Age: 32
Occupation: Fashion Designer and founder, Faun Studio
Prior to starting her own clothing company, Marisa Clark worked for NGOs, contacting businesses and encouraging them to adopt more ethical strategies, often with disappointing results. “I was inspired to create a business of my own that actually incorporated the practices I wanted to see,” she says.
That business is Faun Studio, which Clark founded in 2018. With her NGO background, she was well aware of how the fashion industry is bursting at its seams with unethical practices, and extreme waste, unsafe labour conditions and harmful micro-trends, but Clark has worked hard to run her company differently. She uses deadstock fabrics and sustainable textiles made from materials like cotton and hemp, works with certified ethical factories in Vietnam and Hong Kong, and hires local talent for photoshoots. “I wanted to do something that made changes along every level of the supply chain,” she says.
Beyond her mindful manufacturing and marketing, Clark partners with Patti Falconer modelling agency annually to raise money for the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, donates spare inventory to Making Changes and volunteers as a personal stylist for My Best Friend’s Closet.
Of course, in fashion, looks matter, too. Clark’s products (think citrus-printed linen shirts, floral-splashed polos and blue shell checkered pants) challenge minimalist design, but lean into minimal consumerism. Faun Studio’s bold prints and cheeky colour blocking have earned praise from Vanity Fair, Forbes and Vogue Korea and Mexico, and taken on the runways at Paris, Milan and New York Fashion Weeks. There’s no gatekeeping here, either — Clark’s ultimate goal is to educate other small brands and share all she’s learned. “I want to create an international network of ethical producers and help other aspiring designers do something similar,” she says.
Thank yous
“My late mom and brother who inspire me to find joy in every situation and make the most of my time on earth; my dad and boyfriend for supporting me through everything.”
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