electro mag Mar 25 (2) - Flipbook - Page 11
Nina didn’t wake up one day to
realise she was destined to change
the world in slow fashion and the
circular economy; it’s a destiny she
always knew was hers.
Shevonne has known Nina for circa 10 years, and
while initially drawn in by her fabulous, bold and
eclectic vintage style, she has remained one of
Nina’s biggest (and honestly, raving) fans due to
her fabulous self and mission.
So, who is Nina?
On paper, Nina is the Circular Economy & Waste
Director at The Australia Institute, and a
sustainable fashion stylist; famous for her clothes
swapping events as part of her Swap in the City
venture. You most likely also know her from the
ABC’s War on Waste, and she’s been extensively
interviewed about fashion in the media. All
impressive accolades that Nina has genuinely
earned through her advocacy.
On a day to day basis she hosts community events,
is an in-demand speaker, researches and makes
recommendations to the federal Government
about policy change in fashion and other industries.
It’s an important mission, especially as Australia is
the leading consumer of fast fashion globally.
In her work, Nina talks about some pretty stark
and confronting topics, like the pollution, toxicity,
economic, health, humanitarian and other
environmental impacts fast fashion creates. She
calls on us to reflect on our own consumerism,
which can be a pretty sensitive topic.
However, Nina is able to navigate these topics
with such compassion, empathy and flair, that we
forget about our own feelings for a moment. Over
the years, rather than divide and shame, Nina has
in fact become the People’s Crusader; much loved
and supported. She not only tells people how fast
fashion is a problem, but shows people how to
make achievable change through swapping, restyling and repairing clothes (and of course,
consuming less).
She tackles topics in an accessible way,
depending on the audience, making it fun and
entertaining, while still evidence based. For
example, she shows photos or documentaries of
younger children working in sweatshops,
demonstrates how swapping clothes can be a fun
event and a chance to connect with yourself,
others, and find your true style. She also tackles
other topics like the weird (and, frankly, frightful)
things people have found in their fast fashion
parcels, as well as the tricks that fast fashion
brands use to entice consumers.
But what’s interesting about Nina, is that, at the
end of the day, all of this is more than a career. It’s
the culmination of who she has always been, and
what she’s always believed in. She calls sustainable,
slow fashion advocacy part of her
