Your summer sustainable fashion Substack reading list
7 newsletters to subscribe to today to learn more about sustainable fashion and all that's happening within it.
Outside of the usual go-to places for news and views on what's happening in sustainable fashion, there are a growing number of experts, writers and advocates sharing content on Substack.
As we roll into summer (that means everyone has spare time right?!), here are 7 on my must-follow list (in alphabetical order). This is a very Euro-centric selection, I’m aware, so please do share your suggestions in return in the comments; I’d love some new reads myself…
Alec Leach - Alec is a former fashion editor at Highsnobiety, the author of The World Is On Fire But We’re Still Buying Shoes, and one of the most critical voices, in his words, "making sense of fashion in an age of crisis". His newsletter is an incredible read - always bringing a valuable perspective on how fashion is evolving and what all it means.
Common Ground by Amy Powney - Amy is creative director of UK sustainable fashion brand, Mother of Pearl. Here, she presents an unfiltered view of her thoughts on fashion, sustainability, motherhood, business, activism and beyond. From "girl boss to girl moss" is one of her mantras and this plays out beautifully with her updates.
Curb Your Sustainability - Written by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's former fashion lead, Francois Souchet, this newsletter provides a deeply analytical perspective on what is happening across sustainability. Think policy, innovation, production and beyond - lots to learn from applied to fashion.
Fashion Roundtable’s Substack - This is the newsletter of the policy group and think tank of the same name; a very valuable subscribe in order to get a good grip on what is happening with UK policy, as well as glimpses into various other business and industry updates.
It's not Sustainable with Tiffanie Darke - Journalist, editor and shopkeeper Tiffanie saw the light and joined the sustainability movement, and thank goodness she did. Woman behind the Rule of 5 campaign (which to be fair also has its own newsletter), this is where she explores sustainable fashion with a truly critical eye.
Post Growth Fashion - Written by academic researcher Katia Dayan Vladimirova, this Substack is indeed about a post growth future for fashion, what it means, what it can look like, and the ins and outs of various elements to think about related to it. Katia pulls no punches, including laying out how hard it is - but that's all the more reason to read it.
Threadbare - Ruth MacGilp is ever on the pulse with what's going on in sustainable fashion through her work as a campaigner and consultant. She's former Fashion Revolution, now at Action Speaks Louder. This newsletter provides a deep dive on key topics and events just when you need them - like yesterday’s share of a summary on the brand new What Fuels Fashion report.
And as a bonus, Back Row - This an insider view of the fashion industry told through the eyes of journalist Amy Odell and it’s an absolute must-read. There are only the odd pieces about sustainability, but they’re hugely insightful ones when they come; like this one chatting about journalism with Alden Wicker.