Hi Reader,

Through this month of Fashion Revolution, we’ve been reflecting together on fabric, how beauty captures and holds our attention, how the handmade carries professional intelligence, how deeply good design involves real collaboration, and why some garments stay with us long after others are forgotten. It's been a deep dive into my musings whilst recently in Bangladesh - thank you for keeping up!

The Learning

The loom has taught me much over the years, some of which I've shared in the little footnotes. But of course so has working between designers and weavers. One solid lesson is that progressive change in fashion, or anything really, rarely begins with grand declarations. It starts with small shifts in individual practice.

Gradually, a different way of working emerges when a designer explores a new material, when a choice is made for conversation rather than instruction, when aligning values and choices has a higher priority.

Of course the clarion calls are vital! Without the passion-filled hours of protest and thankless graft to raise awareness we'd be in a much darker place than we are now. That's for sure! This is the month for that, when conversations focus on what needs to change in the industry, and calling out those with the power to make a difference.

What encourages me so much is when those calls are taken up by smaller players exploring new paths. It may be quiet, and experimental at first, but simply by reconnecting with fabric, and with those who make it, designers become the change agents we're meant to be.

The Doing

Over time, I’ve realised my role is now less about producing textiles and more about creating bridges between designers and artisans, ideas and materials, values and choices.

• Some designers begin by sourcing available fabrics created through these collaborations, discovering how different materials influence their design process.
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• Others want deeper exchange, joining conversations with like-minded designers keen to share similar questions.
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• Some learn how to design fabric itself, working directly with weavers to create their very own fabrics.

There isn’t one right entry point. Only the next step that feels right for where you are now.

If this month’s reflections have resonated with you, you’re warmly invited to continue the journey with us in whichever way feels most natural:

• Discover fabrics created with beauty and integrity.
• Join a growing circle of designers learning from each other.
• Learn how to create your own fabric - I'm here with you!

You can explore all of these here:

Thank you so much for enjoying this conversation enough to read my thoughts in this special month. You're in for a treat with the next and last one!
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Any questions, let me know.

Here's to making things, all things, better together! 🙌🫶🙌