An Interview With Maggie Zhou

How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic, ever-changing, honest

What's your current favorite piece in your closet?

This thrifted Ralph Lauren dress I got in Japan, it gives me Rachel from Friends' vibes!

Who do you look up to for style inspiration?

A lot of different fashion Instagrammers and icons like Alyssa Coscarelli, Alexa Chung, Flex Mami, Yan Yan Chan.

What inspired you to start shopping sustainably?

Had a lot of cognitive dissonance when my beliefs and values weren't aligned to my shopping habits. I wanted to be more authentic and at peace with myself and found this change to be freeing!

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Op shops! Affordable and better for the planet.

You seem to have thrifted some pretty awesome pieces. Can you share some tips?

I hold size privilege so I'm lucky that I can always find clothes that fit me. I also find going through every rack therapeutic... but it does get dusty and for someone with hay fever, there's a lot of sneezing! I think it's about looking for colours, materials and silhouettes you're usually drawn to and exercising a lot of patience; you won't find a treasure every time, but when you do, it makes it all the more exciting.

Which ethical and sustainable brands do you like?

So many! I deeply admire Arnsdorf, A.BCH, Sister Studio, Maggie Marilyn, Hara the Label, Rosa Rosa the Label and Bilboa, off the top of my head.

What challenges do you think ethical shoppers face?

So many! Money is probably the biggest challenge. As well as time to investigate brands thoroughly; greenwashing is all too common nowadays.

Although we think sustainable fashion is a great practice, there is still a stigma attached to buying secondhand clothes and many still find it 'uncool'. What's your take on that?

I think perceptions are definitely changing. I'm a Gen Z gal and Depop and thrifting has become increasingly popular; there are so many thrift flip and thrift haul videos on TikTok and Youtube. I hope that secondhand clothes become more accepted because what's cooler than circular fashion and taking care of the planet?

What would be your advice to someone who wants to become a more responsible fashion shopper?

Take it slow, you don't need an all or nothing approach – I know that's what held me back for ages. The best thing you can do is not even about shopping, it's looking into your own wardrobe and making use of your existing clothes. Clothes should be treated as loved friends, we should take care of them, mend them and cherish them with respect.

One habit that anyone should embrace now.

I'm a big fan of drinking hot water! Lots of people think it's weird but I like it, I call it the lazy man's tea.

Follow Maggie from on Instagram for awesome style inspos.