On one side, Carolyn Murphy, an American supermodel and actress, has made her commitment to the environment a priority. On the other, MOTHER, a denim brand that's at the top of our fashion watch list. Together, they have designed an upcycled capsule consisting of 14 trendy pieces, including a patchwork trucker jacket, jeans, a men's embroidered button down, and a bucket hat, all with a sharp Americana aesthetic. The best part? This collaboration will donate 50,000 dollars to the environmental association The Sierra Club. Before preparing our shopping list on motherdenim.com and net-a-porter.com, Vogue met with Carolyn Murphy to talk fashion and eco-responsibility.
Which values do you share with MOTHER ?
Carolyn Murphy : “I’d say we both love and respect our Mother, as in mother earth, but there is also the core values of family, friendship brought together in creativity.”
What 3 words would you use to describe the DNA of this capsule?
- Heritage
- American
- Grunge
What was your creative process like for this capsule?
C.M. : “The process was educational, joyful and playful. I had basic ideas in pieces that reflect both the brands and my casual style but they evolved once we visited the rag house- we were like kids in a candy store, so inspired by the potential in upcycling discarded garments- in particular pieces that reflect iconic American like denim, bandanas and quilting. The embroidered birds and flowers were taken from my drawings and like a label of our harmony with nature."
Why did you choose to be committed to The Sierra Club ?
C.M. : “The Sierra Club is grassroots and a legendary American organization that I’ve been a member of for many years. John Muir was a member, I am such fan of his and have long supported their efforts in protecting this place we call home, protecting wildlife and ensuring we have access to healthy environments in nature, clean air and water.”
What is the ultimate piece from this up-cycled collection to invest in ?
C.M. : “That’s a tough one but I’d say either the white button down or the quilted jacket.”
Your fashion bio in a few words ?
C.M. : “Casual American, preferring timeless pieces that are quality versus quantity, 1970s style all the way!”
Your ultimate advice for new and aspiring fashion models?
C.M. : “My advice is to finish high school first, visualize a 5-10 year plan of all you want to achieve through modeling, never be afraid to communicate your needs and goals, stay true to yourself and have fun!”
What is your first fashion memory?
C.M. : “My first fashion memory is Paris in 1990, where I was told I couldn’t wear vintage jeans, a white T-shirt and cowboy boots to castings- which I didn’t listen too.”
What are the 3 main up-cycling trends for Fall/Winter 2021?
- Flannel
- Patchwork
- Reworked leathers
What remains to be done in the fashion industry, to ensure that the environment is respected?
C.M. : “The environment needs to be respected on every level so much remains to be done. Brands need to create smaller collections, source ethically, use natural fibers and go back to basics in production, honor craftsmanship and quality. I’d love to see each brand create a return and recycle program so garments could always be upcycled.”
What are your tips for shopping and dressing in a more sustainable way?
C.M. : “Shop less, buy vintage, buy quality over quantity and recycle by hosting clothing swaps.”
What are the 5 pieces a woman should always have in her wardrobe?
- Vintage jeans
- A white button down
- A good blazer/jacket
- A slip dress
- A pair of timeless boots
What does it mean to have style today?
C.M. : “Style is not trying too hard.”
