• Home
  • Where to shop
    • Where to Shop Eco & Ethical Fashion
    • Where to Shop Clean & Natural Beauty
    • Shop My Instagram!
    • Shopping Guides
  • Style
    • Sustainable and Ethical Brands
    • Fair OOTDs
    • Eco & Ethical Beauty
  • Lifestyle
    • Career
    • Wellness
    • Books
    • Travel
  • About
    • About
    • Press
    • Legal Stuff
restitchstance

a sustainable and ethical (life)style blog

Style  /  March 11, 2018

Why I’m sick of sustainable and ethical fashion’s exclusionary marketing (ft. Automic Gold)

Automic Gold - ethical and sustainable fine jewelry review

In this digital age of social media and inescapable advertising, we’re bombarded with images—and often, it’s the same type of images being thrown at us of skinny, attractive people looking effortless yet somehow perfectly put together.

Constantly seeing these impossibly perfect images can lead to mental health issues, including low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy (not to mention FOMO!). Honestly, I’ve been down the Insta rabbit hole of scrolling other girls’ perfectly curated feeds and well-lit selfies, coming out of it with nothing but body image problems and anxiety about the number of followers or likes I had.

Besides the models and bloggers you follow on Insta, the fashion industry is the worst offender of creating unrealistic expectations of beauty through the images they create and promote.

The sustainable and ethical fashion world is just as guilty of this as the rest of the fashion industry. I’ve discussed the lack of people of color in sustainable and ethical fashion before, but the industry also largely excludes non-thin bodies and non-cis people from its marketing.

Sustainable and ethical fashion’s exclusionary marketing makes conscious fashion seem elitist, when we should be trying to make it more accessible for all folks. If sustainable and ethical brands truly want to be part of a movement and not just ride the greenwashing wave for capitalistic gains, they need to do their part to make the movement more welcoming and accessible.

And I love beautiful editorial images as much as the next person, but I’m sick of seeing the same immaculately lit photos of thin, conventionally attractive models with smooth airbrushed skin (think Reformation and Everlane).

I want to see the products I believe in, modeled on people who look like me—and you deserve to see products you believe in, modeled on people who look like you, no matter your body type, gender, or ethnicity.

That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Automic Gold, a brand with a refreshing and honest approach to marketing! They believe that companies should take responsibility for the kinds of images they create, especially when those images can have such a powerful impact.

About Automic Gold

Automic Gold - ethical and sustainable fine jewelry

Automic Gold uses diverse people as models, including people of color and trans and gender nonconforming folks. Their images aren’t Photoshopped, so you’re seeing how their jewelry will look on a real human being, in real life, not on an airbrushed model or in a perfectly curated flatlay.

In addition, their fine jewelry is ethically and sustainably made in NYC from reclaimed gold. Gold mining is an environmentally damaging industry (and not just kind of bad…it’s like, really fucking awful), so I like to look for fair trade or recycled gold jewelry.

All pieces are made from 14k solid gold, so they don’t tarnish easily or lose their color like gold-plated jewelry. I’ve bought tons of cheap, gold-plated jewelry in the past and have been so disappointed when the pieces began to lose their color or tarnish within months or even weeks, so I think the investment in solid gold is truly worth it.

Finally, Automic Gold is LGBTQ-owned!

Ethical everyday jewelry

At heart, I am a creature of comfort. Although I blog about fashion and post photos of myself wearing different outfits all the time, I actually default to the same comfortable outfits during the week when I’m not creating content for my blog. I rarely wear accessories in my everyday looks because I always forget to put them on, or they become uncomfortable throughout the day.

So when Automic Gold reached out to me and told me that their jewelry is meant to be ultra low maintenance and comfortable—pieces you can wear to sleep, in the shower, even at the gym if you forget to take them off—I was intrigued!

Atomic Gold gifted me their Bead Chain Ring ($39) and let me try on their entire earrings collection, from which I decided to keep the Dainty Dangle Earrings ($55 single, $99 pair).

The Bead Chain Ring is a flexible, dainty little loop made of tiny beads linked together. I don’t really know how to describe the beads; they’re not spheres but instead have some flat and angular surfaces which reflect light to create a sparkly, almost shimmering effect. I honestly gasped when I took it out of the box!

I wore the ring to sleep, in the shower, and when I washed my face with zero discomfort. It also fits my tiny fingers!!! I usually hate wearing rings due to how difficult it is to find my size and how uncomfortable they can be, but this ring has converted me.

The Dainty Dangle Earrings look like something Mejuri would carry. They’re minimal and understated yet so perfect for everyday. I was surprised by how elegant they look! I already know they’ll become my new everyday favorites.

I think that the pieces are also fairly priced for being ethical and 14k solid gold.

Some of my other favorites (pictured above, starting from the top clockwise):

  • Chain Loop Earrings: Just like the Dainty Dangles, but without a bar for a more minimal look.
  • Circle Earrings: A classic, comfortable piece for everyday wear and available in different sizes.
  • Circle Threader: A versatile piece for those with multiple ear piercings! I love how it looks threaded through two piercings and wrapped around the earlobe; it looks like your ear is dripping with gold.

Be sure to check out Automic Gold’s beautiful pieces here and send them some love!

What do you think about the sustainable and ethical fashion industry’s approach to marketing? Do you think brands have a responsibility to include more diversity in their ads and images? And what would you like to see more of in fashion imagery (diversity in age, body type, ethnicity, etc.)?

Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by Automic Gold. I received a fee and was gifted products in exchange for my creative work (styling, photography and writing) and an honest review. No amount of money or product is worth more than my relationship with you, and I strive to provide transparent and honest content.

Pin it:

Join the restitchstance!

Sign up for my e-mail newsletter to get notified first of new posts and special announcements! No spam, only sustainable & ethical goodness in your inbox.

By entering your e-mail address, you verify that you consent to receiving e-mail communications from me, and to this blog's privacy policy.

Please fill out all required fields.

You may also like:

Tags:

  • diversity
  • ,
  • ethical fashion
  • ,
  • fine jewelry
  • ,
  • marketing
  • ,
  • representation
  • ,
  • sustainable fashion

Post navigation

The most stylish (and sustainable) sports bra you’ll ever wear / Girlfriend Collective Monroe sports bra review
Allbirds wool runners vs. wool loungers comparison (review)

10% off your first purchase

$10 off your first purchase

15% off with code CAT15

Follow me on Instagram

cookiecat.herine

cat (she/her)
Instagram post 17895512566755035 manifesting spring with my manicure ✨

inspired by @gabrielasage’s nail design (which was inspired by the @lisasaysgah x @kjplumb collab)!
Instagram post 17889750571865304 #ad // growing up in an immigrant family, investing in furniture and decorating our space wasn’t a priority. as I’ve grown up and started creating a home of my own, I feel so privileged to be able to curate my space so it’s not only functional, but also beautiful.⁣
⁣
one of my favorite brands for thoughtful furniture that lasts is @article. the products are high-quality and timeless, and I know I’ll be able to keep them for years to come.⁣
⁣
@article kindly gifted me their #NirvanaSofa and #BeaconLamp, which pair perfectly together and make my living room feel instantly cozy. peep my new favorite reading (and napping) spot! ⁣
⁣
links to these pieces will be in my stories!⁣
⁣
#OurArticle
Instagram post 17967974074365539 let me just crawl inside a ball of yarn real quick and live there forever⁣
⁣
finally found a moment of calm to pick up my needles again, and was reminded of how grounding it can be to just sit and focus on the feel of yarn in your hands. also it’s really cool to bring something into existence with your bare hands, like wow

.
.
.
.
.
#handmadewardrobe #imademyclothes
#diy #knittersofinstagram #memade #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram #knitter #knitting_inspiration #nailsofinstagram #nailsoftheday
Instagram post 18140477986190551 wearing my mask on a chain is the biggest gamechanger ✨ we stan safety in style ✨ ty @mrowlanie for this very thoughtful xmas gift!!⁣
⁣
also I don’t believe in neutrals anymore sorry⁣
⁣
outfit:⁣
cardigan: @tradlands* (CAT15 for 15% off)⁣
bodysuit & flares: @hara_thelabel*⁣
belt bag: @minorhistorynyc*⁣
necklace: @shopmuchacha (Mexican-American-owned, check em out!)⁣
⁣
*gifted or previous collab

.
.
.
.
.
#sustainablefashion #slowfashion #boycottfastfashion #sustainablestyle #consciousconsumer #ethicallymade #ethicallysourced #ethicalootd #y2k #tradlands #tradlandspartner #wellworncollective
Instagram post 17925953836494560 class is in session, folks ✨⁣
⁣
(zoom in to see our course material 😌 I found this book, “The Manly Art of Knitting,” in a used bookstore a few years ago and have still been unable to determine if it’s satirical or not. like...there are legit knitting techniques in there but also patterns to make “manly” things like horse blankets? will share in my stories lmao)⁣
⁣
outfit:⁣
cardigan: @sezane*⁣
skirt: thrifted⁣
⁣
*gifted
Instagram post 18068149936254644 save water, shower with ur plants 🪴⁣
⁣
(I know a lot of us are holding our breaths for what this next week will hold. I hope you find some moments of peace and rest today✨)
Instagram post 18091116520216133 time and time again white supremacy shows itself to be the most violent problem in this country.⁣
⁣
what happened at the US Capitol today is horrific, and it is a reminder that the work of racial justice is imperative for all of us.⁣
⁣
much love to my BIPOC community today—these are scary, sickening times and it’s hard to not even be able to hold each other close, physically. in whatever way you can, I hope you are able to take space for yourself today.⁣
⁣
rp @attnwhitepeople
Instagram post 18135428476082223 a side of surrealism 👁👄👁⁣
⁣
so happy with my dining nook! could not resist this refurbished dining set I found on FB marketplace bc the chairs so perfectly matched this piece by @analeovy 💙⁣
⁣
it turned out the seller was upcycling furniture as a way to make some money after losing his job due to covid and this was one of his last sales bc he’d thankfully found another job. it was just a nice reminder that you never know the kind of impact your purchase can make when you shop small, even if it’s off FB marketplace or Craigslist 🥺
Instagram post 17887777579871037 ✨ it’s 2021! wear the outfits you want, even if it scares you! ✨⁣
⁣
I don’t think I would’ve been brave enough to wear this outfit outside a few years ago, but the past year has taken all my f*cks and I’ve learned that life is too precious to not wear joy-sparking outfits 😌⁣
⁣
cardigan: secondhand from @daylightcollective*⁣
pants: @hara_thelabel*⁣
bag: secondhand from @depop⁣
⁣
*gifted product
Instagram post 17872227614110202 surrounding myself with happy things in 2021 💫
Instagram post 17887022521873718 ✨ me walking away from the hot dumpster fire that was 2020 ✨⁣
⁣
when I look back on 2020, I’ll think of getting laid off and mourning my entire way of life pre-pandemic. but also of finding a new path forward and discovering new joys. of a movement that ignited action in ways we’ve never seen before. of both the darkest side of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit.⁣
⁣
ok now that we’ve seen ✨ growth ✨, 2021 pls go easy on us 🥲⁣
⁣
[dress is #gifted from @loudbodies, a sustainable & ethical brand that makes sizes XXS-10X! they make the dreamiest cottagecore dresses and I love how extensive their size range is. they’re truly setting the standard for this industry 💕 I’m usually a size 2 and am wearing a XS.]⁣
⁣
p.s. if u zoom into my face u can see how dead inside I am, which is cool hahahahahahha
Instagram post 18099857422207784 (almost) new year, new hood 🌞

#losangeles #la
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Categories

  • Blogging
  • Books
  • Career
  • DIY
  • DREAMCHASERS
  • Eco & Ethical Beauty
  • Eco/Ethical Fashion Education
  • Fair OOTDs
  • Featured
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Outfit Diaries
  • Outside
  • Reviews
  • Shopping Guides
  • Skincare
  • Slow Living
  • Style
  • Sustainable and Ethical Brands
  • Sustainable Living
  • Trail Journal
  • Travel
  • Wellness
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

28 Comments

  • Renee Peters says:
    March 11, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    I couldn’t agree with this more: “Sustainable and ethical fashion’s exclusionary marketing makes conscious fashion seem elitist, when we should be trying to make it more accessible for all folks. If sustainable and ethical brands truly want to be part of a movement, they need to do their part to make the movement more welcoming and accessible.”
    I have been trying to find a balance somewhere in between, making sustainability seem more mainstream and appealing than the “DIY, granola idea” people have of it, while also staying away from the image of elitist perfection that fashion imagery often implies.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 11, 2018 at 3:32 pm

      Yes, I know what you mean! I think that sustainable and ethical brands that advertise themselves as more “high fashion” have done very well, but I think they could also lead the way in changing what “high fashion” looks like and what bodies can wear high fashion.

      Reply
  • Kat says:
    March 11, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    This truly resonated with me. A few months ago a brand reached out to me in hopes that I would “check out” their sustainable collection since it fit the style I often write about in my blog. When I inquired about partnership, they told me I didn’t fit their “look” which I found ironic. I continued to browse their feed and website and finally realized ALL of their models were white, and thin. I am a woman of color and what some would consider curvy. Just last saw they had collaborated with a friend of mine instead- A white slim musician who has shared no interest in sustainability. It made me wonder if we could truly consider a brand “conscious” if they are not inclusive.

    Anyway- loved the post, and especiallu love the minimalist jewelry!! ❤️

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 11, 2018 at 3:36 pm

      That’s so horrible! I’m so sorry that happened to you. Sadly I’m learning that just because a brand is sustainable or ethical doesn’t mean that they are truly progressive in all aspects, and I don’t think that brand could be considered “conscious” at all!

      Reply
  • Annie says:
    March 13, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    I totally hear you babe. I wish the fashion industry would reflect a real expression of men and women out there. We are so many colors, body types, and genders.
    xoxo
    Annie

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 13, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      Yes!! Thanks Annie <3

      Reply
  • Samantha says:
    March 13, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    This is so interesting! The words sustainable and ethical are used so often these days, and it is something to think about that this could be a really great marketing tool for companies. Thanks for spotlighting this issue, hopefully companies get push back from consumers enough that they will change and improve!

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 13, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      Yes, I think that companies that are working towards better environmental and ethical practices do want to do better, so let’s keep pushing for change and hope for the best 🙂

      Reply
  • Kirsten says:
    March 13, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    This is a great article and I’m glad you shed some light on it. It is depressing to see this “perfect” girls and the idea that they always seem so happy w/ little effort. The fashion industry has gotten a little better about widen their variety of body types but it’s definitely still not 100%. And I love all the jewelry you featured! Stay strong, you are beautiful! And again, thank you for writing this post!

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 14, 2018 at 11:50 am

      Absolutely agree that constantly seeing those images can have a negative effect on how we see ourselves, and that the fashion industry has improved but still has a long way to go. Thank you!

      Reply
  • Marissa Zurfluh says:
    March 14, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    I definitely believe that the focus of perfection is inundating our industries and causing some harsh consequences. I don’t know a woman yet who hasn’t struggled with her image.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 14, 2018 at 1:43 pm

      Me, too. It’s awful knowing how much the women I love have been hurt by societal messages that tell them they’re not good enough.

      Reply
  • Allison Mattina says:
    March 14, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    It breaks my heart seeing, especially the young girls, hurt so badly over what they can’t attain. It makes it hard to even go shopping with these brands anymore.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 14, 2018 at 1:45 pm

      Me, too! It makes me so sad and upset.

      Reply
  • An says:
    March 14, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    Ooh, I remember you told me about these pieces and Automic Gold. They seem like a very cool brand. Love the light play in these photos though!

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 14, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      Yes, I really love the pieces I kept! And the brand values are so thoughtful in this age where we’re always being pressured to buy things we don’t need. Thank you!

      Reply
  • Erica says:
    March 15, 2018 at 5:58 am

    This is a great article. As a straight cis white person, the exclusionary marketing isn’t something that jumps out at me right off the bat, but I totally see it now that I read this article. Atomic Gold sounds like a great brand, and their jewellery is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 15, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Of course, I’m glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply
  • Dee says:
    March 15, 2018 at 9:22 am

    Great post with some good thoughts. I totally agree with you. I think there is a high focus on perfection and the messaging needs to change.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 15, 2018 at 11:08 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Lauren says:
    March 15, 2018 at 7:57 pm

    What beautiful dainty jewellery!

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 15, 2018 at 7:59 pm

      Thanks Lauren!

      Reply
  • Elise Cohen Ho says:
    March 15, 2018 at 9:21 pm

    Personally I am not a fan of anything thtat seems elitist. That is not the way to make a positive world.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 16, 2018 at 10:17 am

      Same here; movements should be inclusive!

      Reply
  • Daisi Ari says:
    March 15, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    I love that dainty jewelry! It is so beautiful.

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      March 16, 2018 at 10:17 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Annabelle Schmitt says:
    April 16, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Cat, you never cease to amaze me! Your blog posts are always so incredibly well thought out and researched and I learn so much from you. You are absolutely incredible and I am so glad to have come across you on Instagram! Love this brand, love you!!!

    xx
    annabelle | http://www.mixed-hues.com

    Reply
    • Cat says:
      April 16, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Ahhhh omg you have no idea how much your words mean to me! Love ya and so happy to have insta-met you too!

      Reply
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
© Copyright restitchstance. All rights reserved.
Cressida Pro by LyraThemes.com