How many of us have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? Many of us buy fast fashion as a way to keep up with trends, without thinking about the impact we are having on the planet or the people.

Gabriella Smith (@gabriellasmith) has made it her life’s work to raise awareness of the effects of fashion in our world, by utilizing creative ways to engage brands and consumers to rethink the way they design and shop. Follow her work @theupcycelproject.

Gabriella Smith is the Founder of The UpCycle Project and the Director of Sustainability and Innovation for Istituto Marangoni Miami. Gabriella has made it her goal to raise awareness of the waste the fashion industry creates by creating hands-on workshops, student mentorship programs, inspiring discussions, as well as disruptive events and products that find circular solutions for fashion and other industries.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx