Aja Barber is a writer, stylist, and sustainability consultant whose work deals with the intersections of sustainability and the fashion landscape. She’s the author of Consumed: On Colonialism, Climate Change, Consumerism, and the Need for Collective Change.
Hi Aja! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hi I'm Aja Barber, she/her/they. I'm a writer. I'm passionate about slow fashion, second hand shopping, sustainability, everyone's pets, composting, gardening, food sovereignty, art museums, ballet (until I messed my knee up), and gossiping with friends.
What do you think is the most misunderstood concept when we have conversations about sustainable fashion?
That it's not for everyone. It is. Mending is for everyone. Taking care of what you own is for everyone. Wearing and loving things for the rest of your life is something we can all do.
What does the term “ethical fashion” mean to you?
A fashion industry where everyone is paid fairly and treated with respect. It's about treatment of humans and minimal harm to everyone including the planet.
In your book, you connect the concepts of Climate Change and Colonialism with beautiful clarity, and share how the current fashion system plays into these connected issues. Can you give us a few introductory thoughts for those who may not have been introduced to these interconnections yet?
From start to finish the majority of systems within the fashion landscape harm the world's most marginalized from the materials to make clothes to the production of the clothes to who deals with all the donated garments and overconsumption. This system harms both workers and the environment while also contributing to the climate crisis. It's pretty much a lose-lose for anyone who isn't a billionaire. Which is why we all have to divest in any way we can. We have to move towards ethical fashion, slow fashion and second hand.
How can we as a company, and as humans, do a better job at amplifying diverse voices in both the fashion and sustainability spaces?
Just look for them and amplify them. Find people with something interesting to say and pass the mic.
What would you say to someone who wants to make more thoughtful fashion choices, but feels like their individual purchases won’t make much of a difference?
I don't think that's true. There's a reason why Vinted is on its way to becoming more popular than some of the biggest fast fashion retailers in Europe. It's because individuals like you and I are making different decisions and our culture is shifting. These things matter more than ever.
How do you continue to have hope in the face of climate emergency, continued marginalization of vulnerable people groups, and the fashion industry’s ongoing role in these harms? What actions do you take to stay away from despair?
Stay off the internet kids! Surround yourself with people doing cool and interesting stuff. If you need hope, join a community garden near you or join your local climate group. Action is the only antidote to despair.
If you could make one change to the fashion industry today, what would it be?
Pay all the workers. Immediately. Expeditiously. Stop all the outrageous press trips and put that money towards paying workers.
How can individuals and smaller companies play a role in changing this corrupt industry, even when giant fast and luxury fashion companies continue to turn a blind eye to the harm?
WE have to stop turning a blind eye as citizens. Write a letter to a CEO. Create a boycott online. We have to make them do better. And I do this by never handing my money to a big box store ever. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. Plus it means I have money to support smaller ethical brands who are doing right by workers. Which is what I prefer to do.
Viva Voce is a size-inclusive marketplace, and we partner with brands committed to conscious practices. For us, that means considering people, the planet, access, and longevity together. What can marketplaces and communities like ours can do to help shift fashion culture in a better direction?
You're doing it! Keep up the good work! I think the best thing we can do is live our values. It's so important right now.
For someone who cares about fashion and the planet but feels overwhelmed or unsure where to start, what would you want them to know?
If you haven't taken a break from shopping, do that at least once in your life. Take a month or two off. When you come back you'll see everything with clear fresh eyes including what you need or don't need. Highly recommend it. And don't forget to unsubscribe from ALL your favorite stores as well as influencers who encourage lots of buying and shopping.
Can you give our followers any advice or recommendations for where to learn more?
Join my Patreon! It's a fantastic community of makers and slow fashion lovers!
What do you hope fashion and consumption look like 5-10 years from now?
I'd like to be out of a job! In a good way. But an ideal industry would be one with fair labor and ethical supply chains. Better quality clothing for all that we keep and cherish and overproduction stops existing. Here's hoping for a future where everyone can thrive.