. Podcasts: Articles of Interest, ...
EP . 14 This Old Thing: How Vintage Fashion Can Save the Planet
August 10, 2020 02:00 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBToday we're exploring the topic of vintage fashion. With enough clothing already on the planet to last six generations, we look at how wearing old clothes is the future, and why supporting vintage brands is a feminist issue. We also welcome two brilliant vintage shop owners to chat with us about why consumers should get on board with the retro revolution. First up is Lapoze MacTribouy from Sooki Sooki Vintage who highlights the need for size diversity if vintage is to be a sustainable solu...
EP. 13 Fashion Diversity: Why Representation Matters with Ronke Fashola
August 03, 2020 02:00 - 40 minutes - 55 MBFashion is racist and fatphobic, and these tropes are bleeding into the world of 'ethical' fashion too. In this episode, we chat with Ronke Fashola, founder of Love Ur Look Clothing, about her experiences of racism in the industry, how brands can do more than performative allyship, and why moving beyond fashion diversity towards actual representation is essential. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conv...
EP. 13 Beyond Fashion Diversity: Why Representation Matters
August 03, 2020 02:00 - 40 minutes - 55 MBFashion is racist and fatphobic, and these tropes are bleeding into the world of 'ethical' fashion too. In this episode, we chat with Ronke Fashola, founder of Love Ur Look Clothing, about her experiences of racism in the industry, how brands can do more than performative allyship, and why moving beyond fashion diversity towards actual representation is essential.
EP. 12 How to be a Fashion Activist with Mikaela Loach
July 27, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBIn this episode we're joined by climate justice, refugee rights and anti-racism activist Mikaela Loach to talk about intersectional activism within sustainable fashion. We explore the interconnectedness of social justice and sustainability, the marginalised people left out of the fashion conversation, and the importance of system change over lifestyle change. Follow Mikaela on Instagram, support her Patreon, and listen to the Yikes Podcast to learn more about the issues she covers in the con...
EP. 11 Second Hand, Not Second Best: Meet a Depop Top Seller
July 20, 2020 02:00 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBDuring lockdown, thousands of us have been clearing out our wardrobes and flocking to resale sites like Depop. But building a great platform as a seller is harder than it looks. In this episode, Depop Top Seller Lauranne Borgeaux from 5th Season Vintage shares her top insider tips for making sales on the platform and explains why secondhand is not second best. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversa...
EP. 11 Secondhand, Not Second Best: Meet a Depop Top Seller
July 20, 2020 02:00 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBDuring lockdown, thousands of us have been clearing out our wardrobes and flocking to resale sites like Depop. But building a great platform as a seller is harder than it looks. In this episode, Depop Top Seller Lauranne Borgeaux from 5th Season Vintage shares her top insider tips for making sales on the platform, and explains why secondhand is not second best. Shop 5th Season Vintage on Depop and follow Lauranne on Instagram for inspiration. Here's the links to articles we refe...
EP. 10 Would You Rent Your Wardrobe? Exploring the End of Ownership with By Rotation
July 13, 2020 02:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBRental fashion is often cited as THE solution to fashion circularity. But with the colossal environmental impact of dry cleaning, the lack of inclusivity, and consumers' deep-rooted attitude to ownership, we're asking: is rental all it's cracked up to be? In this episode we chat to Eshita Kabra-Davies, the founder of By Rotation, to find out more about the rental fashion model. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and...
EP. 10 Would You Rent Your Wardrobe? Exploring the End of Ownership and the Rental Revolution
July 13, 2020 02:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBRental fashion is often cited as THE solution to fashion circularity. But with the colossal environmental impact of dry cleaning, the lack of inclusivity, and consumers' deep-rooted attitude to ownership, we're asking: is rental all its cracked up to be? In this episode we chat to Eshita Kabra-Davies, the founder of By Rotation, to find out more about the rental fashion model.
EP. 10 Would You Rent Your Wardrobe? Exploring the End of Ownership and the Rental Revolution
July 13, 2020 02:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBRental fashion is often cited as THE solution to fashion circularity. But with the colossal environmental impact of dry cleaning, the lack of inclusivity, and consumers' deep-rooted attitude to ownership, we're asking: is rental all its cracked up to be? In this episode we chat to Eshita Kabra-Davies, the founder of rental service By Rotation, which has just won the Ones To Watch award at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards. Eshita explains the benefits of rental to both the environme...
EP. 9 The V Word - Understanding Vegan Fashion with Treen
July 06, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBAs many of us try to live more consciously, vegan diets and vegan fashion are more popular than ever. But does vegan always mean sustainable? Is all vegan leather just plastic? And how can vegan shoppers balance animals, people and the planet? We also interview Cat Anderson, owner of Edinburgh vegan clothing boutique Treen. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversation on Twitter. Buy us a virtual cof...
EP. 9 The V word - Understanding Vegan Fashion
July 06, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBAs many of us try to live more consciously, vegan diets and vegan fashion are more popular than ever. But does vegan always mean sustainable? Is all vegan leather just plastic? And how can vegan shoppers balance animals, people and the planet? We also interview Cat Anderson, owner of Edinburgh vegan clothing boutique Treen.
EP. 8 The Future of Fashion Week: Is the Catwalk Dead?
June 29, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBAs Fashion Weeks around the world are replaced by digital events due to Covid 19, we're asking: is the catwalk dead? In this solo episode, we chat about what's wrong with fashion weeks from a sustainable standpoint, our personal experience of both digital and physical events, the class of 2020 fashion graduates, and why designers want to rewire the traditional fashion system. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and...
EP. 7 Creating Through a Crisis: The Indie Fashion Labels Thriving in Lockdown
June 22, 2020 02:00 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MBShopping small is a revolutionary act. In this episode, we explore the independent makers creating garments that are 'accidentally ethical', and why some small fashion labels are not just surviving but thriving during lockdown. We speak to two designers - Rosette Ale of Revival London and Flora Collingwood-Norris - about how coronavirus has impacted their businesses, and what a post-Covid future could hold for independent brands like theirs. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversat...
EP. 6 Greenwashing 101: How to See Through the BS
June 17, 2020 22:00 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBGreenwashing is a term you’ll hear a LOT in the ethical fashion conversation, as well as its little sister ‘wokewashing’. But what do these phrases actually mean? How are brands greenwashing and wokewashing their way through the current crisis? And could consumers' changing needs in a post-Covid world result in more accountability from brands? For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversation on Twitter. ...
EP. 5 What's Next for Charity Shops after Covid-19?
June 15, 2020 02:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBJust in time for the re-opening of retail stores across England, we speak to Hannah Carter from Love Not Landfill to hear about the impact of Coronavirus on Britain's beloved charity shops, the future of the thrifting experience and how to get involved in the #LockdownDressUp campaign. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversation on Twitter. Buy us a virtual coffee here. You’ll find Ruth on Instagra...
EP. 4 PPE, But Make it Fashion: Are Face Masks Ethical?
June 11, 2020 02:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBThe phrase ‘personal protective equipment’ had probably never crossed most of our lips until Covid 19, and now a face mask is being lauded as THE major accessory of 2020. But who's making these face masks, and are they being treated fairly? And why is the NHS relying on imports to protect frontline workers when the UK manufacturing industry is raring to go? Holly Baxter-Weir, one of the founders of the For the Love of Scrubs campaign, joins us for this episode. For more updates on the ethi...
EP.3 #PayUp: Understanding the Cancelled Orders Crisis
June 06, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBAs the coronavirus pandemic first took hold, garment workers in countries like Bangladesh were some of the worst affected. We chat to Ayesha Barenblat, founder of Remake, who's #PayUp petition is campaigning for these brands to pay factories what they are due. We also discuss Lost Stock who compile unsold stock boxes to support garment workers.
EP.3 #PayUp: Understanding the Cancelled Orders Crisis with Ayesha Barenblat
June 06, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBAs the coronavirus pandemic first took hold, garment workers in countries like Bangladesh were some of the worst affected. We chat to Ayesha Barenblat, founder of Remake, who's #PayUp petition is campaigning for these brands to pay factories what they are due. We also discuss Lost Stock who compile unsold stock boxes to support garment workers. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversation on Twitter....
EP.2 What the Hell is Ethical Fashion? The Glossary Episode
May 30, 2020 19:11 - 41 minutes - 36 MBDo you know your organic from your fair trade? What about the definitions of ‘greenwashing’ and ‘transparent’? And can fashion truly be called ‘sustainable’ if it’s not ethical? In this episode Alice and Ruth provide you with their take on ‘ethical fashion 101’, offering a glossary of the key terminology you’ll see as a conscious consumer. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversation on Twitter. Buy...
EP.1 From Fast Fashion Addicts to Conscious Consumers
May 25, 2020 18:13 - 23 minutes - 19.9 MBIn our first episode, we share our personal journeys from former fast fashion addicts to conscious consumers and ethical fashion activists. We touch on the current state of ethical fashion in 2020, including greenwashing, fashion’s impact on the climate crisis, the role of garment workers, and the business models of fast and slow fashion. For more updates on the ethical fashion conversation, follow Common Threads on Instagram, like us on Facebook, and join the conversation on Twitter. Buy u...
EP.1 Welcome to Common Threads: From Fast Fashion Addict to Conscious Consumer
May 25, 2020 18:13 - 23 minutes - 19.9 MBIn our first episode we share our personal journeys from former fast fashion addicts to conscious consumers and ethical fashion activists. We touch on the current state of ethical fashion in 2020, including greenwashing, fashion’s impact on the climate crisis, the role of garment workers, and the business models of fast and slow fashion.