Rochelle Pinto on Sustainability and Inclusivity at the Mumbai School

Istituto Marangoni Mumbai was honored to welcome Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, back to campus for an engaging conversation on sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry.

The session, held on March 26th, 2025 and moderated by Mevin Murden, Director of Education, provided students with invaluable insights from a leading voice in fashion media. Rochelle, who previously taught at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, shared a personal journey and offered candid perspectives on navigating the complexities of sustainability and inclusivity within the fashion world.  

Sustainability: An Individual and Industry Challenge

The discussion began with the pressing issue of sustainability, with Pinto emphasizing that responsibility is shared across the fashion ecosystem. "Every time we make a choice to buy something new just because we're excited by a trend or just because some celebrity was wearing it or because our friend bought it, we are making a choice to feed into that frenzy," Pinto stated, highlighting the role of consumer behavior.  

Pinto also addressed the complexities of defining sustainability, noting the various aspects including ethical production, fair wages, local sourcing, and waste reduction. The students were encouraged to identify the specific areas of sustainability that resonate individually and to act according to self-kept principles.  

The Role of Media and Vogue India's Approach

Pinto discussed the role of media in shaping the conversation around sustainability, emphasizing the importance of listening to the audience and reflecting the concerns raised. Going on to highlight Vogue India's commitment to supporting Indian talent, craft, and emerging centers, while also addressing global fashion trends.  

Vogue India aims to present sustainability in an engaging and accessible manner, connecting with readers through compelling storytelling and visuals. Pinto also shared insights into Vogue's "Forces of Fashion" exhibition, which celebrates heritage, craft, and talent.  

Challenging Perceptions: Luxury vs. Mass Market 

Pinto challenged the notion that luxury fashion is inherently more sustainable than mass-market fashion. She argued that both sectors contribute to the problem and emphasized the need for consumers to make informed choices and resist marketing pressures.  

"I think the most sustainable choice is not to buy but to repair," Pinto stated, advocating for a shift in consumer behavior and a return to valuing craftsmanship and longevity.  

Inclusivity: Beyond Tokenism

The discussion also explored the multifaceted nature of inclusivity. Pinto stressed the importance of diversity within the Vogue India team and ensuring that the magazine reflects the society it serves.  

Pinto differentiated between performative inclusivity and authentic representation, emphasizing that inclusivity should be woven into the fabric of the organization and its content.  

Practical Steps Towards Sustainability and Inclusivity

Pinto shared practical examples of how Vogue India integrates sustainability and inclusivity into its daily operations, from reducing waste at events to promoting internal initiatives.  

A Call for Thoughtful Engagement

Throughout the talk, Pinto encouraged students to think critically, challenge norms, and engage with the fashion industry in a responsible and meaningful way.  

Istituto Marangoni Mumbai is grateful to Rochelle Pinto for the time and wisdom lent. The conversation provided IMStudents with a valuable opportunity to learn from a prominent figure in the fashion industry and to deepen collective understanding of the critical issues shaping its future.