Embracing Change: A Journey into Acting and Sustainable Fashion with Charity Wakefield

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We caught up with Charity Wakefield and delved into her experiences as an actress and her journey towards embracing sustainable fashion. We got to chat about the incredible power that influencers and celebrities have in driving positive change within the industry. We are so excited to share all of the details with you!

The Inspiring Journey of Charity Wakefield

Charity Wakefield , an English actress, has always been driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore various fields. Her childhood was filled with diverse interests and activities, ranging from archaeology to trampolining, from roller skating to a fascination with history. While her passion for learning made choosing a career challenging, it was during her gap year that Charity discovered her love for acting. 

Charity's realisation that acting allowed her to immerse herself in different characters and continuously acquire new knowledge propelled her towards pursuing a career in the performing arts. After the success of her first play, 'Chicago,' which took her to America, Charity understood that acting could be a conduit for her insatiable curiosity. This realisation led her to join The Oxford School of Drama, where her passion for the craft deepened, demanding unwavering dedication and commitment.

"When it comes to preloved items, there's often wear and tear; I'm very accepting of that. However, in fashion, we haven't quite reached a point where we embrace the idea of things looking a bit shabby or flawed, unless it's intentionally designed that way. That's where the next leap forward lies—to fully embrace and celebrate the flaws as an inherent part of their unique character."

- Charity Wakefield, Actress

navigating the competitive industry

Charity acknowledges the challenges of the acting industry, particularly the scarcity of roles amidst a vast pool of talented actors. Even established actors create their own work to sustain their careers. For recent graduates, the competition is even more fierce. Charity began her career by participating in free fringe plays, new writing nights, and experiential theatre while working part-time jobs to support herself. Her resilience and determination propelled her forward, paving the way for more opportunities.

Amidst her pursuit of an acting career, Charity had the chance to attend various events during London Fashion Week. She attended several events and realised that the clothing options available to her were neither aligned with her personal style nor environmentally sustainable. It was during this time that she stumbled upon an LDC pop-up shop. This encounter marked the beginning of her collaboration with Lone Design Club, influencing her subsequent fashion choices.

using influence to drive change

As a public figure, Charity recognizes the power of leading by example rather than dictating to others. She believes that actions speak louder than words, and her social media presence reflects her commitment to living sustainably. By sharing her personal journey, such as having a plastic-free January, Charity has witnessed her followers taking up similar challenges in their own lives. Despite the complexity of conscious buying decisions, Charity advocates for taking steps in the right direction by choosing clothing that positively impacts society, the environment, or is locally made.

Fashion influencers and celebrities have a crucial role in promoting sustainable fashion. Although the allure of new clothing can be strong, Charity believes that fashion houses should focus on creating innovative designs using pre-worn materials and compostable fabrics. By sparking conversations about the stories behind each piece and the reasons for choosing them, influencers and celebrities can encourage a shift towards more sustainable fashion choices.

Charity's journey as an actress and her passion for sustainable fashion have intertwined to create a powerful force for change. Through her experiences, she highlights the challenges of the acting industry and the need for sustainable practices within fashion. She also emphasises the significance of influencers and celebrities in inspiring positive change by advocating for sustainable fashion choices and supporting brands with a commitment to the environment. As Charity continues to leverage her platform, she hopes to influence others to make conscious decisions and contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world.