In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, Michelle Alleyne sits down with artist Carl Pascuzzi to unpack his new collection, Shadow Forms. Together, they explore the emotional engine behind the work and what it looks like to create with intention in a world obsessed with speed and trend cycles. They also dig into the evolving overlap between fashion and interiors, and the responsibility creatives carry when it comes to sustainability, materials, and thoughtful production. The episode closes with a simple takeaway. Support artists and studios building the future with care.

Takeaways

Art Basel's energy is a unique experience.
Shadow Forms invites viewers to slow down and reflect.
Sustainability should be a starting point in design.
Materials used in design can significantly impact health.
Fashion and interiors are interconnected in expressing identity.
Timeless design is preferred over fleeting trends.
Creatives have a responsibility to promote sustainability.
Honesty in discussing sustainability is crucial.
Collaboration can lead to innovative sustainable solutions.
Supporting conscious artists contributes to a better future.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne takes a sharp, unfiltered look back at the conversations that shaped 2025, not just in fashion, but across the systems that influence how we design, produce, consume, and dispose of what we make.

From industry disruptors and sustainability strategists to voices challenging business as usual, these conversations go far beyond trend cycles, digging into accountability, transparency, and the uncomfortable truths behind global supply chains, labor, materials, and scale.

Michelle does not simply reflect. She draws a clear line in the sand. As we move into 2026, this episode pushes past awareness and into action, calling for real progress in recycling, circularity, and system level change that reaches fashion, manufacturing, policy, and culture at large.

The message is clear. Ethical practice is not a buzzword or a brand strategy. It is a responsibility. And the choices we make next will define what comes after sustainability as we know it.

Takeaways

The Ethical Stitch aims to create change in the fashion industry.
Conversations with guests have highlighted the importance of accountability.
Sustainability requires long-term thinking and endurance.
Ethics should be reflected in daily business decisions.
Community and mindfulness are essential in the slow fashion movement.
Transparency in sourcing is crucial for consumer trust.
Innovation in materials can redefine luxury in fashion.
Recycling must evolve as a core system in sustainability.
Listeners are encouraged to ask questions and experiment with ethical practices.
The future of fashion depends on bold experimentation and ethical courage.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, Michelle Alleyne interviews Wendy Waugh, a pioneer in sustainable fashion. Wendy shares her journey from building the sustainability department at Theory to launching her own consulting firm, Golden Collective Incorated. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the supply chain, the role of education in sustainability, and the need for a culture of care within the fashion industry. Wendy emphasizes the significance of traceability, circular fashion, and collaboration in creating a more ethical future for fashion.

Takeaways

Wendy Waugh built the sustainability department at Theory from scratch.
Sustainability in fashion is about legacy and invisible work.
Understanding the supply chain is crucial for responsible fashion.
Education is key to shifting mindsets in the fashion industry.
Circular fashion practices can help reduce waste.
Traceability in the supply chain enhances consumer awareness.
Creating a culture of care can drive growth in fashion businesses.
Wendy's new venture, Golden Collective, aims to share knowledge and foster sustainability.
Collaboration across departments is essential for effective sustainability efforts.
The fashion community is filled with unsung heroes making a difference.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this conversation, Michelle Alleyne and Kym Canter explore the evolution of sustainable fashion, focusing on the transition from traditional fur to innovative materials like BioFur. Kim shares her personal journey in the fashion industry, the challenges of creating sustainable alternatives, and the importance of collaboration and education in driving change. The discussion highlights the emotional connections people have with fur, the need for transparency in fashion, and the future of materials that honor both aesthetics and ethics.

Takeaways

The dilemma of choosing between vintage and faux fur highlights the complexities of sustainable fashion.
Kym Canter's journey from fur to BioFur reflects a significant shift in personal ethics and industry standards.
Faux fur, while better than animal fur, still poses environmental challenges due to petroleum-based materials.
Collaboration across the supply chain is crucial for innovation in sustainable textiles.
Educating consumers about sustainable materials is essential for driving industry change.
The concept of 'nature to nature' emphasizes the importance of circular fashion.
Emotional connections to fur can be preserved through high-quality alternatives.
The future of fashion relies on transparency and accountability from brands.
Innovators in sustainable fashion must be willing to learn and adapt.
Luxury fashion can evolve to be both beautiful and ethical.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne engages with Julia Souder, CEO of the Long Duration Energy Storage Council, to explore the critical role of clean energy in sustainability. They discuss Julia's journey into the clean energy sector, the importance of long duration energy storage, and its impact on climate goals. The conversation highlights innovative collaborations, challenges in sustainable energy solutions, and the need for equity in energy storage. Julia shares insights on the connection between energy and various fields, including fashion and design, and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the energy transition.

Takeaways

Sustainability begins with understanding the systems that shape our world.
Energy is a cultural aspect that influences our daily lives.
Long duration energy storage is essential for a reliable energy future.
Community engagement is crucial for effective energy solutions.
Innovative collaborations can lead to breakthrough solutions in energy.
Challenges in energy infrastructure require systemic changes.
A modern energy grid must be resilient and human-centered.
Equity in energy access is vital for a sustainable future.
Emerging technologies in energy storage can transform various industries.
Personal inspiration drives the mission for a sustainable energy future.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode, Michelle Alleyne sits down with Kate Williams for a grounded, eye-opening conversation about what real sustainability looks like when businesses choose to lead with intention. Together, they trace the origins and evolution of 1% For The Planet and unpack how a simple commitment to giving back has grown into a global model for collective responsibility.

Michelle and Kate dig into the brands that are doing it right, the ones proving that ethics and aesthetics don’t have to compete. They talk candidly about the practical steps small and midsize businesses can take right now, the power of community in driving environmental change, and why hope is not naïve but necessary.

This is an invitation to rethink how we shop, how we create, and how we show up for the planet every day. By the end, listeners will feel not just informed, but mobilized, ready to support the businesses building a healthier future and inspired to take meaningful action in their own lives.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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Summary

In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne welcomes Rachel Ceruti, the community director at FABSCRAP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating pre-consumer textile waste. They discuss the importance of community in sustainability, the challenges of circular fashion, and how Fab Scrap is redefining the narrative around textile waste. Rachel shares her journey from grassroots initiatives to leading a movement that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and the emotional connections people have with fabric. The conversation highlights the need for action in sustainability and the role of consumers in driving change.

Takeaways

FABSCRAP is a nonprofit focused on eliminating pre-consumer textile waste.
Rachel Ceruti emphasizes the importance of community in sustainability efforts.
Circularity is an action-oriented approach to sustainability.
The fashion industry generates significant amounts of textile waste before products reach consumers.
Volunteers play a crucial role in sorting and repurposing textile waste at Fab Scrap.
Building partnerships with brands that genuinely want to collaborate is key to success.
The next generation of sustainable thinkers is unapologetic about their approach to change.
Legislation and policy changes are necessary for the circular fashion movement to thrive.
Consumers can drive change by demanding more sustainable practices from brands.
Mending and repairing clothing fosters creativity and reduces waste.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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In this episode of The Ethical Stitch, host Michelle Alleyne explores the revolutionary impact of Patagonia on the fashion industry and corporate responsibility. She delves into the brand's origins, its commitment to sustainability, and its bold marketing strategies that challenge consumerism. The conversation highlights Patagonia's activism, including its recent ownership change aimed at prioritizing environmental values. Alleyne emphasizes the importance of accountability and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that Patagonia's mission remains uncompromised as leadership evolves.

Takeaways

Patagonia was founded out of a deep respect for the planet.
The brand prioritizes durability and repairability over fast fashion.
Patagonia pioneered organic cotton and questioned harmful dyes in the 70s.
They built activism into their DNA from day one.
Patagonia donates 1% of sales to environmental causes.
The 'Don't Buy This Jacket' campaign encouraged consumers to think critically about their purchases.
Patagonia uses fair trade certified factories for ethical production.
The company has faced challenges but openly addresses its failures.
Patagonia's ownership change aims to keep its environmental mission intact.
The community must hold Patagonia accountable for its values.

🌿 The Ethical Stitch
Hosted by Michelle Alleyne

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🌍 Website: michellealleyne.com

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Stay smart. Stay stylish. Stay stitched in.