Several years ago I took a sewing class at a community sewing machine library and while the classes were short lived since the group closed down shortly after the few sewing skills I'd learned stuck with me.

Post pandemic, once we all started to go out again, my mom and I took a great interest in thrifting, where I'd often use my knowledge to fix clothes or tailor them in an attempt to salvage them. Latter I used my sewing knowledge to make a dress out of a bedsheet for a school dance. 

It wasn't until I dove into research on the fashion industry that I realized how much it was hiding and how I could apply certain skills I'd taken for granted to addressing the issue, driving action and awareness within our community

-Sasha Hahn, Founder

Sasha Hahn, founder of Fashion’s Facade, is a sophomore in high school who is extremely passionate about sustainable fashion. Sasha strives to create a place where youth teach youth about ethical and sustainable clothing through guest lessons at classes and pop-up events, here in the bay area. She’s always interested in all the innovative ways we make the industry better for the planet and is currently researching textile biomaterials and their role in reforming the industry through a program at UC Berkeley. Sasha strives to create a place where youth teach youth about ethical and sustainable clothing through guest lessons at classes and pop-up events, here in the bay area. She loves public speaking and using it to advocate for the movement especially when that means uplifting other’s voices! Sasha also loves designing and making my own clothes which is what first got her involved in the movement and works to uplift other young designers. Sasha believes that once someone knows about a climate issue, it’s almost impossible not to care about it or push for change, and that’s what drives her work at Fashion’s Facade.

Rachel Magidish, Fashion’s Facade’s treasurer, is a sophomore in high school who focuses on making her voice and many other voices heard. She wants other youth to have the ability to make a difference, whether it be in loud speeches with huge audiences or in civil discussions. Youth are left out of many discussions and she believes it is important to hear their ideas. When she was given the opportunity to make a contribution to Fashion’s Facade’s growth she jumped at the chance to spread a message about how corrupt and unsustainable the fashion industry is. Rachel is a part of her school’s Speech and Debate team which has helped push her to advocate in what she believes in through speech and she strives to improve her ability to communicate effectively with the public about issues that are important to her.

Ben Rich, a Fashion Facade team member, is a junior in high school who is passionate about sustainability, climate education, and helping young people feel empowered to make a difference. Through his work with BAYCS and his Sustainable Style Project, Ben has focused on educating youth about the environmental impacts of fast fashion and encouraging more thoughtful choices around clothing, waste, and consumption. He believes that climate action becomes more powerful when it is made accessible, interactive, and youth-led. Ben is excited to be part of Fashion’s Facade because it combines his interest in environmental advocacy with creative ways to reach students and communities. Outside of sustainability work, Ben enjoys hiking, backpacking, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors, which continues to inspire his passion for protecting the planet.

Teah Suhr, is a team member at Fashion’s Facade’s. She is a high school student in the San Francisco Bay Area with a passion for sustainability, ethical fashion, and social entrepreneurship. She is dedicated to educating young people about the environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry while empowering them to become more conscious consumers and changemakers in their communities. Through her involvement in nonprofit and advocacy work, Teah strives to make sustainability more accessible and engaging for youth. Beyond her work in sustainability, Teah enjoys public speaking, leadership, and connecting with others who share a commitment to creating a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. She believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for change and hopes to inspire other young people to use their voices to make a positive impact on the world.

Ace Avalos is a workshop team member for fashion’s facade and a sophomore in high school. They strive to learn more and teach others about the corrupt fashion industry and how to combat it. One of Ace’s many interests is sustainable fashion, for its culture and style as well as its positive impact on the environment and people.  

They jumped at the idea to join fashion's facade in order to contribute more to spreading awareness on the issues in the fashion industry and taking action to protest it. 

Ace has experience upcycling the clothing in their wardrobe as well as getting the majority of their clothes second hand. This not only ensures they don't contribute to fast fashion but it also makes them more mindful and aware about the clothes that they own.