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Welcome to Planet Green's series about Change Makers. This regular column features everyday people who have made a commitment, through their work, to creating a more sustainable world for us all to live in.
We're quite used to seeing celebrities take time out from their day jobs to support one environmental issue or another. We think it's great that they use their high profiles for the cause, but we also want to show you guys out there that it is possible to work towards being green in your day jobs, as well.
Everyone has the power to make positive change, whether it's in the job you already have, changing to new employment or even starting a business of your own. Today, we're going to meet Caroline Priebe, the fashion designer behind the glamorous sustainable label Uluru. Caroline's designs focus on dramatic silhouettes and detailed stitching whilst using eco-friendly textiles such as alpaca knits, organic cotton and hemp silk. Caroline is carrying the baton for the female line of her family, siting her mother and grandmother as strong influences in her life, as well as several well known female mentors such as Lynda Grose and Natalie Chanin, not to mention the inspiration for her AW08 collection Frida Kahlo. What was it about these women that helped Caroline to become a Change Maker?My name is: Caroline Skelton Priebe
I live in: Brooklyn, New York.
I work at: my fashion label ULURU, located in 5 in 1 studios, a collaborative work and retail space at 60 N. 6th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
I used to work in: my parents furniture and gift store, Old Toll Road Village in Milwaukee, Wis.; then at Donna Karan, as an intern for Zero Maria Cornejo and as a freelance stylist.
The reason I changed my business is: I decided if I was going to work really hard and not get paid I was going to work really hard and not get paid by me. I wanted control over design. I wanted to change the way garments were made. I wanted to build a sustainable luxury business.
With my work I am aiming to: target three main areas: Clothing - design beautiful, smart, functional, timeless, low impact garments. Business-create a system where everyone from farmer to consumer wins; a system that minimizes any environmental impact. Culture-change consumption habits by producing garments one wants to "commit" to; garments that potentially last a life time as opposed to disposable or out of trend after a season.
The most important eco-aspect of my work is: Oh that is a tough one. There are so many important parts. If pressed, I would have to say, creating slow fashion; pieces that potentially could be worn for a lifetime both in design and fabrication. Attempting not to add to the current consumption disease.
I am excited by what I am doing now because: it's one big experiment and the goal involves everyone winning. Sustainable design is not a passing trend, it is a revolution. There is so much scientific innovation occurring. I'm so interested in the power of biomimicry and the amazing performance textiles that can result.
The most challenging part of my work is: sourcing luxury eco-friendly textiles, finding good and not too outrageously priced local production, and managing cash flow.
The most rewarding part of my work is: the people I get to work with including: Natalie Chanin, my mom, my two assistants Joy and Gabby, the Kusikuy Knitters in Peru, Lynda Grose, my cutter Andy and sample maker Alice, the 5 in 1 crew etc. In working toward a more sustainable business model I have developed working relationships with people who possess my same interests and values, who have incredible work ethic and good energy. We all feel like we are on the same team.
The results I really want to see are: cultural. I want consumers to realize their dollar has political power. I want consumers to disregard trend and not buy what they are told to wear, but rather what works for them and makes them feel good. I want consumers to make conscious purchases that build a unique aesthetic identity. I want consumers to consume less and invest more, invest in their look, their uniform, the pieces that will sustain them.
I work with collaborators: Uh oh, this might need to be edited by Planet Green staff! Immediately, my two assistants Joy and Gabby who support my attempt at this big experiment. My mom who rents an apartment in Brooklyn, cooks sloppy joe for 50 and accepts the role of intern despite her education and prior work experience. 5 in 1 which includes, Made Her Think, Eventide, Norman Rabinovich, and Greentech Media. Kusikuy Knitters in Peru who spin and hand knit alpaca miracles. Natalie Chanin, who has built the most sustainable fashion business model to date and whom I am very fortunate to have connected with personally and professionally. Lynda Grose, sustainable fashion design pioneer, activist, professor and mentor. Derrick Cruz, of Black Sheep and Prodigal Sons, another "upcycler," like a vitamin for my brain, his presence nourishes me in a very condensed way.
I was first made aware of environmental issues: Mrs. Bero, my best friend's mom, taught me to recycle as early as first grade (1983). Lynda Grose, my professor and mentor at CCAC where I attended design school. Her sustainable design curriculum gave my pursuit of fashion meaning. It was no longer this indulgent study, it became a pursuit bigger than creating beauty and glamour with fabric. Lynda showed me the impact of my design from farmer to consumer, literally. She took me on the sustainable cotton project farm tour in the San Joaquin Valley, Calif. where you visit organic and conventional farms. It was powerful to say the least.
One thing I do everyday is: walk to and from work.
One thing I do every week is: reflect on the organicness of the previous week.
I wish I could: have the funds to take greater risks in development.
I think everyone can: buy less.
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