Meet The Women Behind The R Collective

At The R Collective, we believe that sustainable fashion is not just an environmental issue - it is also a women’s empowerment opportunity. Eighty percent of garment workers are women and so fashion - when in the right hands - is a positive driver for change. The good news is this change is in our hands - whether designers, sewers or you, our customers and the ultimate wearers! 

As a female led-brand, we are naturally passionate about empowering female workers in our supply chains and through our partnerships with social enterprises, sustainable and ethical suppliers, and through our growing rosta of award winning female sustainable fashion designers. 

International Women’s Day is an ideal time to celebrate our commitment to the cause - driving circularity, reducing waste, providing employment opportunities - and celebrating the power of women to change the world! 

Read on to learn what inspires the women behind The R Collective.

Christina Dean
Founder & CEO, The R Collective

Q: What is the significance of International Women's Day to you?

Today offers a momentary salute to the many important roles that women play - mothers, daughters, carers, mentors, friends, activists, lovers and the list goes on! Being a woman - much like being a human - requires a lot of creativity and ingenuity. We need to grow, adapt, support and be resilient. 

There isn’t a moment to lose in this cause - since every day starts with a huge blank sheet to create ripples of greatness, whether from the kitchen to the boardroom!

Q: Can you tell us about what drives you - an inspiring woman in your life, or an issue you are passionate about?

One of my greatest joys is watching younger women grow into themselves - personally and professionally. I owe so much of my life to the various female mentors I’ve had - who have acted either as sounding boards for crazy work ideas to shoulders to cry on when bumps invariable hit the road.

So witnessing younger women around me succeed feels like a timeless gift of passing on mentorship and encouragement - to keep paving the way for greater collective successes.

Luz Luk
The R Collective Designer

Q: What is the significance of International Women's Day to you?

International Women’s Day is a celebration for every woman, and as times evolve, the definition of woman is no longer limited by the body you were born in. Womanhood in 2021 embraces trans, gender-fluid and all self-identifying women.

With this year's theme of #ChooseToChallenge, I believe we should all choose to challenge gender stereotypes and bias, challenge the gender pay gap, and celebrate the achievements we have made.

To me, IWD is a platform to speak our truths; a means to raise awareness of women's issues, and a fight to get ourselves into the spotlight. 

Q: Can you tell us about what drives you - an inspiring woman in your life, or an issue you are passionate about?

Period poverty and period shame is definitely an ongoing problem in society that demands more awareness. Considered taboo in polite conversation, periods are so often perceived as a female-only issue. However, this natural and essential function of women’s bodies is something that we shouldn’t need to hide. 

So many girls in developing countries can’t even afford access to clean menstruation products and are too ashamed to seek help due to the stigma surrounding it. 

With improved education, I believe we can help the community to engage in these essential conversations, helping to dispel the stigma and end period poverty.

Jasmine Chow
Waste Sourcing Operations & Logistics

Q: What is the significance of International Women's Day to you?

I believe that everyone should be granted the same privileges and access to opportunities as everyone else. Throughout history, women have had to fight for their involvement in different basic rights.

We owe so much to the women’s groups that remain strong and have fought for the freedom of women around the world. 

To keep the movement going, my hope for the future is for more men to educate themselves on our issues and raise their voices in support. Everyone should receive the same love and respect from others.

Q: Can you tell us about what drives you - an inspiring woman in your life, or an issue you are passionate about?

The woman in my life that I would like to highlight is one of my biggest role models, my dearest mother. From the day I came into this world, she was the one who taught me the value of knowledge, how to take care of the things around me, and how to be humble and respect everyone I met.

That is why I now have a strong belief in supporting what is right. I don’t yet know what lies ahead in my future, but if I ever have children I will definitely teach them how important equality is. 

Q: What is the significance of International Women's Day to you?

Today is a celebration of what it means to be a woman, our ingenuity and our femininity. 

The freedom that we as women experience today comes at the expense of our past sisters, who fought for us to be able to have basic rights. To me, this day is an ode to them and a celebration of how far we've come.

Just like generations past have influenced change today, we are forging a better world for women in the future. Today, it’s important to raise your voice and talk not only about the inequality women face but also their incredible achievements. This narrative benefits all the young girls who learn by example, allowing them to understand that their ambitions are valid and their dreams can be achieved.

Q2: Can you tell us about what drives you- an inspiring woman in your life, or an issue you are passionate about?

I encourage women everywhere to look out for one another, so no one is alone. Remember that empowered women, empower women. Women come from each other and therefore we should celebrate each other.

Too often women are compared and pitted against each other, and it's time to turn that around. I believe the only person that is stands in your way is you. So, steady up and have the courage to chase your dreams and supports others along the way.

It is our responsibility as women to lift each other up because that's the best way to fight for women's equality - by continuously raising the voice of our sisters.

Q: What is the significance of International Women's Day to you?

Today I reflect on the fact that gender inequality is a systemic problem. We have to collaborate with each other across all walks of life, regardless of our race, ethnicity, nationality, class, caste, religion, belief, sex, gender, or  sexual orientation. I think, most importantly, we have to truly listen to each other to discover how we can move forward together towards a more equal world. 

Q: Can you tell us about what drives you - an inspiring woman in your life, or an issue you are passionate about?

I hope we can change the current system that patriarchal culture is built upon, and bring back the historical matristic values of “inclusion, participation, collaboration, understanding, respect, sacredness, and the always-recurrent cyclic renovation of life” (Arturo Escobar). 

It is my hope that our governance, including our legal, economic, and political systems, will adopt these sets of cultural values. Only then can the rights of all life forms be respected, allowing us to fully coexist in harmony with nature with an understanding of our symbiotic relationship with the world. This is my dream for the future.

Natalie Fung
Data Analytics Intern

Q: What is the significance of International Women's Day to you?

To me, International Women's day is an important time to remember the efforts of all who have fought for the more equal world we live in today, and to especially celebrate the success and achievements of women. 

There is no universal definition of what success is, because it is unique and personal to each individual. Therefore, having this platform through which people see sources of inspiration encourages others to take risks, to fight for what we are capable of and to own up to our own successes with less self-doubt. Collectively, we can continue to #ChoosetoChallenge stereotypes and fight biases that are still very prominent in our society. 

Q: Can you tell us about what drives you - an inspiring woman in your life, or an issue you are passionate about?

With so much happening around the world right now and moving into the online space, I think it is all the more difficult to know what is really going on behind the scenes with people. It can be so easy to make judgements and decisions based on misconceptions, without taking the time to exercise compassion and understanding.

I believe we shouldn’t equate factors like race, physical ability, experience, financial status, profession etc. with competence and ability, and it is important to uplift even those who are less outspoken or less extroverted. True inclusiveness can only be achieved when we create an environment where people can become their best selves, allowing everyone to feel more confident and more motivated.