Tina Pencinger: On sustainable fashion and expressing creativity
Tina is a fashion-lover turned sustainable fashion advocate who inspires people to express their creativity through their wardrobe choices and have a healthier relationship with fashion by being more conscious about the pieces they buy.
Tina is wearing the Green oversized sweatshirt with Andean motifs
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Tina and I moved to London from Croatia, 4 years ago. I wanted to pursue a career in fashion but was not happy with what I was seeing and learning about here. People, the planet and animals suffering for fashion was not something I could make peace with, so I turned the page and started doing fashion in the most responsible way I could.
I finished Cambridge Business Sustainability Management and EIIS Fashion Sustainability Online Courses and I am working as a Shop Manager at Oxfam Wimbledon Village charity and have my own blog GoldenMedGirl.com where I write about sustainable fashion and I do my own styling and photoshoots. I’m also starting a new series on my youtube channel where I’ll talk about styling sustainable, second hand, vintage and old items I have.
Tina is wearing the Green oversized sweatshirt with Andean motifs
Expressing your creativity is essential to you, why is this and what mediums do you use to do it?
Yes, I think expressing myself in any creative way one can is very important for every individual. I have found that my way is through fashion. I have always, from an early age, loved to dress myself, combine colours, shapes, patterns. I am still very much in love with fashion, it is my canvas where I put my art down. However, today, it is a big challenge to be creative and sustainable at the same time, but I love challenges!
Tina is wearing the Green oversized sweatshirt with Andean motifs
Throughout your blog and YouTube channel you mention your mom as a very important figure in your life that used to make you clothes. What impact do you think she has had on you and how you see the world and express yourself?
My mum was a style icon in my childhood and youth and we would both dress up to go to work or school. She taught me to sew, repair, up-cycle, repurpose and style my clothes and accessories. I’ve continued to add my own personality and style to it today.
I love colour. All colours. I love colours for conventional pieces like coats or boots. I tried to have a capsule, minimalist wardrobe, but it just doesn’t work with me.
Tina is wearing the Green oversized sweatshirt with Andean motifs
How has your self-expression changed over the years? Has this impacted on your relationship with fashion?
I am now very conscious of fair trade, fair pay, responsible use of materials, circular economy, how something is made and from what material. What is its lifespan and where and how will it finish its life? So, yes, my relationship with fashion changed a lot, I am not buying impulsively; even when it’s second hand I look for sustainable brands if possible, and I love vintage pieces that are not produced any more. Uniqueness and one of a kind is something that makes me happy.
Tina is wearing the Green oversized sweatshirt with Andean motifs
What would you say to people that would want to explore their creative side but think they don’t have time or think are not good at it?
I actually thought that my whole life. I thought creativity was only possible as an artist, musician, designer. I was considered maybe a bit of a freak when I was wearing my mother’s shoulder-padded handmade blouses and coats! I was completely different from others in my school. I now realize it was my way of expressing my creativity, expressing myself. So, I would like to say to everyone reading this, there is always time for what you love and there is always someone better than you but who cares! Just do what makes you happy!
What do you hope your voice brings to others?
I hope it brings freedom in their expression no matter what they do. And I wish them to start now!
How can people connect with you?
Website: https://www.goldenmedgirl.com/
Instagram: goldenmedgirl
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tinapencinger
Shop the look
Tina is wearing the green oversized sweatshirt with Andean motifs