The Fashion Pulpit

POWER OF SWAPPING — Season 2, Episode 3 🎙️ This week on the podcast, we sit down with Durva Simone Bose — branding and content strategist, photographer, and a thoughtful voice in the ethical fashion space. Durva comes from a background in fashion and textiles, and over the years she has worked closely with sustainable brands, helping them shape stories and visual narratives that communicate their mission with clarity and intention. Her work has been featured in publications such as Tatler Asia and The Straits Times, where she continues to highlight the connection between our clothes, our choices, and the environment. But beyond her professional work, Durva has also been part of our swapping community for four years now. Someone who approaches style with curiosity and intention, and who embodies the spirit of conscious fashion in a very natural way. In this conversation, we talk about storytelling in sustainability, the evolving relationship between style and values, and how fashion can remain expressive while becoming more mindful. A thoughtful exchange with someone who truly walks the talk. 🎧 Episode 3 is now live. Come listen in.

POWER OF SWAPPING — Season 2, Episode 12 🎙️ Some stories are extra special — and Amber’s is one of them. Amber first walked into The Fashion Pulpit at just 14, volunteering during her school holidays. What started as curiosity quickly grew into commitment — she became a regular swapper from our early Liang Court days, and eventually, one of the strongest voices of circular fashion within her own community. Inspired by what she learned and lived at TFP, Amber went on to co-found her school’s very first Green Council, leading sustainability efforts on the ground and championing change among her peers. Her leadership, together with her team, earned the school the WWF Eco-School Green Flag — the highest recognition awarded. Today, Amber isn’t just part of our story — she’s an ambassador who truly walks the talk, carrying circular fashion values into her school, her style, and her everyday choices. Watching her grow alongside TFP reminds us why community, mentorship, and lived action matter so much. Tune in to hear Amber’s journey — from volunteer to changemaker — and how fashion became a powerful tool for impact. 🎙️✨

POWER OF SWAPPING — Season 2, Episode 1 🎙️For our very first episode back, we’re deeply honoured to be joined by Dr. Sun Sun Lim.Dr Sun Sun is a Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication and Technology and Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement) at Singapore Management University. She’s a prolific scholar, a public servant, a thought leader on technology, ethics and social inclusion—and someone whose work constantly reminds us to centre humanity in the systems we build.But beyond her titles and accolades, she’s also been part of our swapping community for over 4 years. A familiar face at The Fashion Pulpit. Someone who walks the talk. Someone whose personal style reflects care, intention, and a deep commitment to sustainability.In this conversation, we explore how our relationship with fashion mirrors the way we engage with technology, progress, and consumption. We talk about slowing down, making conscious choices, and how individual actions—when done with intention—can shape a more ethical and hopeful future.This episode sets the tone for Season 2: quietly reflective, honest, and human.We’re so excited for you to listen. And even more grateful to start this season with someone who truly embodies the values we care about.

Full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZMr83kOTuZd7zFbM44mm-iMobuIT1AXbAEcfAcbcYDY/edit?usp=sharing TIMESTAMPS Examining disposal habits (01:25) Where is “away”? (05:55) Textile-to-textile recycling technology severely lacking (12:32) Next steps (18:24) Download the report here: https://bit.ly/iow_report_2022 Article on the ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ policy and why it’s insufficient in tackling textile waste by Stella Hartyanto: https://www.consciouslifeandstyle.com/extended-producer-responsibility-textiles/ - Sources mentioned Straits Times article on Salvation Army collection points https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/salvation-army-sees-spike-in-donations-amid-festive-season-appeals-for-items-in-good-condition Dead White Man’s Clothes https://atmos.earth/ghana-kantamanto-clothing-waste-problem/ Trend mania V   ox article https://www.vox.com/the-goods/23065462/trends-death-subcultures-style Fast Company’s ‘Why ‘recycled’ clothes are so difficult to recycle’ https://www.fastcompany.com/90763958/why-recycled-clothes-are-so-hard-to-recycle?utm_source=pocket_mylist BBC’s ‘Why clothes are so hard to recycle’ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200710-why-clothes-are-so-hard-to-recycle Difference between recycling, upcycling, downcycling and resaling https://ecocult.com/circular-fashion-recycle-upcycle-downcycle-resale-definition/ Atmos’ ‘From Attire to Ashes: Clothing Waste in the Atacama Desert’ https://atmos.earth/atacama-desert-chile-unwanted-clothing-waste/ The Atlantic’s ‘Seriously, What Are You Supposed to Do With Old Clothes?’ https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/08/what-to-do-with-old-clothing-donation-waste/671043/ NTU press release https://www.ntu.edu.sg/docs/default-source/corporate-ntu/hub-news/ntu-singapore-and-rge-launch-sgd6-million-joint-research-centre-to-tackle-textile-waste.pdf?sfvrsn=d11821d6_1 - Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Produced by PodcastMate Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1npKcVFRD35HxuCfCVRDzAYHZgqu8UHD7AVJuexa1cRI/edit?usp=sharing TIMESTAMPS TFP's update (1:20) Inside Our Wardrobe study report (4:23) Download the report here: https://bit.ly/iow_report_2022 Moving vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbFYYYU4rjg Sources mentioned: Stories Clothes Tell: Investigating Clothing as Objects of Love https://lcf-smc-show-21.co.uk/postgraduate/curation-theory-and-writing/stories-clothes-tell-investigating-clothing-as-objects-of-love – Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co  The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

Rachel Tan (you might know her as @nocarrierpls or the Founder of Justo Justo), candidly speaks about her previous online personas/identities weaved into the way Justo Justo manifested into a clothing resale business. This episode (and the previous), sheds light on the emotional labour it takes when running a sustainable fashion business. Listen to Episode 6 for Chu’s journey with Shop Bettr, the first part of this 2-part series on local fashion businesses that are no longer in operation. P/s: Please accompany your listening experience with the transcript (linked below!) for better comprehension of what’s been discussed. -------- TIMESTAMPS Intro (1:25) Justo Justo’s timeline in retrospect (6:20) The struggles running Justo Justo (10:05) How Justo Justo was resisting the status quo of standard business practices (17:09) The rising visibility of the local thrift culture (25:30) Imminent systems change feels insurmountable (36:17) What Justo Justo symbolises (54:14) Conclusion (57:21) -------- LINKS AND SOURCES MENTIONED Aja Barber @ajabarber Vogue article on Consumed by Aja Barber https://www.vogue.com/article/aja-barber-consumed -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrd0ONQuPijPm5TF4qte1w Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

Welcome to our first episode of 2022! In this episode and the next, we deep dive into the start and end of local sustainable fashion businesses with their founders. Chu Wong, our guest for this episode, discusses how she managed relationships with respective brand partners whilst juggling financial precariousness of a new brand. This, on top of reconciling with the business’ misalignment with her personal values and identity. This episode (and the next), sheds light on the emotional labour it takes when running a sustainable fashion business. -------- TIMESTAMPS Intro (0:41) Shop Bettr’s journey from start to end (6:57) The dissonance- running a sustainable fashion business (10:52) The difficult decision of closing down the business (16:33) Does a ‘sustainable fashion business’ exist? (18:44) Shop Bettr symbolises a support network (25:24) How can we fix a flawed system? (30:40) Conclusion (37:48) -------- ADDITIONAL RESOURCE For The Wild podcast Episode 265 on Healing the Fashion Industrial Complex https://forthewild.world/listen/shamira-covington-on-healing-the-fashion-industrial-complex-265 -------- Connect with Chu: Instagram @xchuw Website https://www.chuwong.com/ -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrd0ONQuPijPm5TF4qte1w Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

I had a really good time speaking to Esther in this episode, chatting about our personal experiences and relationships with consumption and ways of relating to wear and clothing. It was a very refreshing conversation, and I think, an accurate representation of how I see and relate to the work that I do. This episode is special because I think there isn’t a specific call to action. I hope we just sit in these thoughts and let them ferment before we start thinking about our relationship with clothes. I hope you enjoy this raw, honest and open conversation between 2 clothes wearers, one that doesn’t have definitions or answers—only our perspective of the world through how we see and reimagine it. -------- Intro (0:43) The relationship with ‘Wear’ (5:29) ‘Smallness’ v.s. ‘Bigness’ (12:43) The ‘Wear We Are’ Telegram channel (18:07) The ‘Wear We Live’ directory for local small and secondhand businesses (25:20) Working and healing through ‘fashion’ personally and collectively (37:58) -------- LINKS & SOURCES MENTIONED Esther’s blog post, ‘small is beautiful: https://raah.blog/2021/07/05/small-is-beautiful/ Wear We Live https://wearwelive.space/ -------- Connect with Esther: Instagram @wear__we__are Wear We Live @wearwelive.sg -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrd0ONQuPijPm5TF4qte1w Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

This episode is one of many living questions. We question the fervent need to define ‘Singapore Fashion’ and discuss how we can participate in the system beyond wear, ownership and consumption. Weiqi emphasises the need for industry-level introspection and discourse in order for our local industry to recognise that its ongoing practices and ways of working are unsustainable. Singapore Fashion needs accountability, not definitions. -------- Intro (0:43) What is fashion? (7:58) Can we define Singapore fashion? (11:22) The potential of fashion as a medium that everyone participates in (19:45) How care can be embellished in everyday wear (22:20) The relationship between Fashion Media and its readers (28:50) Seeing Fashion in different spaces outside of consumption (33:02) Singapore Fashion needs industry-level introspection (49:48) -------- LINKS & SOURCES MENTIONED Vogue SG street style article: https://vogue.sg/lasalle-college-of-the-arts-fashion-students-street-style-singapore/ HerWorld article: https://www.herworld.com/fashion/singapore-really-fashion-capital-or-just-shopping-one/ Prestige article: https://www.prestigeonline.com/sg/style/fashion/singapore-designers-change-fashion-industry/ Weiqi’s articles: Performing Femininity: Aprons, Capes and School Uniforms https://www.asianfilmarchive.org/performing-femininity-aprons-capes-and-school-uniforms/ Meet the Singaporean designers changing the way we dress, design and age https://vogue.sg/singapore-adaptive-fashion-werable-will-and-well-claudia-poh-elisa-lim/ Queering Through Dress: ‘Dress/Address’ at Grey Projects https://www.fashionandmarket.net/news-and-reviews/queering-through-dress-dressaddress-at-grey-projects -------- Connect with Weiqi: Instagram @coqillage Work & Research @fashionondisplay -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrd0ONQuPijPm5TF4qte1w Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

In this episode, Fashion Educator and Bio-Materials Researcher Kae Hana, sits down with us to discuss their process of experimenting with growing their own vegan leather with SCOBY. From that, our conversation evolved into speaking about the nuances of the sustainability movement, how sustainability principles have diluted into marketing speak under capitalism, and the fermentation of, you guessed it, the SCOBY, and, ourselves. LINKS & SOURCES MENTIONED Find out more about Hana and their students’ work here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEgBIAa9-Q/TWQgMzFtim2iSl7r6EG6Qg/view?utm_content=DAEgBIAa9-Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton Learn more about biomaterials here: https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Understanding-Bio-Material-Innovations-Report.pdf Email Hana at farhana_kamaruddin@mdis.edu.sg to collaborate! Ocean Purpose Project: https://www.oceanpurposeproject.com/bioplastics Book mentioned: Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown -------- Connect with Hana: Instagram @kae_hana -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrd0ONQuPijPm5TF4qte1w Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com re:wear is produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

In this episode, we speak to Daniela Monasterios-Tan, fashion lecturer, researcher and curator based in Singapore, and Erliana of FIN Crafted Goods about the journey we share with our clothes. As we concluded that wear & tear is an inevitable part of wearing our clothes, we speak about ways we can better care for our clothes through mending and repairing. Daniela shares about what 8 years of wear and care looks like on a pair of jeans, Erliana speaks about the story of a late father’s Hawaiian shirt collection, and I speak about the relationship I have with my clothes. LINKS & SOURCES MENTIONED (In)visible Mending project, Daniela Monasterios-Tan: https://www.danielamonasteriostan.com/invisible-mending.html (In)visible Mending Exhibition Proposal, Daniela Monasterios-Tan: https://issuu.com/danielamonasteriostan/docs/final_ma_portfolio_mon15467878 Book: Repair: The Impulse to Restore in a Fragile World, Elizabeth V. Spelman https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8862476-repair The Visible Mending Programme, Tom of Holland https://tomofholland.com/ Article: My Favourite Thing, Charlie Porter for More or Less Mag https://www.moreorlessmag.com/articles/my-favourite-thing/ Watch the FIN x Fashion Revolution Week 2021 video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CN9bAW9nqLY/ Learn more about different types of fabrics and how to care for them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajYztvzmpSg -------- Connect with Dani: Instagram @a_dna_lie  Podcast @inthevitrine  Research @a_stubborn_bloom Connect with Erliana: Instagram @fincraftedgoods -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/J7k6c5ZX_Xg Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

In the first episode of the re:wear series, we speak about the evolution of SHEIN, what they were in their past life, and question what makes them so incredibly popular today. Najah Onn, founder of @fashinfidelity, breaks down the complex processes of garment production behind-the-scenes, the history of clothes making, and speaks about how big data facilitates tech companies at commodifying fashion for profit. Najah also shares snippets of how her grandmother inspires her in understanding the value of fashion. This episode is a good one, and you wouldn’t want to miss it! Factual correction: SHEIN first launched as a site that sold wedding dresses and were known as SHEINSIDE in 2008, not 2018. LINKS & SOURCES MENTIONED A Guide to the Perfect Wardrobe.. (is there such a thing?): https://www.fashinfidelity.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-perfect-wardrobe-is-there-such-a-thing VOX: Shein is the future of fast fashion. Is that a good thing? https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22573682/shein-future-of-fast-fashion-explained GITNB: Why are massive Shein hauls so popular on TikTok? https://greenisthenewblack.com/shein-ultra-fast-fashion-consumerism-tiktok-influencer/ -------- Connect with Najah: Instagram @fashinfidelity https://www.fashinfidelity.com/ -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/v5_tedBuoNM Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com Produced by PodcastMate @podcastmate.co Contact them at nash@podcastmate.co

Welcome to re:wear @ The Fashion Pulpit! This new series aims to re-introduce a new language around the way we speak about clothes. In each episode, we will be exploring what it means to be a part of the fashion system and how we can be more intentional in the ways we forge a personal relationship with our clothes. In this episode, we sit down with Raye Padit, founder of The Fashion Pulpit. We catch up with each other about how we are, how we are feeling about TFP turning 3, and share what care means to us. We also introduce the re:wear glossary, as a tool to build sustainable fashion literacy in Singapore. This podcast series is created in partnership with Podcastmate.co SOURCES MENTIONED: “It’s not the pearls that make the necklace, it’s the string.” Loved Clothes Last (2021), Orsola de Castro The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop -------- Find more information at rewearpodcast.carrd.co (transcript, additional resources) The re:wear glossary: https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarymobile | https://tinyurl.com/rewearglossarydesktop Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/pgrVcpbzy-g (live on 16 Oct, 8pm) Follow us on Instagram @thefashionpulpit Send enquiries, feedback and constructive criticism to xingyun@thefashionpulpit.com

In this episode join us on a journey to Netherlands as we sit down with Jily Djodikromo, and discuss her amazing story of how she started swapping and how it lead her to be a founder of Swopster!

New episode of our podcast series: The Power of Swapping! This time, we are taking you to Tokyo as we have a fruitful and fun conversation with Diya of Swap Stories! Tune in to know more about Diya’s journey and swap communities in Japan!\r\n

Celebrating another amazing episode of The Power of Swapping! For this episode, we are taking you to Nepal to explore the swapping community with Dora Aljoofri, founding member of Global Swap Nepal! Talking through her journey, sharing amazing highlights and an awakening transformation was surely inspiring. Curious to know more? Tune in and let us know what was most impactful to you!

Another week, another podcast! Going international with our very special guest Jessica Teal, founder of Swap till you drop Bangkok!   We’re so excited and happy to see so the swap movement grow in so many countries! Tune in to know more about the power of swapping as this movement goes global. The challenges, the fun, the revolutionary journey, it’s all here!

Tune in to a very special episode with Layana of Swap- A- Porter as we exchange amazing insights on swapping, her virtual swap business model and the mission to show people all the untapped value of preloved clothes. 

“To me, the power of swapping is to allow you to enjoy fashion, while saving the planet, saving humanity and saving your wallet.” - Ally Li of YCC Clothing Swap Tune in to listen to our insightful conversation and the opportunities and challenges on clothing swaps!

Virtually travelled all the way to Los Angeles USA to understand different swap cultures! We hope this inspires you to see the difference we are all contributing to from all around the world- we were definitely encouraged! Tune in to find out more.