Sustainable Streetwear: an Interview With Sabrina D’elia Creator of MUNI

Meet Sabrina D'elia, designer and creator of MUNI. MUNI is a brand based in Puerto Rico focused on the upcycling and repurposing of garments. MUNI is an example of a new wave of sustainable fashion designers; taking used garments and transforming them into one of a kind pieces, at a “slow-fashion” ethical pace. Sustainable streetwear plays an important role in changing the approach to how sustainable fashion is seen by the masses, especially as the consumerism power now lies in a new generation of shoppers. Streetwear is booming – making attractive and sustainable clothing more readily available plays an important part in protecting our environment. In this interview, we sat down with Sabrina to discuss the brand’s approach to sustainability and how she handles the pressures of being a young designer. 

Be sure to check out and support MUNI on Instagram for more information: @mmmmmmuni

[UNPUBLISHED]: Tell us about yourself and what pushed you to create MUNI. 

[MUNI]: My name is Sabrina, I am 17,  and currently a senior in high school. What pushed me to create MUNI were two main things: A need for female representation and the need for more small scale sustainable brands in a market flooded with fast fashion. 

[UNPUBLISHED]: What motivated you towards pursuing sustainable fashion? Why is sustainability important to you?

[MUNI]: I first became aware of the effects of fast fashion through social media and felt the urge to be a part of this movement. I think it's an amazing initiative and I believe that sustainability is the future. It's very important to me because I have always loved working without a plan and with what I have around me. Fashion needs a challenge and a twist from the typical designers. Being aware and able to cooperate with today's world and social problems is in my opinion, an important attribute to have as a designer. 

[UNPUBLISHED]: What have been some of the biggest challenges for you in this pursuit?

[MUNI]: One of my biggest challenges is finding a balance with all the other things that I do. I am still in high school and very involved in my community. Finding the time to do all the things that I love every day is a challenge because there are only 24 hours in a day. Another struggle has been earning my place in the local industry and avoiding being taken advantage of. I have few people by my side that I consider mentors and I learn new things about what I'm doing every day. 

[UNPUBLISHED]: What do you wish you could be doing more of in your space and what steps are you taking to do that?

[MUNI]: I wish I could have a team and allow other girls to work beside me along this journey. Providing a fair and collaborative space of work will enable me to have more time on my hands to develop and find new ways to make sustainable products. I'm currently looking into finding a team while researching and learning new ways to make beautiful and sustainable pieces.  

[UNPUBLISHED]: Where do you find inspiration for new projects? How do you fuel your creativity? 

[MUNI]: I get a lot of my inspiration from different things that I see in the media and later applying them to jeans and my work. It's hard sometimes to stay creative but I do focus on everything around me and think of ideas of how a specific product could be used in a garment. Being creative is using your full imagination and being able to imagine your ideas. 

[UNPUBLISHED]: How has quarantine and the changes in life affected your creativity and/or productivity? 

[MUNI]: I thank quarantine for giving me the time to start my brand but it is hard to keep my creativity up because I am looking at the same ten walls every day. My productivity definitely changes from time to time. It gets hard to find a balance between leisure and work. I can go two weeks without working because I'm focusing on school or a different project.   

[UNPUBLISHED]: How do you handle the stress and pressure that come from independently creating?

[MUNI]: Thankfully, I don't get a lot of stress because I have accepted that I have a lot on my plate right now and it's okay to work at my own time and to keep my own pace. I don't want to overwork myself. The pressure is felt especially on independently creating because I am expected to always be having new designs and the pressure of certain designs not being liked by my audience scares me. I never try to do what other people are already doing but everyone expects that of me: to just do the typical pants with a million random scraps of jeans. 

[UNPUBLISHED]: What are the goals and dreams you have for yourself and your brand?

[MUNI]: My goal for the future is to work with more music artists and collaborate with other brands and artists. Music artists have an audience that is very influential in incorporating fashion into their art. Sadly it is a challenge to reach them as an independent brand. I believe that artists are a key element in acting as influencers for their audience. Artists that support businesses like mine are essential in moving the focus from fast fashion and creating space and recognition for brands that act as agents for change. I also dream of one day having my own studio and studying fashion business to get the correct education. I am confident that if I have been able to get my work out there with little to no preparation, proper education will allow me to take my vision to another level.  

[UNPUBLISHED]: Do you have any advice for people wanting to experiment in the world of fashion and design?

[MUNI]: My advice to people is to do whatever you desire to do. Develop every idea that you have and that you believe in. Don't be afraid of anything or anyone. The fashion industry needs to change and by adding your little grain of salt you will make a difference. If you want to get into fashion you have to be fearless and dare to risk it, dare to push for what you want to do.