Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1297495
Daily uniform: Jumpsuits are my favorite! In Miami, I always wear linen or lightweight organic or recycled cotton (I choose to wear natural materials the majority of the time). WFH look: "Don't Be Trashy" 100% recycled t-shirt by e Upcycle Project, linen pants and white Birkenstocks. Beauty binge: e Concentrate by La Mer. BHS boutique you're most likely to indulge at: Stella McCartney. To me her brand is leading the way in sustainable fashion without compromising style. Top of your travel wish list: Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Utah. A cause you've connected with since COVID: ere is no fashion industry without the makers, therefore we must unite in celebrating, respecting and acknowledging the hands of those who sit for hours bringing fashion to life. During the pandemic, we worked hand-in-hand with Miami Makers to bring PPE to those in need. Valuable lesson(s) learned since March: I have a closet full of clothes and nowhere to go! e "new normal" has helped solidify my commitment to sustainability and my everlasting breakup with fast fashion. As a consumer, I have realized that more is not better, that new is not always shiny and that pricey doesn't equal value. For me, fashion needs to have a purpose that extends beyond the garment; it needs to tell the story of the people who made it and prioritize having a positive impact on people and the planet. Personal mantra: Good for the planet and good for the people. Start your day with: Free writing, lemon water and a 30-minute run. Most proud of: In response to the global pandemic, we were able to pivot our efforts at UpCycle Project to continue our mission to find creative circular solutions to build a more resourceful world. At the beginning of March, UpCycle Project received a donation of more than 7,000 new 100% heavy cotton t-shirts that were incorrectly printed for a Florida university. Due to the COVID-19 quarantine, the t-shirts could not be shipped to the recycling facility and remained in storage. After extensive research, and in response to the CDC call-out to make home-made masks, we decided to produce face masks out of the material to help in the global shortage of N95 masks. UpCycle Project masks are produced locally in Miami by seamstresses who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, helping supplement their income during these tough times. e revenue generated by the sales of these masks has paid out more than $10,000 to local makers. We've also donated 1,300 masks to frontline workers around South Florida and the country. Greatest indulgence: Sleeping until 10AM. Wellness routine: I find that in wellness, consistency is key and there is no quick fix. I stick to a morning and night beauty routine and exercise five times a week, even if it's just for 20 minutes. Unwind ritual: A glass of wine and reading in bed. GABRIELLA SMITH Founder, Upcycle Project @gabriellasmith @theupcycleproject BAL HARBOUR 139