Up next on #FinsuTalksWith, we spoke to Emily Stochl, a vintage and secondhand fashion writer and podcaster, about her own sustainability story and what she looks forward to in the future.
Emily has written about the vintage and secondhand fashion industry for Refinery29, Atmos Magazine, Mildew Magazine, and more. She is also the creator and host of Pre-Loved Podcast, the top weekly interview show about the vintage and secondhand fashion industry. We’re delighted to have spoken with her about what makes her great!
Tell us about the work that you do!
I’m a writer and podcaster covering all things vintage and secondhand fashion. This includes: slow fashion tips, fashion advocacy, education on the secondhand industry, fashion history, and more!
What motivated you to start doing what you’re doing?
My sustainability journey actually started with labour activism! I believe that social sustainability is just as important a part of this conversation. My grandma, who was really involved in my upbringing, was a labour union activist, she worked in a plastic factory and was a part of lots of walkouts, strikes etc. That worker solidarity has always been important to me, and I got into ethical and sustainable fashion via understanding fashion’s impact on garment workers. As I got deeper and deeper into this sustainable fashion space, I realised that sustainability and “social sustainability” or “ethics” are completely entwined.
I started Pre-Loved Podcast because I’m very passionate about conscious fashion, both for environmental and ethical reasons, but my entry point to sustainable fashion was through secondhand — thrifting for many years and working in a vintage shop. Back in 2018, I couldn’t find a podcast that was dedicated specifically to vintage and secondhand style, so I decided I would make it!
What’s one thing that’s giving you hope for the future?
More people getting involved in community activism networks! We make change together!
What’s one quote that you live by?
This is so goofy because it’s a quote from the Mama Mia movie, but it comes to mind: “Life is short, the world is wide. I want to make some memories.”
What’s some advice you have for people wanting to shop more consciously?
Try taking a 90 Days #NoNewClothes Pledge — we run one every summer at Remake, the fashion advocacy organisation where I do community engagement work. It’s helpful to slow down, reset your relationship to shopping altogether, before you embark on your slow fashion journey.
What’s a brand you really admire?
I really admire small, curated vintage shops who are doing amazing work recirculating pre-loved garments to new homes, and carefully curating them to inspire people with new ways to style!
Who’s one person that inspires you?
Ayesha Barenblat, the founder of Remake, who is an excellent leader and wonderful at bringing people together to build a changemaker movement.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard?
“The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” – Toni Cade Bambara
What’s inspired you recently?
Fashion activist friends in London who protested at a Boohoo panel.
What’s one change you wish to see in the world?
I believe everyone should be paid a living wage, and think that advocating for living wages — for example within the fashion industry — will be one of the most effective ways to tackle both fashion’s environmental and ethical issues because paying living wages will force the fashion industry to slow down its overconsumption issues. The two are hand-in-hand.
What’s a wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
I collect vintage bolo ties and I think they’ve really become my personal style staple. I live in the Midwestern US so it’s a nod to the area where I’m from, and a unique accessory that adds a bit of Western flair to all my outfits.
Thank you Emily for the incredible answers! You can find her website here or her Instagram here.