The Future of Fashion: A Sustainable Perspective with Judy Sanderson
Discover how sustainable fashion can be a lifestyle choice that aligns with your values.
As someone who has always been passionate about fashion, I have been on a journey to discover sustainable fashion brands that align with my values. That’s why I was intrigued to learn about Judy Sanderson, a fashion designer who has made sustainability a cornerstone of her eponymous brand.
Born and raised in Limpopo, South Africa, Judy Sanderson’s heritage is an important part of her fashion design. Her latest collection, Xiseveseve, is a tribute to her Tsonga culture and the cultural party that celebrates femininity in all its forms. But what really sets Sanderson’s brand apart is her commitment to creating sustainable fashion. I wanted to delve deeper into Sanderson’s personal exploration of sustainable fashion and what it means for her brand.
Sanderson’s journey to sustainability began when she realized the impact the fashion industry was having on the environment. After completing her fashion design studies in Hong Kong, she launched her brand with a base in Portugal, where she currently lives. Her goal was to create contemporary pieces for women who are not only fiercely fashionable, but also own their power and femininity. Sanderson is very conscious of the materials she uses and operates a modern and responsible business. All textiles used come from a fine selection of high-quality fabrics leftover by the luxury fashion industry in Europe. Her brand is cruelty-free, so she does not use any fabric that bleeds. As part of her commitment to sustainability, all her pieces are produced in Portugal to minimize the carbon footprint and to invest in the local community.
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Antónia is wearing the Maseve open back Viscode Midi Dress
Photographer: @alandkphotography
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of JUDY SANDERSON, and she values exceptional local artisanal skills and techniques. Her brand adheres to fair trade principles and create a supportive and positive work environment for all employees, including fair pay and safe working conditions.
“I create pieces that transcends fashion to inspire strength and confidence in the women who wears them. Clothes should showcase the woman and not the other way around. There is beauty in every woman and what I create is a visual statement for the strong woman in all of us. Because beauty empowers us even more.” Judy Sanderson, Founder & Creative Director
Judy's journey toward sustainability mirrors my own. I've always been interested in fashion, but I've also been aware of the negative impact that fast fashion can have on the environment. It's a difficult balancing act, wanting to loish and fashionable while also being mindful of the impact that our choices have on the world around us. But after talking to Judy, I realized that it's possible to find a middle ground. It's possible to be fashionable and sustainable at the same time.
For me, this means being more intentional about the clothing that I purchase. It means taking the time to research the brands that I'm interested in and to ensure that they align with my values. It also means being willing to invest in high-quality, sustainable pieces that will last for years to come, rather than constantly buying cheap fast fashion items that will fall apart after a few wears. One of the most interesting aspects of Sanderson’s brand is the way she uses fashion as a vehicle for storytelling. Her latest collection, Xiseveseve, is an ode to her heritage and celebrates femininity in all its forms. She incorporates traditional Tsonga patterns and colors into contemporary silhouettes, creating an inspiring and empowering collection that tells a story. It's clear to me that her personal exploration of sustainable fashion goes beyond just using ethical materials and fair labor practices. It is about creating fashion that aligns with her values and inspires others to do the same. Sanderson’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of her brand, from the materials she uses to the stories she tells through her collections. Her journey to sustainable fashion is not just about creating beautiful and ethical pieces, but also about inspiring others to make sustainable choices in their own lives. As a consumer, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of sustainable fashion. But as I spoke with Sanderson, it became clear that making sustainable choices doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. It’s about finding brands that align with your values and investing in pieces that will last. As a Black woman, she knows firsthand the importance of seeing yourself represented in the fashion industry. She's made it a point to ensure that her brand is inclusive and representative of a wide range of body types and skin tones. And as a consumer, I have the power to demand more representation from the fashion industry. By supporting brands that prioritize diversity and inclusivity, we can help to create a more equitable and just fashion industry.
Photographer's
AL•K Creative Studio
@alandkphotography Visit
Antónia is wearing the Ntsumi dress
So, what does wearing and representing sustainable fashion brands mean for me? It means investing in pieces that align with my values and make me feel good about the choices I make as a consumer. It means supporting brands like JUDY SANDERSON that prioritize sustainability and use fashion as a vehicle for storytelling. In a world where fast fashion dominates, it can be easy to forget the impact our choices as consumers have on the environment and the people who make our clothes. But as I explored Sanderson’s personal journey to sustainable fashion, it became clear that there is a better way. By supporting sustainable fashion brands, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for all.
Antónia is wearing the Maseve open back Viscode Midi Dress
Photographer: @alandkphotography
Sanderson’s personal exploration of sustainable fashion is an inspiring example of how fashion can be used as a force for good. Her commitment to sustainability goes beyond just using ethical materials and fair labor practices; it’s about creating pieces that align with her values and inspire others to make sustainable choices. As a consumer, supporting sustainable fashion brands like JUDY SANDERSON is an important step in creating a more sustainable future for all. Visit the Judy Sanderson Website://www.judysanderson.com