Debra Shaw by Johnson Lui in 'Tierra' for L'Officiel Mexico April 2020

Model Debra Shaw covered the April 2020 issue of L’Officiel Mexico, styled by Scott Shapiro in images by Johnson Lui./ Hair by Junya Hakashima; makeup by Ayaka Nihei

In a world convulsing with activism around social justice, race relations, protecting the environment, gender equity and the core attitudes and biases of leaders in fashion and media, Shaw’s modern styling against Mother Earth prompts me to share some words of wisdom from Eco-Age in my morning reading.

These concept have always guided Anne of Carversville, but there’s an element of desperation to them now more important than ever. I’ve wept so much in recent weeks that I actually got a serious eye infection — now finally clearing. ~ Anne

People are realising that the capitalist system in which we are living is collapsing. It is no longer possible to maintain this lifestyle, consumption and production without causing irreversible damage to the planet and the lives of future generations. It is no accident that more and more young activists are becoming aware and expressing their concern for the future.  

Nonetheless, there are still only a handful of people who look at indigenous populations as a reference when it comes to sustainable solutions. Western society tends to consider itself more developed and advanced, simply because it has economic power and a monopoly on technology. But in reality it is poor, because it denies diversity while destroying and depleting the resources of the entire planet. The people considered 'undeveloped' and 'unscientific,' on the other hand, have a wealth that goes beyond material things; the wisdom of maintaining life on this planet. If there was a system breakdown, perhaps the only ones able to survive would be the indigenous peoples, as they know the environment around them and know how to extract what they need from it.