When I first met Sumzine Editor-in-Chief Jamie Ortega at a coworker's 2013 Super Bowl party, I was struck by her candor and style. Simply put, she is cool as hell. As we became friends, I learned about her passion and drive to implement changes in the fashion industry, which is definitely a mutual interest. Earlier this year, after an incredibly quick turnaround time, Jamie released the first issue of Sumzine, a beautiful, editorial magazine that addresses the issue of fashion's growing mass consumption through thoughtful interviews with people who are actively working to mollify the need for MORE. This Thursday, April 24, is Fashion Revolution Day, a campaign meant to raise awareness about the dangers of unsustainable apparel manufacturing in places like BANGLADESH, where a garment factory collapsed one year ago. I recently spoke with Jamie to learn more about Sumzine, Fashion Revolution Day, and how she shops.
Shop Sumzine in Opening Ceremony stores
Dana Melanz: What was the thought in your head that ended up being the catalyst for Sumzine?
Jamie Ortega: I had initially wanted to do an anti-blog. I wanted a venue where people could see exciting fashion media that wasn’t trying to sell you a product or perpetuate an unattainable idea. I’m not the number one candidate to take on the bloggers. I'm cute but not that cute, so a biannual print project seemed a little more fitting and thoughtful. With a little—actually a lot of—help from my friends, we made it something real.
How did you create Sumzine?
I’m really lucky to know some of the coolest people who like making dope shit. I approached those who I thought would be interested in collaborating through Facebook or e-mail. That’s what got the ball rolling. There were a lot of freezing winter mornings with Dunkin Donuts. One of the interviews took place at Whole Foods, another one on New Year’s Day when no one was alive or sober. I had planned on it being a little more cut-and-paste like the zines I made when I was a teen. But in the final hour, my roommate—who happens to be an ill designer—took the whole thing and made it really sexy. We printed the beast at this place in Midtown. It was a completely self-funded project. Mad love to AmEx!
What is Sumzine's manifesto?
In two words, it’s simply "better fashion." I mean that from a consumer perspective, not the glossy editorial one. We just want to send a message that it’s ok to trust your gut and buy what you like—that’s a sustainable way of purchasing. You don’t have to be crunchy to be green.
What is the meaning behind Sumzine's name?
Everything adds up! What we buy is what we perpetuate, and there’s a trickle-down effect all the way down the supply chain. So there’s that. Also, I wanted it to sound kinda cheeky like it’s just ‘some zine.’
How did you find contributors?
I’ve been in New York for four years. I think everyone I met along the way contributed in some shape or form, to be honest! It was a lot of pals [and] people I met at Opening Ceremony, Tinder, or just [through] a blind e-mail. Solid group!
What is your background?
I’ve been in the fashion industry for ten years wearing many different hats. A lot of my time was spent in luxury retail, e-commerce, and stylin
Shop Sumzine in Opening Ceremony stores
Dana Melanz: What was the thought in your head that ended up being the catalyst for Sumzine?
Jamie Ortega: I had initially wanted to do an anti-blog. I wanted a venue where people could see exciting fashion media that wasn’t trying to sell you a product or perpetuate an unattainable idea. I’m not the number one candidate to take on the bloggers. I'm cute but not that cute, so a biannual print project seemed a little more fitting and thoughtful. With a little—actually a lot of—help from my friends, we made it something real.
How did you create Sumzine?
I’m really lucky to know some of the coolest people who like making dope shit. I approached those who I thought would be interested in collaborating through Facebook or e-mail. That’s what got the ball rolling. There were a lot of freezing winter mornings with Dunkin Donuts. One of the interviews took place at Whole Foods, another one on New Year’s Day when no one was alive or sober. I had planned on it being a little more cut-and-paste like the zines I made when I was a teen. But in the final hour, my roommate—who happens to be an ill designer—took the whole thing and made it really sexy. We printed the beast at this place in Midtown. It was a completely self-funded project. Mad love to AmEx!
What is Sumzine's manifesto?
In two words, it’s simply "better fashion." I mean that from a consumer perspective, not the glossy editorial one. We just want to send a message that it’s ok to trust your gut and buy what you like—that’s a sustainable way of purchasing. You don’t have to be crunchy to be green.
What is the meaning behind Sumzine's name?
Everything adds up! What we buy is what we perpetuate, and there’s a trickle-down effect all the way down the supply chain. So there’s that. Also, I wanted it to sound kinda cheeky like it’s just ‘some zine.’
How did you find contributors?
I’ve been in New York for four years. I think everyone I met along the way contributed in some shape or form, to be honest! It was a lot of pals [and] people I met at Opening Ceremony, Tinder, or just [through] a blind e-mail. Solid group!
What is your background?
I’ve been in the fashion industry for ten years wearing many different hats. A lot of my time was spent in luxury retail, e-commerce, and stylin