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HER STORY MATTERS – WITH OLIVIA ROTHSCHILD




Meet the inspirational philanthropist and social entrepreneur Olivia Rothschild; co-founder of the non-profit organisation 109 World. Born in Sweden, raised partly in France, close to nature, Olivia quickly became passionate about the environment which today has led her into new exciting sustainability projects. We got the chance to met up with this loving change maker just before X-mas and while decorating the Christmas tree she shared her thoughts about sustainable fashion and why she is all about making conscious choices – in all parts of life. 
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    Olivia, tell us a little about yourself and where you are right now in life?
    I am the typical middle child which has probably made me into a hopeless diplomat with an obsession to understand everyone and where they’re coming from. Studied peace and conflict research but mastered in social entrepreneurship. nurturing all these interests.  I then deviated a bit from my plan by working at Prime PR as project leader in public affairs for two years. Gained a bunch of experiences before moving to Aruba in the Caribbean to co-found a non-profit organisation 109 World. Big bonus - I met my current husband, got pregnant and moved back to Stockholm to start our family life. With a three year old non-profit organisation, a one year old wild child and much more time ahead I am navigating this new era trying to be extremely conscious of my career choices. 





    Each garment in our collection is made out of up-cycled textiles with stories to tell. These fabrics have previously been worn by women in Nepal and India as traditional saris. You are now the co-writer of this print and it's time for you to tell your story. What is your next chapter about and in which context do you prefer to wear your kimono?

    The next chapter of my life is all about making conscious choices. I am trusting life takes me where I need to be and I am fed up with letting fear of making mistakes hinder me. I want work to feel good! I am about to create and launch my own podcast (coming in February/March 2019) which is very exciting and a big learning journey. I am also jumping on sustainable projects that I believe in to support them with my expertise, all while make time for family and chill! 


    Do your kimono have a special meaning to you? And in what situations do you wear it?

    I wear my kimono when I want to let my personality shine through the clothes I wear. I believe it pin points how I identify myself - comfortable, colourful but humble. So I wear it on the beach, at events, at home - whenever, wherever. 

     


    What does sustainable fashion means to you and how would you define it?

    For me, sustainable fashion is an approach to consuming fashion. I have three steps or levels when I think of consuming fashion: 1. Do I really need this? 2. Can I find it second hand or recycled? 3. Is there a sustainably produced alternative? Number three contains many different levels and it is important that we educate ourselves in what sustainable production really is. The concept of sustainable fashion is an important realisation that the industry is in need of a huge update whether it is by technology innovation or creative ways of consuming. 





    By wearing Cornelia Sun Collective, you're not only promoting a more sustainable development in the fashion industry –  you're also standing up for human rights. What would you say is important in your everyday life to contribute to a more conscious and caring community?

    I believe something crucial to create a feeling of connection and understanding is to be aware of our prejudice and everyday judgments. This is not an easy task as we go through life with many preconceptions, expectations and constructed ideas of how things are or should be that we’e learned from childhood. But starting to question one thing leads to another and another etc. until you obtain a more open mind and let people in in a different way. 


    To sum up, what are your best tips to become a conscious cunsumer?

    I previously mentioned my three steps - first ask yourself if you really need it, then if you can find it second hand and finally if there is a sustainable option. But if you would like a more radical approach that will really make you aware of unhealthy consumption habits, give yourself a purchase stop! Then you will really start to realize how you consume and why, which will help you make a better plan. Also - when you do not want some of your clothes anymore either give them away or sell them. We’ve also forgotten how to repair clothes but that’s perfectly doable too! 


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