THE INSIDER: SUMMER RAYNE OAKES
A science nerd turned shoe designer tells NYLON what it takes to go green in style.
Summer Rayne Oakes isn’t your average model. Or your average scientist. Or even your average fashion designer. In fact, there really isn’t average about her at all. Originally an environmental science major at Cornell, Oakes realized that the best way to inspire change was through clothing. Since working as a model with only eco-friendly brands, the 24-year-old launched a consulting firm, released Style, Naturally, a guide to green living, and worked on a new sustainable shoe line for Payless, out in April. In between stops on her book tour and an appearance at Power Shift, NYLON caught up with Oakes to find out just how she does it. Try not to turn green with envy…
You’re a model, an activist, a writer, a designer…what’s an average day like for you?
There really isn’t one. I know myself enough to know [that] if I were to devote myself to one specific project, it really wouldn’t make me feel alive. Every day is really different—one day it could be completely boring, writing proposals, another day could be in the design room with Payless. It definitely varies, and I’m happy with that because it doesn’t feel like a job.
Was there a turning point for you, in terms of environmental activism?
I was definitely born and bred a nature freak—I grew up with National Geographic, not with fashion magazines. It wasn’t until college that I had an epiphany: If I wanted to create real change, I’d have to step outside of my traditional environmental and science circles. I was just studying sewage sludge and really ingrained in studying waste management in college—which has nothing to do with fashion. It occurred to me that as much as we fight to change federal regulations, we really need to change awareness on an individual level, as well as inspire people [to change]!
Did anything surprise you while you were researching and writing Style, Naturally?
I knew much more about the fashion space than the beauty space. So it was interesting doing research on the personal care side and see how very confusing it actually is—[in terms of] what’s organic and what’s not. The consumer has to be a little savvier, in terms of reading back over the ingredient list, but we don’t always have time. So there needs to be a more transparent system within both industries.
What’s your role like with the development and design of the zoe & zac Payless collection?
I wasn’t so much on the design side the first season. Instead, I worked on material sourcing, color choices, looking to see what else is out there and what we can offer that’s a little bit out there. As the seasons have unfolded, I’ve become more involved in the design process. In many ways, I’ve asked them to treat me like a Payless employee.
What’s your most environmentally-damaging vice?
I love travel—you’re gaining insight and experience from so many different cultures and parts of the world. But people say, “You travel a lot for what you do, and isn’t that a lot of carbon?” That’s probably where I expend my carbon. If you took travel out of my equation, I’d probably have one of the smallest footprints known to man. But that’s a big part of my life and who I am and how it’s shaped me. When I travel, I really try to make it worthwhile with a sense of purpose, making sure that I don’t travel for the hell of it.
If people changed only one thing about their lifestyle to make it a bit greener, what would it be?
I would think food choices. I’m not a vegan, or vegetarian even, but I definitely supplement most of my stuff with veggies or things locally sourced. That’s not always possible for people [depending on] where they are in the world, but try to buy things in-season. If you happen to eat meat, maybe think about how you could eat less of it, or [keep it] within so many food miles. I think it makes a big difference when you buy things as locally as possible.
Have you found it hard to make a difference and make a living?
I don’t really believe in throwing out my face and saying, this is what I represent, give me a big paycheck. I think we really need to star adding value to the relationship. My career shows that yes, you can decide and be somebody who doesn’t have to compromise your values.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS
Visit summerrayne.net for more info.
