Slow Fashion Forward

In this episode of Slow Fashion Forward, we sit down with Portugal-based fashion healer Michelle Pozon to explore her unique journey through fashion—from childhood influences to personal awakenings that shaped her signature approach to Spiritual Styling. Michelle shares how clothing can be a tool for empowerment, healing, and self-expression, and how she helps clients reconnect with themselves through what they wear. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about fashion beyond trends—where intuition meets intention.

Make sure to check out our Instagram for more insights and content on the topic! -> instagram.com/slowfashionforward

More info about Michelle - https://michellepozon.com/about/ and https://www.instagram.com/michellepozon_spiritualstylist

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In Part Two of this episode, we ask: Did capitalism drive population growth—or was it inevitable? We then mention theories from Marx, Bourdieu, Kawamura, and Tansy E. Hoskins to explore fashion’s role as a system of social capital, symbolism, and identity. Can fashion exist without exploitation—or is imagining a new, fairer system just a utopia? Join us as we try to untangle the 13 page research.

Sources:

• Roland Barthes – Theory of Semiotics and Fashion as a System of Signs (also discussed in Fashion Theory, Episode S1.E4)
• Pierre Bourdieu – Theory of Cultural and Social Capital (also discussed in Fashion Theory, Episode S1.E4)
• Yuniya Kawamura – Fashion-ology: An Introduction to Fashion Studies
• Tansy E. Hoskins – The Anti-Capitalist Book of Fashion
• David Graeber – Debt: The First 5000 Years

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In Part One of this juicy two-parter, we break down the foundations of capitalism to understand how it underpins the fashion industry. We have heard that capitalism can survive without fashion—but can fashion exist without capitalism? We explore how capitalism evolved from feudalism, its core features like private ownership and profit, and how it fuels consumption, inequality, and endless production. Drawing on thinkers like Max Weber and David Graeber, we trace capitalism’s ties to labor, credit, and colonialism—laying the groundwork for how this system is stitched into every transaction we make. 

Make sure to check out our Instagram for more insights and content on the topic! -> instagram.com/slowfashionforward

Sources:

• David Graeber - Debt: The first 5000 years
• Yuniya Kawamura - Fashion-ology

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In Episode Three of Slow Fashion Forward, we delve into the craftsmanship found in Indigenous communities in South America.

Our dear friend and colleague from SFS, Daniela Méndez Polo, guides us through the different techniques used, what it means to preserve this heritage, and the role it plays in the broader international fashion industry.

Sources mentioned and used in this episode include:

Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr4UCzirTAE

Daniela Méndez Polo on Instagram: danipolo14

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What are our clothes actually made of? In this episode, Ebba and Sandra break down the basics of textile fibres—from natural to man-made. We explore where they come from, how they’re produced, and what that means for the planet. A perfect intro if you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of your wardrobe.

Sources mentioned and used in this episode include:

• Textiles by Sara J. Kadolph

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Catch up with Ebba and Sandra before heading into the new season. What have they been up to since last time and how did their Slow challenge go? Tune and and hear what fashion events and happenings they have experienced and what’s in store for this season?

Thank you for listening to SFF, follow us on Instagram and join us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content <3

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In the second bonus episode, we sit down with Maria Borbos, founder of Nimble Patch, to discuss her inspiring journey. From studying fashion design in Sweden and Denmark to building a company dedicated to upcycling denim apparel at an industry scale, Maria shares her vision for creating a sustainable impact on the textile and fashion industry.

Join us on Patreon to listen to this episode and learn more about recycling in the fashion industry! https://www.patreon.com/c/SlowFashionForward/

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In our first bonus episode, Sandra shares her journey with SFS, which started as an internship through a course at the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås. As part of her coursework, she completed a report on SFS’s sustainability practices which shares insights into how the organisation approaches sustainability and why sustainability reporting has become not just essential but, in many cases, legally required for businesses today.

Discover the origins of sustainability reporting, why it’s crucial for brands and organisations, and how you can implement it effectively for your own company or brand. And don’t forget to access additional resources and detailed step-by-step guides on our Patreon to create your own sustainability report! Follow the link to listen - https://www.patreon.com/slowfashionforward 

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In the second part of Episode Five, Sandra introduces six practical steps for incorporating slow into your life. Can slow living be applied to every aspect of our fast-paced world? Expect to hear about key challenges to slowing down such as accepted behaviors and current habits. Plus, stay tuned for a challenge that Sandra takes us on, creating a life that prioritises sustainability and well-being.

Don’t forget to check out our Instagram and Patreon to take part in Slow Fashion Month this January and discover practices to live more Slow!

Sources mentioned and used in this episode include:

• Lymfan, levern & livet by Lise Benberg & Anna Hallén Buitenhuis (correction: not Anders Hansen as Sandra mentions in episode)
• Amygdala - (part of reptile brain) vs hippocampus/limbcal system (emotional brain) - https://courses.minnalearn.com/en/courses/focus-training/preview/are-we-losing-our-ability-to-focus/the-hunter-gatherer-brain-versus-modern-24-7-society/
• Swedish Consumers Association’s resources, tips, and advice on how to make better clothing choices
• Swedish Society for Nature Conservation tips and advice on sustainable textil consumption -
• https://www.instagram.com/soultotable.co - Sandras friend Sanna, who is a chef and encourage slow eating
• Anders Hansen, the Screen brain/dopamine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwAx2kRwCRI
• Common Objective

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The slow fashion movement is gaining momentum, but what does it truly mean? In Episode Five of Slow Fashion Forward, Sandra and Ebba explore the roots, principles, and future of slow fashion. Can it be the antidote to fast fashion's environmental destruction? They discuss how slow fashion can reshape not only the industry but also our consumption habits and self-perception. This episode also features an interview with Line from Copenhagen, Denmark, as Line opens up about the challenges of slow fashion and reflects on how societal norms have conditioned us to consume fast fashion. Her insights reveal the complexities of breaking free from this cycle, even with growing awareness of sustainability.

Join us as we dive deeper into the core principles of slow in fashion, check out our Instagram and Patreon to take part in Slow Fashion Month this January and discover practices to live more Slow!

Note: This episode is split into two parts, so stay tuned for next week’s continuation!

Sources mentioned and used in this episode include:

• Lymfan, levern & livet by Lise Benberg & Anna Hallén Buitenhuis (correction: not Anders Hansen as Sandra mentions in episode)
• Amygdala - (part of reptile brain) vs hippocampus/limbcal system (emotional brain) - https://courses.minnalearn.com/en/courses/focus-training/preview/are-we-losing-our-ability-to-focus/the-hunter-gatherer-brain-versus-modern-24-7-society/
• Swedish Consumers Association’s resources, tips, and advice on how to make better clothing choices
• Swedish Society for Nature Conservation tips and advice on sustainable textil consumption -
• https://www.instagram.com/soultotable.co - Sandras friend Sanna, who is a chef and encourage slow eating
• Anders Hansen, the Screen brain/dopamine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwAx2kRwCRI
• Common Objective

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.