A Take on Fashion: Tonne Goodman

Tonne Goodman is Vogue’s first-ever sustainability editor, a role she comes by naturally. For several years, the longtime and legendary Vogue stylist penned a column in the magazine titled Style Ethics, while the more recent Then and Now with Tonne Goodman, which ran online, offered resourceful updates to outfits from bygone shoots. Last year, she worked with Ports 1961’s artistic director Karl Templer to develop The Essential Edit, a capsule collection comprised of organic cotton pieces inspired by the white shirt and largely produced according to sustainable practices. Goodman also happens to be known for her classic chic wardrobe – some rotation of white jeans, crisp shirt or sweater, blazer, and a scarf around the neck. Far from trivial, it is a testament to thinking timelessly about clothes and how they express not only our personal style but also our values. 

What, in your mind, has been the most significant change in fashion from two years ago?
What I hope is the most significant change in fashion from two years ago is the increasing awareness of the role that fashion plays in the global climate crisis. Fashion is becoming an important advocate for change, recognising, in its simplest form, deadstock and upcycling as viable alternatives to creating new materials.

To what extent do you think fashion is about proposing and/or selling dreams? 
Fashion is rooted in dreams. It offers a chance to transform your shape and identity at will.

How might this have a positive effect on people? 
Freedom of expression is essential to creativity and dreams. I believe creativity has the power to heal all evil.

What is one trend or item of clothing that will define the coming year?
Anything that is produced honestly – sustainable to the fullest of its extent.

What would be your fashion dream-come-true?
It’s a dream that can come true! Time is running out. Away with greenwashing, full commitment to sustainability as a way of conducting all business in the future.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.