Asking for progress,
not perfection.
What
The Stitch is an editorial platform for responsible consumption and production in fashion.
We aim to transform knowledge on ecological and social injustices in fashion into individual action to empower responsible consumption and production systemically.
Why
We live in an era in which human influence is causing a systemic climate breakdown that threatens people around the world unequally. The current economic system is built on unlimited growth, enabling the overconsumption of the planet‘s finite resources for wealthier countries, which is the main driver for the climate crisis.
The people living on the frontlines of the climate crisis are those who contribute the least. Local communities in the global South face environmental damages caused by nations of the global North which accelerate the climate crisis.
This inequity has emerged individuals and collectives, like The Stitch, for social and environmental justice all around the globe, being the first generation feeling the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.
Who
The Stitch was launched in 2020 by co-founders Melenie Hecker and Lilian Weiermann with the vision of using education on the fashion industry’s environmental and social injustices as a lever for individual action towards systemic change.
Meet the team
Melenie is an innovation enthusiast and wants to transform the fashion industry into a circular system based on algorithmic innovation.
Melenie Hecker
Co-Founder
Lilian is a purpose-oriented creative hybrid guided by empathy and innovative solution-finding within the fashion industry.
Lilian Weiermann
Co-Founder
Values
Our values guide us towards our vision of a more responsible fashion industry. We are committed to this growing list to be part of the solution in tackling environmental, social and ecological challenges.
Science-backed education
Our perspective on the intersection of fashion and the climate crisis is rooted in science. We detangle data to educate curious learners willing to deal with climate issues but do not know how to translate their love for fashion and their interest in sustainability into sustainability in everyday life.
Intersectional environmentalism
When we talk about environmentalism, we must acknowledge that a systemic climate breakdown affects marginalised communities unequally. Led by Kimberlé Crenshaw’s established term ‘intersectionality’, we look at social and political identities (e.g. gender, class, ability, sexuality, religion, physical ability and race) to protect people and the planet.
Socially responsible action
We share stories and contexts of targeted groups and communities who are kept silent and are underrepresented in the fashion industry to empower sustainable progression. We must seek an inclusive, equitable and sustainable future to build the foundation for social justice.
Corporate responsibility
Companies have a responsibility to people and the planet. No citizen or consumer is to blame for the systemic failure of the fashion industry when it comes to environmental and social injustices. We seek to be part of the solution and advocate new perspectives and knowledge to tackle environmental, social and ecological change.
SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide us with a blueprint to living upon our vision to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
Since day one of The Stitch, we are committed to five goals:
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.
Contact
Join us @wearethestitch and start a conversation via contact@wearethestitch.com.
