Meet the Team | Amber Rochette
Who am I?
I am currently studying for a Masters in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development. I was brought up deep in the West Wales countryside surrounded by people who inspired me to be as sustainable as possible, so have always enjoyed doing my little bit for the environment. Until about 3 years ago, I was tied up in the world of fast fashion and did not have a thought for how it affected the environment. When I looked into it more, I was both devastated and horrified that being ‘fashionable’ was so environmentally damaging, and this did not align well with my ethos. So since then, I’ve made sure I shop more consciously and have found joy in swapping, re-using and re-purposing old items in my wardrobe (and my mums!). One day when I finish my masters, I hope to secure a job in fashion and help the industry in becoming more sustainable.
What I believe in
I believe that in order to change the industry for the better, change must happen from the top. No matter how many people may now be shopping more consciously at the moment, companies will always capitalise where they can, forgetting about the environment in their expedient decision making. In order to stop this from happening, the law needs to change. I believe that the law is the most powerful tool to help re-orientate the industry into being a better one for the planet, and society too. What I don’t believe in, is the stigma that slow fashion is not fashionable. I’ve learnt fashion can be trendy, and still better for the environment. Brune Poirson has been labelled by many as the ‘unofficial French minister for fashion’; her style is simple, chic and sustainable. As well as breaking the stigma that slow fashion is not fashionable, she is pushing for changes to the law in France that surrounds the industry – my fashion icon!
Why SFW
I want to be part of an organisation that effects meaningful change within the industry. Having spent months researching around this topic for my dissertation work, it has become apparent that there are not many organisations with the sole intention to help create a shift in societal behaviour, and create a more sustainable fashion industry. I was so excited to have come across the SFW, and after reaching out I was lucky enough to be offered a role in the partnerships team. I believe we are at a pivotal moment both in terms of the earth’s environmental integrity, as well as politically speaking too. Therefore, it is at this juncture that pushing for a change can really make a long-term difference, and I believe the SFW will play a part in this change.
What I do for SFW
I am part of the Partnerships Team, focusing on finding sponsors for the event and securing long-lasting partnerships too.
3 favourite items in my wardrobe
Beige Long Revere Collar Coat - ‘borrowed’ from my house mate a couple of years ago, who found it in a charity shop. I haven’t stopped wearing it since, it’s a classic coat style that works on almost any outfit. I love the colour too as most my wardrobe is black, so it brightens up my day! Thankfully she has seen how attached I am and not asked for it back!
Black Woolly Polo Neck – a hand-me-down, my bestie shrunk his favourite jumper to half the size, and it fit me perfectly. It is such a simple but effective wardrobe item, it can be easily jazzed up with jewellery, hats and scarves. I literally live in it, and would be lost without it!
Leopard Print Mini Backpack - found this when helping my friend (same one as above, his fashion sense is effortless...) clear out his childhood room. It’s an oldie and belonged to his sister about 10 years ago! Now I literally can’t go anywhere without it, as most my clothes are simple because I get bored of patterns easily, this bag always spices up my outfits and fits a surprising amount in it too.