As the pandemic continues to upend lives across the world, many have found themselves needing to adapt to a vastly different, socially-distanced world. In tandem, a spotlight has been drawn on fast fashion, the cracks in the system deepened by the effects of COVID-19. As warehouses pile up with unsold inventory due to shipping restrictions and consumers shy away from impulse purchases, there’s a shift towards quality, durable apparel that can last through the pandemic and beyond. Enter the Enlightened Uniform.
Activist, artist, entrepreneur and filmmaker Susan Rockefeller has collaborated with Hong Kong-based sustainable fashion brand The R Collective to create a pandemic-inspired jumpsuit that reflects the shifting fashion desires in today’s volatile world. Made from up-cycled Lyocell and cashmere textiles from luxury brands, the Enlightened Uniform is soft-to-the-touch and comfortable while being pragmatic and relevant to todays needs with a built-in face covering and hood. Available in heather grey, charcoal melange and dark navy, 25% of its proceeds will be donated to the charity Redress, a Hong Kong-based NGO that aims to accelerate the circular fashion economy.
We speak to Susan Rockefeller on why she designed the Enlightened Uniform, the beauty of up-cycling and what sustainability means to her.
What type of woman do you envision wearing the Enlightened Uniform?
It’s an inclusive jumpsuit so I envision a variety of women wearing it and making it their own with accessories, jewellery, shoes, scarves and more. I envision women who understand beauty and streamlined elegance; who understand the need to make choices that benefit the health of our environment and the people making our clothes; and who want to simplify their lives and feel sexy and powerful inside and out. The Enlightened Uniform does just that with qualities like the built-in mask and hoodie, providing protection in this time of the global pandemic.
What is your favourite aspect of the Enlightened Uniform?
It’s super comfortable. The fabric is luxurious and soft, and I love that I can wear it on the streets of Manhattan, to a cocktail party, dining outside on a chilly day, or lounging in our home watching a movie or working. I love the ease of wear and feeling both comfortable and chic.
What are some important factors that you consider when purchasing an item of clothing? How is this reflected in the Enlightened Uniform?
The feel of the fabric and a piece’s versatility to be dressed up or down is integral to it becoming a classic piece that I can keep in my closet for years. I believe in doing less harm, but also that less is more, so having a few quality pieces is what I want in my wardrobe, which hopefully become vintage and fun for my daughter! Sustainability should be part of the DNA of a business and continual improvement with regard to its sustainable development goals and circulatory of inputs.
What is the trickiest part about working with up-cycled fabrics?
I think people need to be educated about how up-cycled fabrics have as much quality as new or virgin material. Material innovation is making great strides in utilising up-cycled fabrics and we need social impact companies like The R Collective and Redress to help continue to lead the way.
How will consumer shopping habits shift in a post-pandemic world?
A hybrid of in-store and digital retail and more innovation with regard to immersive AR experiences. Hopefully, there will be a vital and radical shift to understanding that we are all interconnected and we must understand our limits and move from a consumptive society to a more creative society. We must work with governments and corporations to be active participants in moving our economy away from fossil fuels and toxins to a more circular economy that values the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. This shift will impact how people shop with consideration of our common future.
What are some of your core values?
Protect what is precious—that is mine and my husband’s mantra, centred around three pillars: family, art and nature. Core values are to care for this precious earth and all of its inhabitants; to do less harm; love more; be considerate; and practice gratitude.
What does it mean to be sustainable and eco-conscious in your day-to-day life?
Start the day with gratitude. When you do, you begin to understand that we are dependent and connected to everything and everyone. I walk more, I’m certainly travelling less, and eating 98 percent plant-based food. That makes a huge difference in ones carbon footprint and is also an act of compassion for other sentient beings. And think before you purchase something. Ask if you really need it. Being eco-conscious in my everyday life means working towards protecting our natural systems that sustain us. I do this with my work, and as an artist, I use my voice to express what I love.
What are some things you have learnt about the fashion industry that you didn’t know before?
I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity and creativity that comes from the fashion community as well as the ability to raise consciousness (think Stella McCartney, the Fashion Pact started by President Macron, François-Henri Pinault of Kering Group, and Paul Polman of Imagine). When there is leadership, there is change. People are becoming more enlightened on how they can use fashion as a creative expression of loving this planet we call home.
The Enlightened Uniform is available for HK$3,295.24 at thercollective.com
Editor
Carina FischerCredit
Lead image: Photographed by Thomas Giddings and styled by Felicia Garcia-Rivera
