Meet: Giovanna Vieira Co

How did you learn about the Sustainability Alumni Network?

I subscribed to the Alumni mailing list right after I graduated from London College of Fashion (LCF), so I have been receiving newsletters and updates from them since.  That's how I found out about the Sustainability Alumni Network.

Now that you've joined the network, is there anything you would like to bring or change?

I am keen to continue spreading awareness about the fashion industry's social and environmental impact and show how we can all contribute to a more equitable future.

Why do you think alumni should get involved?

It's great to have had some experience outside of academia and still have a connection to the university. Change can come about in many different ways, so the bigger the ecosystem, the better.

Thank you for joining the Sustainability Alumni event as a speaker. What do you hope to have transmitted to the audience?

I hope I was able to convey that once you take on the path of entrepreneurship, it's a journey of self-discovery, trial, error and constant iteration. As the world changes, so does your business, and so do you.

What do you enjoy the most about mentoring?

I enjoy using my experience to motivate, inspire and advise others. Sometimes people have great ideas and all they need is that extra push and guidance to make it happen. Having a mentor can help you get there.

You studied BA (Hons) Fashion Management, graduating in 2017. How did your UAL experience influence your practice?

My course was extremely broad and encompassed a lot of subjects within Fashion Business - from statistics to visual merchandising, strategy and even cultural studies. It helped me approach the industry from a generalist perspective, which is why, after gaining industry experience in different areas, I eventually became a consultant. My course taught me that you don't just have to specialise in one thing. You can use your knowledge and apply it where it's needed. This became even more important as the years went by - given how quickly the industry is evolving.

Can you tell us more about THE FASHION BLUEPRINT and how it all started?

THE FASHION BLUEPRINT started as a community-centred consulting agency with the mission of creating an ecosystem of fashion entrepreneurs. We focused on supporting underrepresented founders and empowering them with the resources they need to succeed. Our 3 pillars are Community, Sustainability and Innovation. Our scope of work is broad but everything we do as an agency falls under one of these pillars.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are currently developing FASHION UPCYCLERS - a platform connecting redesigners and remanufacturers with fashion brands, to tackle the issue of waste colonialism.

My dream collaboration would be with the British Fashion Council - I really respect them as an institution and how they were able to amplify British fashion in the global economy. London is one of the big 4 fashion capitals of the world and BFC has played a huge role in promoting emerging talent as well as more established designers.