Much of the world I see through the colour, texture and grit of my camera lens. As a documentary photographer, photojournalist, fashion designer and sustainability advocate, I’ve had a natural affinity for creating art that celebrates the human condition in all its many forms from a young age. I’ve documented everything from the earth’s environmental degradation to those championing its repair, all through the lens of a camera. Travelling across far flung destinations in the Gulf of Mexico on a months-long artist in residence trip, I stared into the faces of children as they played among the decomposing plastic rubble strewn across their hometowns - the wake of our consumerist world. It was these unforgettable faces and places that ignited my deep desire to see change not just in the world, but in the harmful practices widely relied upon by the global fashion industry. Further research saw me come across the staggering fact that more than 17,000 litres of fresh water are needed to produce one single kilogram of leather - a statistic that shook me to my core. And so began a creative mission that has been nearly a decade in the making.Texcoco Collective is a culmination of my love for the environment, my passion for design and my deep respect and concern for the state of our earth. It’s one of few sustainable Australian labels that works with local artisans and skilled workers to craft beautiful vegan bags made from Mexican cactus leather, actively helping to turn the tide on wasteful practices. I believe it is our moral responsibility to actively repair the earth and I aim to do this through ethically sourced materials that uphold the integrity of our precious home.