Just like our world, fashion is changing rapidly, and as time progresses, we find the two subjects intersect constantly. Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword — it’s a movement. Tyler Chanel, a model, ethical fashion advocate, and content creator, right at the forefront of this change, using her platform to educate and inspire others to shop sustainably. Chanel shares insights on sustainable fashion, the impact of social media, and the importance of staying true to one’s values.
Chanel’s love for fashion began at an early age. Growing up in Las Vegas, she was surrounded by glitz and glamour, but it was the creative expression of clothing that first caught her eye. “I always loved playing dress up as a kid,” she recalls. “I was fascinated by how fashion could transform someone. It was like storytelling without words.” That childhood curiosity led her to pursue modeling in her late teens, booking her first jobs at 18. She went on to work with major brands like Nike, along with smaller local boutiques. But behind the camera, she was starting to question the industry she had grown to love.
What began as documenting her natural hair journey blossomed into a curated corner of the internet, where she shares thrifting tips and sustainable alternatives to inspire others to embrace a more intentional lifestyle. In 2012, initially, she created her blog Thrifts and Tangles as a space to share curly hair tips and product reviews, but as time progressed, thrifting and sustainability became the forefront of her content. When a thrift store opened near her home, Chanel began shopping secondhand regularly, and her friends quickly took notice. “They’d ask where I got my outfits, and they were shocked when I said the thrift store,” she laughs. “It made me realize how little people knew about how stylish and affordable second hand fashion could be.”
The driving goal she wants for her readers is to live a more intentional lifestyle without the overwhelm. She expanded the site to include a sustainable and ethical brand directory for beauty, home, and other products. It features brands that are fair-trade, eco-friendly, and/or brands that give back.
Even as a fashion lover, Chanel admits she once had no idea how damaging the fashion industry could be to the planet. That changed after she watched The True Cost, a 2015 documentary exposing the dark side of the fast fashion industry. At the time, she was working at a local boutique where she witnessed thousands of shipments coming and going each week. “The items were extremely cheap, and they would mark the price up to whatever they wanted,” she recalls. But it wasn’t until she saw the documentary’s coverage of the Rana Plaza collapse, which killed thousands of garment workers, that everything clicked. “When I watched that documentary and saw the conditions garment workers were dealing with, it just hit me—these clothes are cheap for a reason, and someone else is paying the price.” As thankful as she was to have the opportunity to model clothes, she admits that the ecosystem no longer aligned with her values.
On Thrifts and Tangles, Chanel prides herself on giving her readers sustainable options in place of their current ones and does so in a way that feels like a gentle nudge of encouragement. Thrifts and Tangles has copious amounts of resources for beginners, such as an Ethical Brand Directory, where you can easily access multiple brands that are good for the planet.
When asked about her role as an influencer and how it plays into overconsumption, Chanel recognizes her power and responsibility that comes with the job title. Instead of promoting fleeting trends, she uses her platform to educate her audience on making thoughtful fashion choices. “I want people to know that they don’t have to be perfect to start living sustainably,” she says. “It’s not about throwing everything out and buying all new eco-friendly stuff—it’s about using what you already have and being intentional with your choices.”
Tyler’s Tips for Ethical Shopping & Thrifting:
- Use What You Have: Sustainability starts at home. The most eco-friendly choice you can make is to use what you already own. It’s not just about the products—it’s a mindset.
- Make Sustainable Swaps: Small changes make a big difference. Try replacing paper plates and plastic utensils with reusable ones. It’s kinder to your wallet and the planet.
- Know Your Style Before You Thrift: Tyler says, using resources like Pinterest to figure out what colors, textures, and aesthetic fits you best is always great for knowing how to thrift.
- Keep It or Leave It: If something catches your eye, Tyler encourages shoppers to put the item in the cart anyway, continue shopping, and see if you still desire the item by the end.
- Spot the Greenwash: Shopping online? Check if the brand has a clear sustainability or ethics page. If the language is vague or generic, beware of greenwashing—that’s when a brand pretends to be eco-conscious through misleading claims.
Most people think sustainable fashion must be bland, but Chanel proves that living a sustainable lifestyle is anything but. Through her content, she is proving the refreshing reminder that making a difference doesn’t require perfection—just a conscious effort.