AG: How do you define sustainability? JB: “Initially when I thought about sustainability, I thought about the materials. When I was working in the 90’s, it was about using the most expensive materials: merino wools, calfskin leathers and animal furs. It involved too many animal-based and animal- derived fabrications. Now, we have all of these studies on animal agriculture and the damage that it brings to the earth; so much environmental damage is coming from agriculture. I tackled this issue by moving into plant- based fabrics and recycled textiles within my designs. But then my idea of sustainability grew. Past materials, even more damage is being done. The supply chain is a big issue in the fashion industry, but now people are calling for transparency. People want to know what has happened to their clothing before putting it on their body.” AG: Can you tell us a little bit about the Lexus/CFDA Eco-Challenge Grant that you received in 2012? JB: “I received a grant that was based on creating collections and businesses that celebrated sustainability. I created a sustainability collection and showed it during New York Fashion Week where I was able to use upcycled fabrics, organic cotton and recycled plastic in my designs. I had also become a vegan a little bit before this. I loved the idea that I could find different ways to manufacture luxury.” AG: Do you think fast fashion brands will ever be considered sustainable? JB: “I think that they will. Many different [fashion] brands are now at the forefront on how to recycle, donate and drop-off clothing so that garments don’t end up in a landfill. The fast fashion companies are even starting to try to find new materials that are more earth- friendly. These big companies have a lot of responsibility because they are creating so many products. They can hire the smartest people and bring in scientists to work alongside the creative designers and merchandisers.” Q
AG: Where do you see Marist and sustainability intersecting? B: “I would like to bring in sustainability as part of the education in all courses. It is going to become more and more important in merchandising, product development, promotion and design. There is more of a collaboration between science and creativity than ever before. Off our campus, I think there are so many wonderful artisans and designers that have left the city and a lot of them have come into the Hudson Valley. This is the time for a renaissance of art, manufacturing and ethical consumption. I hope to bring that same energy to Marist.”
AG: Which sustainable brands inspire you the most? JB: “I have always been inspired by Patagonia; they are one of the original brands using recycled fabrics and upcycling fabrics. They even tell their customers to not buy anything new, instead they encourage people to wear what they have. Another brand I have recently been inspired by is Pangaia. The brand is from England and they are really at the forefront of technology. They do gym shoes out of grape leather and even a new coat called “FLWRDWN,” which is entirelymade out of flowers. These designs are not crunchy; they are super forward and right on the mark. The last brand I would like to mention is Save the Duck. Save the Duck manufactures outerwear and alternative winter clothing, and their whole premise is about being sustainable and cruelty- free.”
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