A Tool for Change: Unveiling the Visionaries of Sustainable Fashion

In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable trends, at MUMSTER were determined to spotlight those pioneering initiatives that prove that a different way of producing and consuming clothing is possible. Enter “A TOOL FOR CHANGE” , a short film that follows the journeys of 9 fearless founders of emerging fashion and lifestyle brands.

Produced as part of the collaboration between Sustainable Fashion Gift Card and MUMSTER, the documentary shows how these entrepreneurs are bringing innovative concepts to the market, showcasing their creations and highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices. Keep reading to learn more about Sustainable Fashion Gift Card (SFGC) and the 9 pioneers involved in the documentary.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION GIFT CARD – an ensemble of sustainability champions

Sustainable Fashion Gift Card is a community of fashion pioneers who want to market sustainable fashion in a positive and scalable way. Nanette Hogervorst, the founder, told us that she decided to create a gift card to promote sustainable fashion and provide individuals with a means to engage with this upcoming sector of the market. Her aim was to “positively inspire people with sustainable fashion and give them a tool to explore the world of sustainable fashion” she shares. She wanted to build a community that offers a variety of avenues for reimagining clothing consumption, beyond the conventional practice of purchasing new garments.

“The sustainable fashion gift card is simply more than a gift card, it is a tool with which I introduce people to sustainable fashion brands and lifestyle concepts.” Nanette Hogervorst.

A diverse industry with options for everyone

Nanette explains that the goal of the documentary was to “really show people how diverse sustainable fashion is.” She believes that the narrative around this industry is often quite negative and appears restrictive, with many saying “we need to stop buying” or “if you buy, only do it secondhand”, on the other hand Nanette affirms that “sustainable fashion is much more than this. Sustainability really gives you an array of options to consume clothing differently. From buying consciously, to swapping, renting, leasing, making it yourself, upcycling, customisation, etc.”

She continues “With all these options, we can actually choose what fits our personality best and what makes us feel most comfortable.” So for her, changing the narrative of sustainable fashion was one of the main goals of this documentary.

Collaboration for impact

Nanette decided to produce the documentary under the creative direction of MUMSTER as she believes MUMSTER “can deliver quality within a limited budget. It’s all about creativity and flexibility” she tells us. She shares her experience working with MUMSTER as a positive one, “we were quite aligned on the level of quality we wanted to deliver.” she explains. She also appreciated the level of communication and understanding. “ I would say we were honest and straight up with each other and respected each other’s input.”

“I decided to make this documentary with MUMSTER, because I like to work with people who are as passionate about the topic as I am.”
Nanette Hogervorst, Founder of SFGC

Meet the Nine Pioneers of Change

The brands showcased in the documentary “A TOOL FOR CHANGE “ work every day on making the world a better place. And they all do that because they believe in it.” Nanette tells us.

“They don’t need regulations to operate more sustainably, they will do it themselves in the best way they can.” She explains. These entrepreneurs aren’t just dreaming of a better world; they’re actively building it. From reimagining materials and supply chains to crafting entirely new business models, they are rewriting the rules of fashion and lifestyle. Their ideas, as showcased in the film, are as diverse as they are groundbreaking.

ANA DYLA

At the beginning of the documentary we meet Hatice Tekin, the co-founder of Ana Dyla and a human rights activist and lawyer, who worked extensively in the corporate world. Following the deadly Rana Plaza Factory collapse that happened in Bangladesh in 2013 she wondered how she could make an impact in her own way on the fashion industry so a few years later she started Ana Dyla, an ethical jewellery brand that creates unique pieces with recycled silver and gemstones. She surpassed her initial goal to create 100 fair trade jobs and her next step is to open her own studios.

“ The ethical aspect is really important to me, because I think it is important that our fellow human beings are valued as we all actually are.” Hatice Tekin

STEPHASTIQUE

A different concept, born from a similar desire to do things differently, is the brand STEPHASTIQUE. Stephanie Willems is the mastermind behind this fashion brand that produces funky, unique garments and custom made clothing. Stephanie handmakes her garments in the Netherlands using sustainable garments, such as upcycled second-hand clothing and GOTS certified fabric. She especially takes pride in her custom made garments that ensure inclusivity, as they can be made to fit anybody.

“I think diversity is super important, especially in sustainable fashion. I feel like everybody should be able to wear my designs and I want to show people that everybody can wear my designs.” Stephanie Willems

TEYM

Another designer, now entrepreneur, who was in disagreement with the wasteful fashion system that’s dominating the industry is Maxime Cartens, founder of Teym. With Teym, Maxime wants to make slow fashion the new standard, with timeless pieces for all genders Teym offers outstanding design, expert quality and honest production at a fair price.

“The system is built in such a way that everyone wants to produce as much as possible, to make as much profit as possible as i found that very intense, and i didn’t want to go along with that, the whole system was very against me “ Maxime Cartens

ICONIC WARDROBE

In the short film we also hear from Robin Hoogeveen, the founder of Iconic Wardrobe. Iconic Wardrobe is a rental clothing service that specifically offers luxury and sustainable garments. It also offers styling advice and tips on how to implement sustainable fashion and conscious consumption into our purchasing practices.

“Once you know which colours, which type of clothing suits you best then you can create a relatively smaller wardrobe that still represents the person that you really want to be” Robin Hoogeveen

SOPHIE STONE

Esther Steen and Sophie Ann Stone also appear in the documentary introducing their multi brand store and webshop, “Sophie Stone”. They not only offer a variety of conscious garments, they also educate people about the importance of sustainable fashion and offer repair and recycling services.

“Sustainability also means consuming less. What we try to teach customers is that when they purchase something, it’s an item they actually need, feel good when using it and need to complete their wardrobe.” Sophie Ann Stone

MAUSONS

One of the brands Sophie Stone stocks is MAUSONS, founded by Mauro Wilson’s Estevão. MAUSONS was born out of the need to support more ethical and sustainable practices in an industry rife with exploitation. At MAUSONS you can find quality basics for men made in Europe using TENCEL™ Modal.

“Sustainability really means showing and involving people in the process. I believe as a result you will have much more respect for the product and you will also use it much longer. “ Mauro Wilson’s Estevão.

MONSAK

In “A TOOL FOR CHANGE” we also meet Margriet Meijer, founder of Monsak, a brand that makes simple, minimalist bags from rescued leather in a small workshop in Amsterdam. In the film she also leads a workshop in the Monsak atelier, showing how the bags are made from start to finish.

“If you feel a connection with a product then you really only need a few pieces to be satisfied.” Margriet Meijer

TINY LIBRARY

In the documentary, we meet Julie Munneke, the founder of Tiny Library, a rental business for baby products. To decrease the need for new items and extend the lifespan of existing ones, Julie started Tiny Library and through this venture she attempts to simplify the concept of renting for consciously minded parents.

“With Tiny Library, we try to extend the lifecycle of products.” Julie Munneke

NAAIERIJ

As you can see from the film, Naaierij is a true hub of circularity. The founders Isabel van der Meijde and Roosmarijn van Soest offer sewing and repair lessons and services, encouraging people to look at clothing in a creative manner and sharing those important skills that haven’t been taught for generations. They show how easy and fun it is to modify, repair, and upcycle your own clothing.

“It’s such a shame that clothing is produced as a kind of disposable product, we want to show that by adapting or adjusting existing clothing you can make something new. “ Isabel van der Meijde

Beyond Buying new

The most inspiring message this documentary imparts is that sustainable fashion and lifestyle isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s a tapestry of diversity, where each founder weaves their unique story into the broader narrative. The pioneers included in the documentary are all different, offering a vast array of options for consumers who care about the planet and the products they bring into their lives. In the following paragraphs, meet the businesses that are embracing the circular economy by offering services such as rental and repair.

A powerful movement redefining the industry

The documentary also features two frontrunners in sustainable fashion, Sara Dubbeldam and Elize Been. Their participation in “A Tool for Change” underscores the collaborative and supportive nature of the sustainable fashion community. It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t a competition; it’s a collective effort to create a better future.

In conclusion, “A Tool for Change” is more than just a documentary; it’s a powerful testament to the potential for positive transformation within the fashion and lifestyle industries. These nine founders and their stories serve as beacons of hope, illuminating the path toward a more sustainable and diverse future.

As you immerse yourself in “A Tool for Change,” you’ll find yourself not just watching a documentary but becoming a part of a movement. It’s a reminder that change is not only possible but also happening right now, driven by individuals who refuse to accept the status quo.

This film showcases a world where innovation and ethics go hand in hand, inviting us to walk in the shoes of these visionaries, to feel the passion that drives them, and to witness the transformative power of conscious consumer choices. It reminds us that we all have the power to be catalysts for change in our own lives and in the world at large.