About F:S

The Beginning

Ages ago, I attended a conference, and the speaker said that you didn’t have to choose between your passions. If you want to combine them, find a way. I was in grad school, and had recently discovered that I hated what I went to grad school to do. I would graduate in a year and a half, and had no idea what I wanted to do. Her example was if you love chocolate, and want to work for a company that replants trees in the rain forest, find a chocolate maker that supports the rain forest.

A light bulb went on. Crazily enough, this was the first time I had ever thought I could do all of the things that I am really excited about. I immediately began thinking about ways that to support the environment, promote fair labor practices, and spend my days looking at (and wearing) beautiful clothes. Two years later, Future:Standard was created.

It started in 2010 as an online shop and has evolved into an information source for all things ethical style. In 2010, I was single, living at the beach, spending a lot of time out with friends.

Now

Fast forward 8 years, and I have a little guy running around, don’t spend nearly enough time at the beach (or the gym, in my office, with my friends…you know), and a night out is usually a Friday happy hour cut short by toddler screams. Obviously my life has changed. But my values have not. I am still the same girl that wants to look great, but doesn’t want to compromise my values doing so.

And now, I have a little one that I want to also look cute (in his case, it is hard not to!), but also not compromise my values on his apparel. We also spend a lot more time at home, so this has evolved from mostly fashion to a bit of home and kids, but all ethical.

I have minimized the shop, and my style has changed a bit (I am more comfy mom, and less going out single), but the first iteration of the About Us page remains the same:

“We do not compromise on style and do not think our values should get in the way of looking great.

“We are waiting for the day that what we purchase does not need to be described as sustainable or fair trade. This assumes that all products are made in the most sustainable way possible and with concern for those making the products. That all of this is standard. This is our Future:Standard.”

I still believe that the first step in creating a Future:Standard is creating demand. And in the last 8 years, we have seen that demand increase, as well as the awareness of what ethical fashion is. But, we still need to show designers, retailers and manufacturers that consumers want ethical clothing. And ethical retailers, designers and manufacturers need to show consumers that ethical can be just as beautiful (if not more, knowing that it was made with kindness and respect).

I also still think a lot about ethical fashion, but consider minimalism a lot more. I consider my skincare and beauty routine as a part of the bigger picture of my health and selfcare. Our home is as toxin free as I can make it, and the clothes that I pick out for our little one are as in line with my values as possible.  I have come to realize that an ethical lifestyle goes way beyond fashion, food and beauty, and into the parties I plan, the gifts I give, and the improvements around the house. I have started living more mindfully and consciously in every area, and this is reflected in the evolution of Future:Standard.

I am an ethical style work in progress, but am enjoying the journey. I hope you will join me!

Want to learn more? Start here, with a post on what ethical fashion and style are to me, or get the basics with our ethical fashion dictionary and our ethical style guide. Also, we would love to have you join our mailing list. Opt-in here to get our Ethical Beauty Starter Guide, as well as a semi-weekly update on what is new in ethical style.

 

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