Elenita Sales: A Story of Purposeful Look at COP 28
During our interview with Elenita Sales, she expressed the importance of storytelling through clothing, emphasizing that clothes can convey deeper meanings beyond aesthetics. Elenita highlighted each element of her outfit, revealing its origins and significance, providing a narrative that enriches our understanding of sustainable fashion.
Origins of Sales’ Outfit
Elenita’s outfit is an example of her interest in sustainability. Her pants and shirt are sourced from Goodwill, supporting both environmental conservation and community empowerment. At Goodwill, she explained, individuals, often recovering addicts, receive training and support—a cause close to her heart.
A New Addition and a Gift of Gratitude
Elenita’s new shoes were a practical addition to the extensive walking at COP 28, a conscious decision amidst her predominantly used clothing choices. She carried a hat with her, a gift from the Madagascar pavilion for her participation in their panel, to symbolize their gratitude for collaboration in international forums.
Earrings: Symbolizing Resistance and Resilience
Her earrings, acquired from Panama, represent her recent interactions with indigenous communities across Latin America. These communities, facing challenges from extractivism, inspired her to advocate for sustainable practices beyond renewable energy transitions, advocating for holistic changes that honor their resistance and promote environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
Elenita’s outfit at COP 28 not only reflects her values but also embodies a narrative of resilience, sustainability, and global solidarity. It serves as a powerful example of how fashion can become a platform for advocacy, cultural exchange, and environmental consciousness in international settings. Her story encourages us to rethink our approach to clothing, viewing each piece as a vessel for meaningful dialogue and positive change.
Elenita Sales / (c) Pamela EA