Masego Morgan sustainable fashion influencer stops by ClubX HQ to give us the scoop on her latest adventures
Choosing to live a more conscious and eco-friendly lifestyle is easier said than done. This is why Masego Morgan (also fondly known as Coconut-Cracked), is committed to getting young people clued-up on a more inclusive approach to sustainable living and style options. This is why Masego and her best friend, Stella Hertantyo, launched their blog cnscs_ back in 2020, which sadly came to an end recently.
EDUCATING THE MASSES
‘We started cnscs_ as a place to share our own journeys as well as other people’s inspiring stories,’ she explains. ‘We wanted it to be a safe place for people to visit, no matter where they are in their slow-living journey and leave having learnt something new. We decided, after two years, to bring it to a close, but the site and Instagram page remain up as an archive for people to view and hopefully still learn from.’
Moving on from this milestone, Masego continues to use her online platform to educate and inspire people to be more conscious in their daily actions, showing her audience how positive little changes can make a huge difference for society and the environment. ‘Social media allows for people to publish their own voices. This means that messages can be spread further, and more nuance added, and I think this is beneficial.’ Masego also uses her voice to address common misconceptions about sustainability. ‘One problematic message I see being promoted online is that sustainability is bought. You can live sustainably without buying new sustainable products. Many lower-income South Africans have been living sustainably out of necessity, and sustainability is rooted in many indigenous beliefs and practices.’
FORGING HER OWN PATH
As passionate about sustainability as she is today, Masego’s interest in this mission has been growing since childhood. She was born in Johannesburg with a unique lineage, having Japanese, South African/Lithuanian, Jewish, and Tswana roots. Throughout her childhood she had a huge appreciation for clothes and fashion. ‘Since I’m dyslexic, reading and writing is difficult for me, so I used to read fashion magazines because the articles were short enough and they were incredibly visual,’ she elaborates. ‘In 2015, I watched a documentary called The True Cost, and I was enlightened to learn how harmful the fashion industry, especially fast fashion, is to people and the planet. After watching this, I decided to intentionally
start my slow fashion journey.’
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
After her high school years, she went to live in Japan for less than two years, learning about the culture and so much more. She then decided to come back and complete her BA Visual Communications degree. Today, a creative strategist, graphic designer and thrifter, Masego says her biggest accolade is hearing from people that she had a role to play in shifting their relationship with clothes – for the better. Another milestone to celebrate was getting the opportunity to co-direct the Home collection and fashion film for Milan Men’s Fashion Week S/S 2021. ‘It was really important to me that we show and hear from the talented women who create the clothes,’ she expresses. ‘Garment workers are still not heard often enough in the fashion industry.’
Best inspo for sustainable fashion:
My mom, and people I follow on Instagram and TikTok.
Best ethical and sustainable outings:
!Khwa ttu – The ‘Embassy’ of the San and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden (I love crocheting and having picnics there).
Best sustainable food experiences:
Veld & Sea in Cape Town – a workshop and dining experience where you learn how to forage for food.
Favourite local slow fashion designers:
The Herd, AFSC (a fashion student’s closet), nuun, Selfi, & Anmari Honiball – to name but only a few!
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Gareth Van Nelson
