By Ameera Steward
For the Birmingham Times
Although Birmingham’s sustainable fashion community is made up of small businesses, they are collectively taking big strides to make a change.
Sustainable fashion is a movement centered on fostering a shift toward fashion products that prioritize ecological integrity and social justice; the term refers to clothing that is designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly and socially conscious.
A big part of the sustainable fashion business model involves social media, which is the platform most of these local business owners use to educate their audience and customers about sustainable fashion, the effects of their fashion choices, and how they can make better choices.
Here’s how Kristyn Edwards encourages sustainable fashion in the Magic City.
Edwards, a 24-year-old sales professional, recently launched her business Cede Supply Co. (cedesupply.com), which consists of different collections that raise awareness about social and environmental issues plaguing the world. Her first collection, bags made from bandanas with a base made from canvas material, was in collaboration with designer Jeff McFly. For future collections, Edwards plans to not only use sustainable materials but also donate three percent of the proceeds directly to a cause related to each collection.
With Cede Supply, Edwards aims to “bring back more integrity to the business of fashion. … We’re taking old things and making them new. We’re taking something existing and making it our own.”
Click one of the links below to read more about Birmingham’s sustainable fashion scene.
Collin Balentine and Jordan Joiner: Helping the Environment
Glenda Norman: Re-Fashioning Scrap Into Jewelry
Lana Watkins: Creating a Dream Closet
Shaquala Courtland: Restoring Clothing…and Spirit
Samra Michael: Preventing Waste
Lacey Woodruff: Thinking Long-Term
Lakeicia Shanta: Establishing a Sustainable Lifestyle
Clothing Designer Leslie Gomez Grew Up in Thrift Stores. Now, It’s Business.
