Sustainable Fashionista

Scholastic Art: What is your job?

Maya Penn: I am the founder and CEO of a sustainable fashion company that I started when I was 8 years old. It’s called Maya’s Ideas.

SA: What drew you to sustainable fashion design?

MP: I’ve always had a passion for nature and eco-friendliness. So when I had an idea for a fashion line, I started doing research on the fashion industry and its environmental impacts. I learned that the fashion industry produces 1.2 billion tons of CO2 per year—that’s more carbon emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined! This is a result of “fast fashion,” clothing that is overproduced and cheaply made with synthetic materials. I wanted to create a sustainable alternative to fast fashion while using art and design to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.

SA: What materials do you use?

MP: It’s important to me to use recycled and vintage materials. This can range from a recycled fabric to a vintage pair of pants. When I use new materials, they are biodegradable and bio-based, which means they’re made from organic materials like hemp, bamboo, cotton, linen, and more.

SA: What is your process for creating a sustainable design?

MP: I usually work with materials I already have on hand in my studio, and I come up with a design from there. I might have a vintage beaded fabric and then I go through ideas. Could I make this fabric into scarves? Maybe use it to add a little sparkle to some hats? Or to bedazzle a purse? Then I’ll draw some sketches and get to work making a pattern and creating a prototype. It’s important to use creative problem solving to figure out unique solutions. Many of the patterns, styles, colors, and accents I use are inspired by nature! I find so much inspiration just from walking in my backyard.

SA: What is the most challenging part of your work?

MP: When I started my company in 2008, sustainability wasn’t commonplace. Many of my customers supported my brand simply because they loved my designs aesthetically, but there was still consumer education that had to be done. Eco-friendly fashion is a lot to understand for many, but there has been a shift as more people become aware of these issues.