Tanjuria Willis is the creative architect behind Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week. Her vision for more environmentally friendly fashion where green is king, has become a bright light in an industry and put the hard questions about making sustainable choices in the forefront. Let’s meet her …
You started Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week in 2021. What was the motivation that led you to the mindset needed not only to envision but also to execute it?
I have always had a love for fashion but never embraced the fast fashion trend. Watching these cheaply made clothing items inspired me to conduct more research and look behind the curtain of fast fashion. During that research, I discovered that textiles were the second most significant pollutant in landfills, not to mention the water contamination and carbon emissions they caused. However, these conversations were not happening with the consumers who buy these products every day. I wanted to bridge that gap, have the conversation, and introduce solutions at a grassroots level to encourage people to use their purchasing power to make small, environmentally friendly changes through the products they buy while saving our planet.
Has your mission evolved since its launch?
Absolutely, my mission has always centered around three pillars: 1) Education 2) Awareness 3) Accessibility. When we started in 2021, we focused on education through panels and workshops during ATLSFW. Since then, we have expanded our educational efforts, including teaching sustainable fashion to high school students.
Have you come across much sustainable fashion in your own shopping experiences prior to this? Was this something important to you when making purchasing decisions? How has it changed your habits now?
Before the term “sustainable” entered the world of fashion, we used words like “quality fabrics,” “vintage,” “resale,” or even “thrift.” I’ve always shopped with these principles in mind. My habits now include being very intentional about where and how I shop, reading labels, and understanding how companies practice sustainability.
Tell our readers when ATLSFW is this year, where they can purchase tickets, and what they can expect from the experience. Is there a virtual experience available for purchase where events will be streamed, etc.?
ATLSFW will take place from October 10 to 14, 2023. Tickets can be purchased on our website at atlsfw.com. In addition to amazing VIP receptions, a marketplace for shopping, and runway shows, attendees can expect a student design challenge, workshops, and panel discussions. Fulton County is hosting our ATLSFW Futures Lab, which will include a Gravity Sketch Shoe Design workshop, AR Mirrors for virtual try-ons, VR Spatial Gallery, and a celebration of 50 Years of Hip Hop Fashion, to name a few.
How many brands do you have represented this year?
Currently, we have about 15 brands represented, but we are potentially adding more.
For those who may be interested in participating next year, can you share how far in advance the deadlines are from the event date for people to submit to participate?
We host fashion show events in Spring and Fall; however, we have expanded our programming to year-round events. Anyone interested in participating next year can submit applications starting on October 15. The deadlines for the spring event are February 2, 2024, and for the fall event, June 1, 2024.
Tell us about your luxury consignment boutique, eKlozet, and how it came to be.
I am an electrical engineer and was working as such with a decent salary. When I started my first entrepreneurial journey, which was a local lifestyle publication, I self-funded it. As an engineer, I was able to have great shopping experiences, and I didn’t want that to stop. As I mentioned, my focus was always on quality, so I shopped at consignment stores for quality items and, as a new entrepreneur, for the savings. However, I didn’t enjoy the experience or want to frequent those stores. This gave me the idea to create a boutique that could provide the experience of a luxury boutique without the luxury price. More importantly, I wanted to help women love the items in their closets and be confident in what they wear. My motto is: “Clothing is energy, energy exudes confidence, confidence drives productivity, productivity promotes success.”
Where did you grow up, and when did you fall in love with fashion?
I grew up in Chicago, IL. I have always been a lover of fashion. I even won “Best Dressed” in high school. It has always been a part of me.
Is having your own fashion line something you see in your future?
Yes, it is something I am considering for the future.
Tell our readers how they can find out more information about you, ATLSFW, and all of your endeavors.
You can find more information about me, ATLSFW, and all my endeavors on my social media accounts. Follow @ATLSFW on all social media channels, @eKlozet on all social media channels, @stylebyTanjuria on Instagram, and Tanjuria Willis on LinkedIn.
What is one of your favorite sustainable women’s brands, current or up-and-coming?
I don’t have a favorite. There are so many amazing brands and designers that are so creative and innovative. Many times, they offer one-of-a-kind pieces, which are my favorite.
Where do you see ATLSFW in 10 years?
In 10 years, I envision ATLSFW growing to become the foremost sustainable fashion and shopping event. We will have a global presence known for introducing emerging sustainable designers and brands to the marketplace.
Anything to add?
ATLSFW is the most important fashion week in the state, providing entertainment and fashion for a cause to save our planet. We want people to be aware of statistics such as 60% of the materials that make our clothing are synthetic materials, and many of them end up in our oceans. This is why we are committed to doing fashion cleaner, safer, and more stylish.
