Alterist is about Altering the world's perception of fashion and what is considered to be textile waste, challenging the social norms, being experimental and creative. With a mission to reduce textile waste, Alterist Marketplace along with its community of 68 designers showcases over 500 unique one of a kind upcycled garments. Co-founder Hannah Standen and Martina Sorghi shares explain “We want Alterist to be the catalyst for change within the fashion industry, giving people the power to make more sustainable choices. We see upcycling as a way to create one of a kind, iconic pieces while also keeping these materials out of landfill.”

In late 2022 I had a chance to interview Martina and Hannah on why upcycling can lead the change in revolutionising the fashion industry.

DZHUS is a conceptual womenswear brand I discovered in 2015 when I was invited to Ukraine Fashion Week as a speaker. Launched in 2010 by Ukrainian designer and stylist Irina Dzhus, the namesake label strikes as avant-garde and fundamentally utilitarian. DZHUS is known for its innovative cuts, multifunctional and experimental garments underpinned by an austere and industrialist aesthetic. The brand’s ideology stands for consciousness and humanity and is ethically manufactured using cruelty-free and vegetarian-friendly materials.

Lemon Jelly is a PETA-approved Vegan footwear brand turning our notions of plastic upside down. Through sustainable commitments and playful design, the brand is becoming an agent of change and innovation.

In our interview we discuss the driving forces that led Lemon Jelly to modify its manufacturing systems to be sustainable, how the company is making the transition to a circular model and the truth about plastics.