Megan Syme is a sustainable fashion graduate from Herriot-Watt University. Megan believes that fashion can be used as a platform to advocate for current issues and injustice.
"In-life, I stand by the mantra ‘it’s cool to be kind’ and I feel that’s exactly what I bring to the table in design. We can have contemporary and current designs without having to jeopardise ethics."
The designer feels that our society lost the human touch in design. The industry is dominated by profit hungry cooperations.
Megan strives to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle. "Being vegan, I was initially inspired to advocate for animal rights. I then implemented this in a way that was relatable to all and that is the issue of amazon deforestation."
Not many people are aware of the link between forests and the clothing they are wearing on a daily basis.
Moreover, "with 80% of Amazon deforestation due to animal agriculture, this issue not only affects the animals that are slaughtered for their skin, but also the indigenous tribes that reside in the Amazon and the biodiversity of the rainforest too."
Megan feels passionate about important issues such as animal, human and environmental rights. While designing Megan tries to implement these values and puts them at the centre of everything she does.
The designer always has been fascinated by clothes and how they could make you feel. She remembers her Disney princess dress in which she would often sleep as she never wanted to take it off.
"I still have my first homemade design book from when I was around eight-years-old, titled ‘Megan’s fashion designs’. It’s exploding with coloured gel pens and depicts lots of sparkly dresses. Thankfully, my design style has evolved but the creative passion is still rooted inside me."
Megan tries to tell a story through the use of materials and fabrication. The designer used all biodegradable, organic and vegan-friendly fabrics. "I have also used alternative fabric choices such as reclaimed balsa wood. This is very fitting with the deforestation theme." The fabric also has been etched with burning images of Amazonian trees which further represent an important issue.
Megan’s statement piece is her favourite creation thus far. "The fabrication tells a story and offers a variety of ethical alternatives, to the consumers that often state they just couldn’t give up leather." The designer is also using a tagging technique which allows recycling scraps that otherwise would be regarded as waste.
Megan agrees that fast fashion brands and designers should change their policies to help save the planet. “I have seen a lot of brands promising to achieve sustainability by a certain deadline, but whether this will be enough to reattribute the damage that has already been done is another question”.
However, not only brands and designers, but consumers can make changes by purchasing items wisely. More consumers are becoming aware of sustainable fashion. It is critical to make further steps towards progress.
"Being sustainable is not the most we can do, it’s the least we can do", says Megan.
During the university years, Megan had an opportunity to gain work experience in different sectors of the industry. In her gap year, Megan went on a voyage of self-discovery.
"I worked with stylist Ellie Stildolph, Scottish Independent Brand Isolated Heroes, and also for a London based fashion PR agency ‘HPR’. These were all incredible experiences that I think has enabled me to graduate feeling confident to move forward into the workplace."
The lockdown has been a huge test for Megan but it allowed her to grow as a designer in her own space. "In this life, it is up to you to make your dreams a reality and to manifest great things."
Although it was challenging creating graduate collection without resources, it builds resilience which is an important ability in the fashion industry.
Megan’s dream has always been to start her own brand one day. "My father is a businessman and he has always instilled a great work ethic in me and the belief that anything is possible." She also wants to gain even more experience in the industry and work for a sustainable brand.
"Wherever my career path takes me, I do truly hope to make a positive impact, and help ensure that ethical practices are no longer an idealistic notion, but are the forefront of the industry."