The TikToker bringing sustainable fashion to Gen Z

Sustainability and maximalist fashion don’t seem like a natural pairing, but Generation Z fashion influencer Sara Camposarcone is proving otherwise.

With 1.4 million followers on TikTok, the 27-year-old stylist has brought eccentric fashion to the forefront of social media from her home in Toronto, Canada. Camposarcone, who goes by @saracampz on TikTok, uses online resale platforms like Poshmark, eBay and Depop to find pieces for her looks. She’s styled everything from a vintage prom dress to screen-printed McDonald’s track pants and comes armed with a cornucopia of accessories like a spaghetti pasta bag, loofahs, lettuce earrings and Teletubby boots. Her platform is a space that converges sustainability, Gen Z influence and eye-catching visuals.

We talked with Camposarcone about the importance of shopping secondhand, where she sees sustainable fashion going and why she thinks Gen Z is improving sustainable purchasing habits.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

You bill yourself as a “sustainable maximalist.” The two don’t seem like a natural pair — how do you combine the two opposites?

People always think to be sustainable, you need less, and while I don’t disagree with that, I think there is a healthy balance between being environmentally conscious with your purchases, and still having the freedom to express yourself as you wish. For example, ways that I practice sustainability while still feeding my maximalist needs are clothing swaps, clothing rentals and upcycling clothes I don’t wear anymore. I always remind people to ‘shop their own closet,’ because oftentimes we have more than enough, and just need to style things in a new, exciting way.

You have 1.3 million followers on TikTok. As your platform has grown, how have you used social media as a space for sustainability?

As my platform has grown, I’ve received opportunities to work with sustainable clothing brands, technology brands, food and beverage brands, etc. I always want to use my platform to voice things, like sustainability, that matter to me and many others. I am so grateful for the platform I’ve been given, and I always want to use it for positive change.

A 2021 First Insight report on consumer spending done with the Baker Retailing Center at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania found that Gen Z is influencing older generations towards sustainable purchasing practices. Three-quarters of Gen Z survey participants said that sustainability was more important to them than brand (followed by 71 percent of millennials, 73 percent of Generation X and 65 percent of baby boomers.) What kind of impact do you see Gen Z having on sustainable purchasing?

I’ve seen such a positive impact within the fashion community on social media in terms of sustainability, especially since the pandemic. I think the rise of online shopping, especially on secondhand platforms, is only on the climb, and the influence of TikTok “Thrift Hauls” on Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X is impactful.

TikTok is full of influencer videos, hauls and try-on reviews of fast fashion products. What is the benefit of buying from eco-friendly designers or smaller brands instead of fast fashion?

There are so many benefits of buying smaller brands and designers — not only are you shopping ethically and sustainably, but you’re also purchasing a one-of-one piece that was made with lots of love by people who are paid fair, working wages. I have a lot of internet designer friends who are so crazy talented that it would be a crime not to support them by purchasing a garment. It makes me feel so special wearing something I know is well made by a bestie of mine, and will last me for years to come.

What are your favorite outfits you’ve created?

I will always be obsessed with my full dog printed outfit— not only is it iconic but it’s the first video that received over 5000 hate comments, so I know it was a good one. I think my recent frog outfit would be my next favorite. I had been trying to get my hands on these green slimy four-toe boots for a year to create this outfit, so it was meant to be when it finally came together.

Where do you see the future of sustainable fashion going?

I see more and more larger luxury fashion houses leaning into more sustainable practices as well now, clearly appealing to the Gen Zs who want to purchase Gucci or Prada while still feeling like they are buying sustainably. This is where the vintage resell market works its magic, and in my opinion, designer vintage pieces are always superior anyway.

You told Refinery29 that 95 percent of your closet is secondhand or vintage. What is your process for finding second-hand clothing for your looks, and what is your advice for others looking to incorporate thrifted clothing into their wardrobes?

I naturally gravitate towards vintage pieces that feel nostalgic in some way to me, and my childhood. Things like that bring me joy and are always conversation starters with strangers. When hunting for vintage, I personally enjoy pieces that I can layer within my wardrobe, and I always try to style at least three outfits in my head before deciding on a piece to prevent myself from overconsumption. Another great way to source vintage is eBay, Poshmark and Etsy.

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