Founder of ethical clothing label Basics for Basics and creative director of The Wild Lot, Kayla Wong is someone who effortlessly combines fashion, art and sustainability – and she’s using her platforms to drive change, from raising awareness about sustainable fashion to the importance of embracing all forms of love.
Wong launched Basics for Basics in 2015 in order to produce conscious clothing that is good for the planet and the people who manufacture them. She’s also the creative director of the Wild Lot, an experimental space dedicated to collaborations and events spotlighting local creatives.
During her down time, Wong loves capturing intimate moments of her daily life with her partner Elaine and her dogs, Scooby and Scraps. For our latest edition of ‘8Shades Of‘, we find out why she’s so passionate about sustainability and her best (and worst) eco habits!
1. In one sentence, tell us what you do!
I am the founder of sustainable brand, Basics for Basics, and creative director of hybrid space, The Wild Lot.
2. Why are you an 8Shader?
I fell into sustainability when I was first researching for my brand building process. That’s when I came across the idea of fair trade and ethical practices within the fashion industry. As I learnt more and more of what it meant to be sustainable in different aspects, it just became part of my lifestyle.
3. Your best eco habit?
With fashion, I am very conscious about choosing more local or sustainable brands, and I think about the long-term life cycle of the clothes I pick. When it comes to my beauty products, I use up everything before I start something new and I now try to choose products that are refillable.
4. Guilty not-so-green habit?
Sometimes, I forget to bring a reusable tote bag with me and end up having to use the plastic bags that are provided by supermarkets!
5. Fave eco product?
I currently love Kora Organics‘ Turmeric Glow Moisturiser. It is organic, cruelty-free and refillable.
See also: Shop Local: 8 Homegrown Clean Beauty Brands in Hong Kong
6. Fave veggie dish in HK?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I would say my go-to would be the veggie dumplings from Grain of Salt.
7. What is one thing you will do this holiday season to celebrate more sustainably?
I’ve started collecting tissue paper and gift boxes from presents I’ve received throughout the year, and I re-use them to wrap gifts for my own friends and family!
8. What shade of green are you?
I’d say I’m an emerald green. I’m pretty on it [when it comes to sustainability] but definitely still have room to learn and improve!
Follow Kayla on Instagram @kaylaiw, Basics for Basics @basicsforbasics, or checkout their beautiful collections on their website.
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