A style challenge for positive change

In my last article, I wrote about the 2020 #WearTheChange style challenge fundraiser. Wear The Change is a fundraiser created by The Social Outfit (TSO), a social enterprise, charity and ethical clothing label. The challenge is to style an ethical/sustainable garment in a different way (restyle) for five days during National Refugee Week (June 20 – 25). The purpose is to raise funds to help TSO support, empower and train female refugees and new migrants with customised training, education and employment pathways in the fashion industry.

TSO ran the style challenge again this year, so I felt the pressure to up the ante with this beautiful, pink, vintage-retro silk Japanese kimono. The kimono is a post-lockdown present I gifted to myself at the end of 2020 after a very long and intense lockdown period in Melbourne, Australia.

Retro-vintage kimono styled with kimono belts and a pink preloved clutch purse from an op shop.

The allure of the kimono

I love traditional, vintage Japanese wedding, ceremonial and casual kimonos. They hold tremendous beauty, art, storytelling, craftsmanship and copious amounts of my attention. Vintage and antique kimonos are some of the most beautiful garments ever created in my opinion.  

By choosing a kimono for the 2021 restyle challenge, I made it harder because it’s rare to see a wide variety of kimono restyled looks. But I chose it nonetheless because this pink one is an exquisite piece with vibrant colours that inspire tremendous amounts of awe, joy and MAGIC.

If my knowledge is accurate then I believe this kimono is a wedding kimono called Hikifurisode (a kimono with long, flowing sleeves and a padded, trailing hem). It’s a more modern take on the traditional wedding kimono, likely from the late 1980s. I’ve been told that it might have been a wedding or ceremonial piece for a young woman. And it's 100% silk.

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a 1930 / 1940s vintage fur cape from an op shop. Paired with a 1950s handbag from a vintage shop.

Regarding Asian-made

In addition to being my challenge centrepiece, it’s also a conversation piece for important topics like the perception of products made in Asian countries. In the fashion world and other industries, we hear comments like 'cheap Asian stuff' or 'cheap Chinese stuff' flooding the fast fashion markets. However, the fast fashion model thrives because we indulge it. In many cases, it’s fast fashion brands in the global North that commission the manufacture of cheaply made fast fashion products in Asian countries. Because labour is cheap in those parts of the world, it’s easier to exploit workers in those countries. Then it’s the consumers that help this concept to continue when we buy and consume fast fashion in droves without demanding that brands pay living wages and decent work conditions for garment workers. Perhaps we can shift the notion of perceiving Asian countries simply as where cheap products come from. Instead, we can shift perspective and engage more respectfully with Asian and other regions where products are made by acknowledging the craftsmanship, art, meaning and storytelling behind the art that’s native to these regions. The traditional kimono is a case in point. Because the history, skills, dexterity in making the products, traditions and symbolism are not cheap. They deserve respect.  

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a preloved gold jumpsuit, preloved jewellery and gold court shoes. All from op shops. The look is completed with a white purse.

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a retro t-shirt, preloved blue jeans, yellow sneakers and rattan box purse. All from op shops.

The Social Outfit fundraiser for National Refugee Week

For the second year in a row, I’ve joined in the challenge to contribute to raising awareness and raising funds towards helping The Social Outfit support, empower and train new migrants and female refugees with customised training, education and employment pathways in the fashion industry. Only 20% of women from refugee backgrounds are engaged in the workforce. Work empowers women and employment is important for a positive settlement experience. The focus is on the first Australian jobs because the first job is the hardest to get. 85% of people who have worked at The Social Outfit have moved on to other employment. Empowering women is critical because when women are empowered, the community, society and the entire nation benefits economically, socially and in many other ways.

And 49 people have been employed since 2014, paying over $846,000 AUD in Australian award wages. Almost 500 people have participated in their training programs.

By donating, you can help this legacy to continue to thrive and to grow. It won’t solve the global refugee crisis, however, it’s an exemplary model of how refugees and new migrants can be empowered to successfully and beneficially integrate into society in a highly productive way for everyone. The fundraiser continues. On that note, TSO and I will be tremendously grateful for donations to their work through my fundraising link here: https://wear-the-change.raisely.com/nina-gbor. Thank you!

Retro-vintage kimono styled with a preloved navy, tulle maxi skirt and preloved tan belt. Both items from op shops. The beaded clutch purse was a hand-me-down.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

Wear the change

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the ultra gold glamourous look.

Imagine a person with a ‘normal’ life. This person might be a doctor, waiter, lawyer, teacher, parent, accountant, nanny, architect, daughter/son - anything. They probably have a career, social life, community or even family. Then some type of cataclysm happens like war, natural disaster, climate or other disasters. On fear of death, this person and their family must leave everything behind and flee to safety in another place or country. Maybe even with young children in tow. Literally for the purpose of saving their lives. Thus, rendering them refugees. This is not the scenario for every refugee but it’s a general account I’ve heard from several refugees from different countries.

As one of the most terrifying things that can happen to a person, I’m always baffled when I hear that refugees sometimes encounter a lack of empathy or even disdain because of their status. It’s shocking considering the very real and intense nature of experiences, pain and trauma that forced them into the circumstance they find themselves in.

According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), there were 82.4 million forcibly displaced people worldwide at the end of 2020 from conflict, human rights violations, conflict, public order disruption, violence and persecution. Out of this figure, 26.4 million are refugees.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the smart casual look.

This week, June 20 – 27 is National Refugee Week. It’s a special celebration of the contributions of refugees to the arts, culture and our society. Refugees and migrants bring a wealth of skills, talent, culture and knowledge that can further enrich communities if given the right opportunity. All this potential for social and economic growth is lost when they're not supported. When women are empowered, the community, society and nation benefits.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the semi-corporate, sophisticated dressed up look.

Last year during National Refugee Week I took part in a restyle challenge fundraiser by The Social Outfit (TSO) called Wear the Change to raise funds for their training and support programs for refugee and new migrant women in Australia. (See photos above and below). TSO is a social enterprise and ethical clothing brand that celebrates creativity and diversity, employs and trains people from refugee and new migrant communities. Adapting and getting the first job can be challenging for new migrants and refugees. TSO helps women with this transition process by supporting them to thrive through employment. The invaluable training these women receive helps them learn new skills and it also allows their previous skills and natural skills to unfurl more easily. I’m excited to be an ambassador for this campaign again this year and take part in the style challenge like I did last year.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the elegant and formal look.

The style challenge is about wearing one garment in five different ways. To raise funds for the fundraiser, each weekday this week, I’ll post a photo of the same garment styled differently. So, follow me on Instagram to see the new garment I’ve chosen for 2021 restyle challenge and how I change up the look of the garment each day. But most importantly, I’ll be massively thankful if you can join me in supporting TSO and the women they help by making a donation through this link: https://wear-the-change.raisely.com/nina-gbor/ No amount is too small. Thanks in advance!

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the super casual look.

Outfit restyled for The Social Outfit’s Wear The Change fundraiser challenge during National Refugee Week 2020. One dress styled in five different ways. This is the golden chic, creative look.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

The secret to Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style and magic

There’s so much to say about the greatest style icon in history. This is why I’ve written two articles about her style and her humanitarian work. Today would have been Audrey Hepburn’s 92nd birthday. Her style was timeless and she’ll probably always be the biggest style icon there ever was.

I believe what made Audrey Hepburn so enchanting was that she had much grace, integrity and a strong sense of self. As film star in Hollywood’s golden era, she changed the landscape in the 1950s by being herself, instead of playing up to the unsavoury narrative which most women were subjected to at that time. She enjoyed the glamour but she never seemed vain about fashion. The clothes did not define her. Instead, she brought a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to her outfits. She presented herself with a lot of empathy for people and authenticity which compounded her style and made her even more memorable. She was simply who she was. Her integrity is what torpedoed her style into timeless, iconic status. And it’s the reason that the magic of Audrey Hepburn is still just as fresh as it was in the 1950s.

There’s a major lesson to learn from Audrey’s example. We’re in an era where our external image defines the lives of many of us. The obsessive, narrow focus on what we look like, the size of our bodies and all the other physical, external stuff has become extreme. It seems we’re forgetting to develop the internal higher values along with the external. Things like genuine empathy, real connection, personal growth, authentic kindness, care for the environment, etc. Without all of this, there’s a chance that vanity becomes the driver for our decisions. In which case, many issues occur which are unhealthy for people and planet. Attaining the perfect wardrobe and body might be fantastic but the full package is really complete when you’re also diligently working on those internal values. Without them, we’re in danger of just being like a shell. Empty. Albeit a good-looking shell, but still shells nonetheless if we’re not growing internally.

Audrey had an abundance of beauty (internal and external), style and integrity. She was not perfect but her influence and memory are still strong even six decades after she came onto the international film scene. It’s likely her influence will remain for many decades to come.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

Earth Day 2021: bringing back environmental harmony

Image: Lukasz Szmigiel

The very first Earth Day to support environmental protection was in 1970. Earth Day is an annual event on April 22nd that has gained tremendous momentum globally since its inception. So, let’s look at a few environmental facts about the current state of the earth in 2021:

Paris Agreement - with the promises made by countries under the agreement, it sets us on a trajectory of about 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, where 30 – 50% of existing species could go extinct by the end of the century.

Food agriculture - average yields of food crops are likely to reduce by 30%, triggering famines in several parts of the world which will cause political and social disasters.

Displacement from climate change - according to Nature, about 1.5 billion people (climate refugees) will be displaced as some regions will become uninhabitable.

Deforestation – 50% of the earth’s tropical forest have been cleared off in the last 50 years.

Soil depletion – Industrial monoculture has destroyed 40% of global topsoil used for food agriculture faster than it can be replenished. We have 60 years of harvest left with our topsoils at the current trajectory according to UN scientists.

Biodiversity loss – between 1970 and 2016, we’ve destroyed 83% of wild mammals and 50% of all plants with an average 68% decrease in population sizes of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The extinction rate is up to 1000 times faster than prior to the industrial revolution.

Emissions causing climate breakdown – the global North (richer countries) is responsible for 92% of emissions that cause climate breakdown, while the global South (poorer countries) is responsible for 8%.

Capitalism – it’s the reason for these high emissions. As the only economic system that demands constant material growth, it means endlessly plundering the earth for raw materials. It peddles the myth that we need to keep consuming a lot of fossil fuels & raw materials in order to thrive. But this lie is killing the planet and will destroy us too.

I’m inspired by the resolve shown by many people this Earth Day to protect the earth. It’s noble to see many people joining the sustainability movement and changing their lifestyles. However, based on the current global economic trajectory, consumer action alone is not enough to avoid total ecological breakdown. We need to change our systems. And implement a law of balance in all areas to bring harmony back to the earth's ecosystems and with people. The narrow focus of material growth and accumulation as the pinnacle for human life on earth needs to change. Material things are tools to support life on earth, not the purpose of life itself.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles

Harriet Tubman

Image credit: National Women’s History Museum

With absolute and total reverence, they called her ‘The General’. Or ‘Moses’. At only 5 feet, 2 inches, Harriet Tubman was an African American woman born into slavery (circa March 1822) in USA, who achieved the impossible.

HerStory

What makes Harriet Tubman’s story so fascinating is that she was born into what’s possibly the lowliest circumstance a human being can be born into. As a black female enslaved in 19th century US, she was supposedly worth less than any other category of human. As a child, she was abused, beaten and whipped by several slave masters. Yet, she escaped slavery in the American South to become one of the world’s most renowned icons of bravery, freedom and possibility. Harriet Tubman was one of the country’s leading abolitionists before and during the American Civil War (1861 to 1865). In 13 highly dangerous rescue missions, she led 70 enslaved African Americans to freedom in the North along the route known as the Underground Railroad.

In a move that earned her the title ‘General Tubman’, Harriet Tubman created the strategy and plans to help fellow abolitionist, John Brown, in the Harper’s Ferry Raid. The raid freed over 700 enslaved African Americans. It’s a historic and powerful precipitating event that led to the American Civil War.

Oh, and did I mention she did all of this after suffering a traumatic head injury that caused pain, dizziness and bouts of hypersomnia throughout her life? The injury happened when a slave master threw a heavy metal object at another enslaved person and it hit Harriet on the head.  

There was a bounty of $40,000 for her capture which today would be the equivalent of about $830,419! After the war, she became a political activist, humanitarian and activist in the suffrage movement.  

Deeply moving

I first heard this Shero’s story in school when I was about 8 years old during Black History Month in the US. Up until that point, no other story had stirred me so deeply to the point of making me tremble with inspiration. Looking back on that moment, I dare say it was a mature reaction for an 8-year-old. Which is a testament to the power of a story such as this one.

Can you imagine the level of love, courage and pure chutzpah it took in order to selflessly dedicate her life to service in the way that she did? It’s almost unimaginable but I think her intuition guided her to victory. Looking at her circumstances: she had little or no resources, deemed to be of little value by society, potentially had little or no emotional/mental support and I’m guessing at the beginning of her activity, people thought she was crazy! And yet with relentless defiance she literally and metaphorically rose up and forged her own path where it seemed utterly impossible. In the process, she carved a freeway for hundreds and subsequently millions of people to experience physical and mental freedom. Like the story of Moses in the bible, Harriet Tubman’s actions earned her the venerated name, Moses. This is her legacy.

I wrote an article about Harriet Tubman this time last year. My fascination with her story does not diminish. With last month being Black History Month in the US, this week is International Women’s Day week and her period of birth speculated to be in the month of March, it feels like a good time to share HerStory.

♥ Nina Gbor

Instagram: @eco.styles