EFWA 2024 Interview with Team Member Marilyn R. Wilson, Fashion Editor (Canada)

Marilyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer, published author and speaker with a passion for interviewing. Her current career began at the age of 50 when she threw caution to the wind and answered a Craigslist ad from a New York fashion magazine, even though she had no experience. When they surprisingly accepted two of her story ideas, the doors opened on a whole new career that included interviewing people from around the globe, being co-owner of a fashion magazine and publishing two books - proof positive it is never too late to embrace a new passion. Wilson was honoured to be on the EFWA team in 2017 and again in 2018. She looks forward to adding her support to the totally re-imagined next EFWA launching in November 2024.

Can you share a little of your journey that led you to become a writer at a later age? something you've been doing now for 17 years?

I began writing in 2006 after answering a Craigslist ad from a fashion magazine asking for submissions. I had no experience or knowledge. It just sounded like fun, so I responded on a whim. No one was more surprised than I when they said yes. Unfortunately they folded before my articles were published. I went back to Craiglist where I connected with photographer launching an online magazine focused on our local fashion industry. Six months later I became co-owner/editor (again no experience) and began writing for another publication in NYC.  It was hard learning and making mistakes in the public eye, but my passionate for interviewing kept me going. When this magazine folded in 2012, I turned to writing books and developed my blog – Olio by Marilyn - into a magazine style site where I write on a wide variety of subjects.

Were you always interested in sustainability, or did your awareness come at a later age?

I grew up in a family without a lot of money, and at a time there wasn't much awareness about sustainability. It was while interviewing I began to learn about sustainability. When I started, most designers I met were enmeshed in the traditional fashion system. There were exceptions such as Sans Soucie and Adhesif (surprisngly my first 2 interviews). Each year, however, I discovered more and more artists were moving to embrace sustainability in at least a small way. Most of my knowledge has come from listening to these designers freely share their knowledge. Working with Zuhal and EFWA since 2017 has also helped expand my understanding of the truly complicated problems that exist in making sustainablity the norm in the fashion industry.

How did you connect with EFWA founder Zuhal, and what about this event aligned with your work?

I met Zuhal many years ago when she came to show her first collection at Vancouver Fashion Week.  We connected again when she returned to show new collections, and stayed connected through social media.  One of my goals as a writer is to give wings to the stories of others, and to use my nedia platform to support helping others reach their dreams.  When Zuhal discussed me coming on board to help with the first EFWA, I instantly said yes. It took 18 months to bring that first season to the runway. It was hard work and I learned a lot. My main focus was (and still is) interviewing designers and team members. I even stepped in that first year to handle the inaugeral upcycling challenge. What a learning experience that was. I had no idea what I was getting into.  However, it was a total high when the models hit the runway. 

For EFWA 2024 you have stepped into the role of Fashion Editor. Can you share a bit about what all you will be doing in that role?

My interest is always the individual. Each season I send out email interviews to a small selection of both Eco designers and team members. In the past I have also formatted these interviews and uploaded them to the EFWA website. This season a more skilled team member will be handling the publishing thankfully. When I receive responses, I go over them to make sure everything is in place, then I forward the package so it can be added to the EFWA website.  I will also be sharing links to these interviews on my social media platforms. A little later, after the upcycling designers are selected, I will be creating a special promotion for them. I am a huge fan of upcycling challenges and can't wait to see what the designers bring to the runway this season.

What do you most hope those attending this event, or following it online, will take away - something they can apply to the way they live?

I always approach this event with two goals in mind.  The first is to highlight through interviews the depth and creativity to be found in sustainable garments created in small batches. I get weary of walking into malls and seeing a wave of boring neutrals all with similar silhouettes.  The answer? The designers you see here, and ones like them that exist in every country. No one close by? Many now have online stores. And many make custom garments to your exact measurements!

The second is I hope what is showcased at EFWA will give people a nudge towards sustainability. Embracing sustainability is not about being perfect 100% of the time. It's about being aware of the issues and making good choices as much as you can.  It's about baby steps. It's about being on a journey of discovery. It's about no guilt, just the desire to learn and grow. It's about letting go of trends and wearing garments that you feel good in, and that will be wearable for years to come.  Don't forget to celebrate when you are able to make a positive change no matter how small.

Is there anything else you'd like to share in closing?

As a writer, I would love to connect on social media, my links are below. I also have a bi-monthly newsletter to keep you up to date on all I'm doing. There is a gift if you sign up.  Outside of that, I hope you are all able to attend EFWA, or follow online. It is an experience like none other. Soak up the unique designs and listen to the knowledge shared.  But most of all ENJOY!

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