DreamTeller Interview Series: The Time Tailor's Craft - Toby Crispy

Date: 13 FEB 2025
Location: -

Intro

Hello everyone, I’m Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of the FutureGen Girls Foundation. 

Fashion is beautiful, but have we ever considered the price of this beauty? The global fashion industry faces numerous issues behind the scenes, including resource consumption, pollution, and waste caused by the overproduction of fast fashion under a culture of instant gratification. 

The industry has started addressing these problems through measures such as sustainable design and clothing recycling. But what about those of us outside the fashion industry—consumers like you and me? How can we contribute? 

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Toby Crispy, the “Time Tailor,” as our guest. Toby has had an illustrious career as a fashion designer, magazine editor, and a management executive for an international design team. But what exactly is a “Time Tailor”? Is it a brand-new profession? 

Today, Toby will share her story of how she uses creativity to heal what she describes as a “broken” fashion industry—crafting beauty with purpose and meaning. 

Outro

Toby Crispy has played various roles within the fashion industry, spending years searching for a way to redefine fashion with sustainability at its core. Ultimately, she found her own definition of sustainable fashion. Toby’s current work goes beyond environmentalism—it blends eco-consciousness with aesthetics, proving that sustainability can be both stylish and beautiful. 

What touched me the most was her mission to transform old clothing from departed loved ones, extending the bond of family ties. 

Each piece of clothing carries stories from different times and even generations. Beyond garments, it is also about the connection between people. Through upcycling, Toby reshapes fashion while honouring the passage of time, serving as a “Time Tailor” who helps others preserve the stories behind their garments. 

I hope that after listening to Toby’s story, you’ve gained a broader perspective on sustainable fashion and realised that everyone can play a role in fostering sustainability. For the future, let’s strive for a fashion industry that embodies true beauty. And just like Toby, let’s remember that any new profession can be created step by step, starting with your own vision and passion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUvoRDa19uc

APPLICATION
NOW