Actualités

A Feel For Fashion: Alec Leach

Interviews, Inspirations

Based in Berlin, Alec Leach is an author whose cogent book, The World is on Fire But We’re Still Buying Shoes (Casimir Books, 2022) delivers an eye- and mind-opening manifesto that addresses consumerism and online culture as they ultimately impact the planet. The former style editor for High Snobiety pens a Substack newsletter exploring sustainability and ways to bring about lasting change in fashion, and contributes op-eds to publications such as the Business of Fashion.

What excites you in fashion right now?

Menswear is in such a great place right now; it feels like no matter your tastes, someone is making some really great clothes to cater for them. I'm a huge fan of the kind of things brands like Our Legacy, Mfpen and Stussy are making, but it feels like wherever you look there's something interesting going on, whether you're into prep or goth or streetwear. 

What is one reason to be optimistic about the state of fashion going forward?

So many of the industry's institutions are falling apart in front of our eyes — legacy media, independent brands, multi-brand retailers — but the one hope I'm clinging to at the moment is the fact that people are starting to really work together to figure all this out. The Condé Nast Union, the Black in Fashion Council, the Fashion Act (which I'm a part of) — these are all great examples of people coming together to fight for a better future, and that's something that gives me hope. Working with people is also awesome! This whole ivory tower, “you can't sit with us mentality is so ridiculous, and it makes people miserable — even the people who benefit from it. 

Who or what will drive the greatest change in fashion this year?

People!

Can you suggest a fashion mantra for ’24?

We're in this together.

This interview has been lightly edited.