A note from Thread Lightly organizers: Fashion in an arts festival, 9/21

The way we decorate ourselves is an artistic act. But it’s also shaped by systems. On one side: the fashion industry exploits workers and the planet, driving climate change (~10% of emissions) and fueling modern slavery. On another: Beauty products have toxins that harm the wearer — and it’s more prevalent in products marketed to people of color, especially Black women.

And on yet another: From the time we’re babies, mass media tells us we’re not enough as we are and that its beauty norms are the only way we’ll be accepted. These pressures cut deeper for women and people of color. Much research shows how media stereotypes break down our sense of self-worth. For example, one study found that TV exposure predicts a decline in self-esteem for all girls and Black boys, but an increase in self-esteem for white boys.

We don’t think the answer is to turn sustainable fashion into a moral test — which demands money and time many don’t have — or tell people to stop watching TV. We need policymakers to disrupt harmful systems. And we need communities to build shields against the confidence breakers, offer sparkling alternatives, and call out injustice. Adornment can become collective care when justice, loving care, solidarity, and creativity are at the heart.

Thread lightly was co-designed this year with We Act for Environmental Justice and Kaleidospace. Let us know if you have ideas for how we can carry this into 2026 and beyond.