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What A Mess Podcast: Q&A with Domi Perek

Back then, launching a magazine was such an abstract idea and I had no idea how to pull it off.

Domi Perek

Photography: Laura Martinova

Editor-in-Chief and Entrepreneur, Domi Perek, co-founded Mess Magazine when she was just 18. A big sustainability advocate, her new podcast, “WHAT A MESS”, aims to explore and dig deep into, and raise social awareness, around sustainability issues within the fashion industry.

Domi has sat down and given us a glimpse of what to expect from the upcoming podcast and the inspiration behind it. 

Could you tell us a little bit about your journey, and within that journey, what inspired you to launch Mess Magazine?

“Back then, launching a magazine was such an abstract idea and I had no idea how to pull it off. I was particularly inspired by emerging talents and artists that were not yet discovered, and this became our first issue. Do what inspires you.”

Could you tell us a little bit about the show, ‘WHAT A MESS’ and what the purpose of it is/what you are hoping to get out of it?

“My mission is to speak up for all of the people who too often do not have the opportunity to speak for themselves.” / “The show aims to spread awareness, educate and bring people together.”

“With WHAT A MESS, we want to unravel, explore and dig deep into the creative mess that is the fashion industry”

“We are aiming to introduce industry experts that come with a different perspective, one which enables them to talk openly and with full vulnerability about the industry and what needs to change.”

“I am fascinated by the inspiration behind creativity.”

“Specifically focusing on issues within the industry that are so often not spoken about, such as lack of inclusivity, lack of equality and the issues surrounding sustainability.” 

Where do you think the fashion industry is going to go in the next 5-10 years?

“We need to shift from the superficial, individualistic mindset to an attitude which prioritizes the collective, where we are all fighting for a more sustainable future. A future that we can all exist inside the same ecosystem that we created – together.”

“The fashion industry needs to rethink and repurpose itself.”/ “The fashion industry needs to become more balanced and treat everybody with equal respect.”

“The change needs to start with the leaders and the CEO’s. We need to see them actually care about the people that make our clothes and the impact that the industry is creating on the environment.”

“Technology will allow us to rethink fashion in another way. In 5- 10 years, I think there will be a lot more opportunities to work in the digital realm of fashion.”

Can you talk about some challenges within the fashion industry?

“If I had to describe sustainability in one word, it would be healing. We live in such a fast-paced environment, that it can be difficult to figure out how to ground yourself. In a similar way, the fashion industry has become so fast-paced and destructive, and now it’s time to figure out how to recentre ourselves and our world.”

“To live sustainably starts with an attitude which translates to action, and action translates to lifestyle. If you want to change something in your life, if you want to be more sustainable, you have to start with your attitude, your mentality, you have to believe in it.”

“You can have the experience, you can have the strategy, you can meet the right people, but it’s not enough. It has to be installed in your heart. You have to feel it. I work in sustainability because I genuinely feel like I should be doing it, it’s in my heart.” 

“The whole concept of sustainability brings many challenges, down to the term itself. What does it actually mean? Is there a universal way of defining it? Do we have a collective understanding? I haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Sustainability can be dangerous when there is so much greenwashing. You have to be careful of who you listen to. Good sources are everything.”

“I think to be a sustainable brand, you have to have ethical and humane practises in all elements of the production line”

“There are so many ways to be sustainable – it doesn’t have to be as inaccessible and exclusive as it has become within the fashion industry. Sustainability starts with the small, simple things. Shop in charity shops, wear your mom’s clothes, give your clothes to your friends. People are sustainable in ways that they don’t even realise.”

“It’s always better to spend the same amount of money in investing in an item of clothing you will love and wear for a long time, rather than impulsively buying ten items of clothing on a shopping spree.”

“I believe sustainability has to come from a mindset of caring.”

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