Threads of Conviction

March 27, 2024

In the hands of women, societies find their most profound catalysts for change. The indomitable spirit of women who harness their beliefs to ignite progress and innovation illuminates the dark corners of complacency and inertia. Women who cast their visions far beyond the horizon of the present awaken us to action. Their journeys remind us that the fabric of our collective future is woven with the threads of the relentless pursuit of possibilities. To celebrate these women of conviction and their stories is to embrace the blueprint for a world reimagined and reshaped by hands that dare to reach for the stars.

— Julia Kisla.

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In the domain of sustainable fashion, Mara Hoffman emerges as a visionary who marries her deep-seated commitment to environmental advocacy with a distinct design aesthetic. Since the inception of her brand, Hoffman has set a precedent for fashion that engages through its beauty and its principled stance on sustainability. Her approach utilizes eco-conscious materials, aims to minimize waste through precise manufacturing processes, and offers transparency across the supply chain. Hoffman’s designs, known for their rich color, intricate patterns, and embrace of diversity, offer a substantive response to the transitory allure of fast fashion. Through her forward-thinking actions, Mara Hoffman challenges consumers and the industry to make a shift towards more sustainable practices and conscious consumption.

How do you believe your personal philosophy and convictions are reflected in your style choices?

I believe in buying less and buying better. I am someone who barely buys new things, and I tend to wear the same outfits over and over. I am a “uniform dresser.”

In what ways do you view fashion as a powerful tool for communication and change?

Fashion is one way to tell the world who you are, and in many ways, it can also communicate your values. We define ourselves on some level by the clothes we wear and the aesthetic we put forward. Fashion is an essential part of our culture and has always been able to reflect the time we are living in. At this time on Earth, it is essential for people to become aware of this and take action. Fashion brands are in a critical position to make the right decisions that promote and contribute to a healthy planet and its inhabitants.

If you could offer advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Don’t try to be for everyone. Stay focused. TRUST YOUR VISION.

Can you describe a moment when your choice to defy conventional norms in your career was reflected in both your actions and personal style?

In 2015, we decided to transform our brand model into a sustainable framework. This was completely different from the norm at the time and took a tremendous amount of research and action to follow. By doing this, the aesthetic of the clothes evolved as well, and in turn, so did my personal style. I have always been a mirror for the brand and vice versa.

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As a fashion model and social justice advocate, Rawdah Mohamed blends her Norwegian and Somali roots to challenge and redefine the fashion landscape. Her leadership in the #handsoffmyhijab campaign confronts Islamophobia and promotes unity and resilience among Muslim women worldwide.

Mohamed was appointed as Vogue Scandinavia’s first hijab-wearing editor, a landmark fashion moment that challenged long-standing narratives and created space for a broader and more inclusive dialogue within the fashion industry.

Mohamed’s journey reflects her multifaceted identity, an interplay of tradition and modernity. She advocates for a world where fashion transcends faceless aesthetics into stories of individuality, humanity, and cultural pride.

How do you believe your personal philosophy and convictions are reflected in your style choices?

Absolutely. All areas of my life are interconnected, so my beliefs are reflected in my style. I strive for respect for all living things, which means no animal cruelty.
I seek to live a balanced lifestyle that mixes high-end and low-cost items. I live within my means; I restrain the desire to splurge on pieces that will break my budget. As a veiled Muslim woman, I never wear revealing clothes and dress modestly.

In what ways do you view fashion as a powerful tool for communication and change?

It´s powerful because it allows you to express aspects of your character and part of yourself to others. You can either reveal or hide an emotion. I usually dress to the mood I want to be in rather than the mood I’m in. If I feel it will be a rough day, I will wear bright and joyous clothes to ease the burden of the tasks ahead. I feel insecure about a meeting or a job I must attend; I will dress strong and secure. Fashion, for me, is a great tool for navigating my emotions. It is a strong tool to evoke emotion to tell a story and reveal your identity. Fashion can build communities of like-minded people who will then create change. You will find people with similar identities and backgrounds who share your struggles and ideas.

If you could offer advice to your younger self, what would it be?

My advice would be to stand firmly on your beliefs and to keep practicing self-love. The constant reminder of self-worth and integrity is something that continues even in adulthood. I also assure my younger self that life does get better and that the reward of life is far greater than any hardships you face. Be patient; what is meant for you will be for you.

Can you describe a moment when your choice to defy conventional norms in your career was reflected in both your actions and personal style?

In life as a minority woman, there are plenty of moments where I had to defy conventional norms to live authentically and freely. One moment that stands out the most is my freedom of choice and religious right to wear the hijab. Wearing my hijab and styling it according to my taste is sometimes a constant fight to exist as I am and for my religious attire, especially with the rise of islamophobia and political bans on hijab in Europe.

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Ruth Alvarez DeGolia, co-founder of Mercado Global, channels her conviction into action that help transform the lives of Indigenous women artisans across Latin America. Under Ruth’s guidance, Mercado Global has become a conduit for change, equipping artisans with tools and knowledge that empower them to step into the world market as confident business owners.

Ruth’s conviction helps illuminate the dignity and self-worth of indigenous women, elevating their voices and bringing their ancestral craftsmanship to the global forefront. This shared journey celebrates the rich cultural heritage and encourages a more equitable exchange between global markets and local communities.

How do you believe your personal philosophy and convictions are reflected in your style choices?

My style choices are a direct reflection of my personal philosophy and convictions. I’m super passionate about embracing artisan craft, ethical fashion, and long-lasting, sustainable pieces, and always have those factors in mind when curating my wardrobe! I also try to be conscious about supporting brands and retailers that uplift small Indigenous and BIPOC-owned fashion brands. My entire life’s-work as Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit accessory brand Mercado Global, is about empowering underserved women and communities through education and fashion – so that definitely impacts all of the choices I make, including purchase decisions.

In what ways do you view fashion as a powerful tool for communication and change?

Fashion can be a huge catalyst for change! In my daily life – but also when attending events (especially ones where thought leaders in fashion will be in attendance) – I choose to accessorize with Mercado Global products not just for their beauty but for the stories they tell about artisan craft and ethical choices. These pieces often spark conversations, leading to discussions about the potential of the fashion industry to drive social change by leveraging its purchasing power to source products that empower women, fight poverty, and promote environmental sustainability. That’s just a very simple example showing how fashion isn’t just about style; it’s a powerful tool to open dialogues and inspire change.

Likewise, I see fashion as a way for women to vote and actively build the type of world they want for themselves and their children. Women make 80% of household purchasing decisions. If women consistently purchased products that empowered women, we would be living in a very different world. Women love to wear pieces that tell a story, and what better story to tell than of the future you are helping build for your children.

If you could offer advice to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to learn the lessons I eventually learned the hard way.

I would tell my 20-year-old self that it is a strength, not a weakness, to ask for help. That I could spend months or years figuring out how to build a new program or tackle a new challenge on my own, or I could seek out a mentor, a supporter or a partner who could tell me how that challenge is tackled elsewhere and thereby avoid reinventing the wheel. It took me two years to learn to ask for help and build relationships with mentors, but once I did, it was a pivot point for the organization: we grew so much faster and more successfully. Seeing how people enjoyed helping others and sharing their knowledge with the next generation was enlightening.

I also recommend not being afraid to ask others to donate to support the work of our nonprofit. For those who have a surplus, what better way to spend your resources than to help build a better world? People like being asked to be part of this work and to have the chance to be a partner in building a better world, and it’s OK if some people choose to say no. Not every opportunity is for everyone. It’s often hard for young women to learn how to ask others to donate or invest in the nonprofits and enterprises they are building. Getting over this hurdle and building a new relationship with money and fundraising is essential to your success.

I would also advise my younger self that gratitude is a superpower. I didn’t learn the power of gratitude until I was several years into building Mercado Global and had truly hit a very low point personally. I was burnt out from how hard the early years were and from some trauma I had experienced in my personal life. I had the opportunity to meet with a monk who helped me see that no matter how hard things are, you always have something to be grateful for. When you focus on what you have to be grateful for, you can rebuild your strength and happiness and get grounded again. After this, whenever I was tired or overwhelmed, I would sit and write thank you notes to our board members, our donors, and to staff. These notes list all of the things I am grateful to each of them for, for giving me so much strength and helping show others the important role they play in making our work and impact powerful. I try to lead with gratitude, and I have found it to be such a superpower.

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Svitlana Bevza, who is at the helm of her namesake label, stands as a testament to how conviction and vision can sculpt the fashion landscape. With a minimalist design ethos, Bevza’s work is a testament to cultural fidelity and a pledge to ethical production. Her creations weave nuances of Ukrainian tradition with the clarity of contemporary design, embodying a meaningful representation of national heritage. This exploration is further enriched by the hands of Ukrainian artisans, whose craftsmanship breathes life into Bevza’s vision, reviving and celebrating unique Ukrainian techniques.

Central to Bevza’s philosophy is a profound respect for nature, manifested in a commitment to sustainability that underpins every aspect of her production. By embracing zero-waste technologies, utilizing deadstock fabrics, and repurposing recycled yarns, Bevza champions minimal waste and elevates the quality and longevity of her pieces. Bevza showcases a future where fashion respects both its roots and the planet.

How do you believe your personal philosophy and convictions are reflected in your style choices?

Well, BEVZA is my visual language that conveys my philosophical principles. I always advocate for elegance, and by elegance, I mean not only the visual aspect but also the attitude towards the environment, oneself, family, and friends, as well as how one treats the planet. Elegance is a conscious choice in purchasing items and clothes that can last long. That’s why I’m focused on what I call neoclassic creations. I’m thinking about women similar to myself who live this kind of lifestyle, seeking self-respect and comfort in quality. I strive for this, and I create clothing for other women with the same respect that I desire for myself.

In what ways do you view fashion as a powerful tool for communication and change?

Fashion is a very powerful tool of communication and storytelling. I am happy and honored to have the opportunity to tell a story about my homeland, especially in these difficult times for my country. We are not just creating clothes; we are creating symbols, and my mission is to keep Ukrainian cultural heritage alive and give it a new modern interpretation.

If you could offer advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Always listen to your intuition; you have everything you need to make the proper choice. I would advise myself to be more confident.

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Raha Moharrak is recognized as the first Saudi woman and the youngest Arab to summit Mount Everest. Her achievement is a milestone in mountaineering and a significant cultural moment that challenged traditional views on women’s roles and capabilities in her home country and the broader Arab world. Beyond Everest, Moharrak has climbed several other high peaks around the world, embodying a spirit of adventure and determination. Her story is one of breaking barriers, defying expectations, and inspiring both women and men to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal constraints.