Sustainable Fashion Graduate Gains Insight on Reshoring From FEL

Skye Michaelis, a recent graduate in Sustainable Fashion from the University of Leeds, interviewed FEL Founder Jenny Holloway for her final dissertation titled: ‘The Impact of Reshoring on the Sustainability of Fashion Production’, and fantastic news – she has been awarded a first.

On hearing her result Skye said: “I believe this was due to the high quality of the information provided in the interviews by people like you (Jenny). Thank you very much for your time and sharing your insights, I really appreciate it!”

Here she discusses her studies and her plans to land an internship…

Skye: ‘One key take-away from my degree is the need to critically analyse and question sustainability statements. I vividly remember my first university seminar; we were asked if we would stop working with a factory which was found to have bad working conditions? We all said ‘of course’, but were quickly made acutely aware that sustainable fashion is not as simple as this; stopping working with this factory could result in workers losing their jobs and livelihoods. In this case the instinctive decision would make a bad situation worse. This highlighted how complexly interconnected the fashion industry is and how nothing should be taken at face value. Instead a critical approach must be embodied.

This attitude led me to my chosen dissertation topic. UK production is widely assumed to be more sustainable than producing offshore in the Far East. I questioned this, researching why, how and if this is really the case. My dissertation was titled ‘The Impact of Reshoring on the Sustainability of Fashion Production’.

As part of my research I conducted interviews with industry professionals which allowed me to draw from expert perspectives, individual experiences, opinions and hopes. I was lucky enough to speak with Jenny Holloway who gave unique insights into the practicalities of UK based-production, showcasing how it can enhance business strategies and sustainability.

My research concluded that it is essential to take a holistic, nuanced view when making production location or sustainability decisions, rather than jumping to overly simple conclusions. Reshoring can be a key part of a more sustainable fashion system, but it should not be assumed to deliver sustainability on its own. Therefore it should not be pursued as an isolated sustainability goal. Instead reshoring can be used as one tool to help achieve other sustainability targets. Onshore or offshore garment production does not in itself determine business success or improve sustainability. However a well considered hybrid model could offer the best solution, benefitting from both elements.

Having left Leeds with First Class BA, I am now looking for internship opportunities. Ideally I am looking for paid roles as part of a brand sustainability team helping drive change from within, or in a consultancy position. I am also very open to roles outside of these – I am just keen to learn, be part of a team and gain practical experience. I will be based in London but am open to working in cities anywhere in the world.’

Congratulations to Skye, to contact her: sky3msm@gmail.com