Our Mission
Mission of Flipped or Flopped
Flipped or Flopped Sustainable Fashion Club is a student-driven organization at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor that aims to empower its members to become advocates for sustainable consumerism and practices in the fashion industry, equipped with knowledge, skills, and networks to drive positive change within the community and beyond. Through educational pieces, community workshops and other project initiatives, Flipped or Flopped is committed to building a foundation of students to engage with communities on- and off-campus on the value of sustainability in the fashion industry.
Brief History
of Flipped or flopped
Story of Our Founding
Flipped or Flopped started in 2020 by (now) alumni of Propel Business Club at the University of Michigan as an online newsletter subscription born out of the desire to educate readers on the truth behind the fashion industry’s destructive practices and the often lack of progress to change.
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Every other week, the Flipped or Flopped team would send along researched information and resources on the world of sustainable fashion as well as actionable steps towards sustainable consumerism to combat harmful textile manufacturing practices. Newsletters included educational pieces, business spotlights, student features, and a Q&A section, and more.
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In Fall Semester of 2023, Flipped or Flopped expanded past being a newsletter subscription to collaborate with other campus organizations like SHEI Magazine in organizing pop-up thrift shops on campus.
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In Winter Semester of 2024, Flipped or Flopped officially established itself as a new student organization under then-project manager, and now founder, Fiona Huang. Flipped or Flopped was established with the hopes of expanding to become a hub for students interested in sustainability and fashion and to empower the advocacy for sustainable consumerism and practices in the fashion industry.
Our Three Pillars
Objectives and Aims: There are three main purposes (pillars) of Flipped or Flopped Sustainable Fashion Club: to collaborate, to network and to create within the sustainability and fashion sphere.
To Collaborate: Fostering Community of Learning and Action
The first pillar of Flipped or Flopped (collaborate) is to provide a hub for students interested in sustainability and fashion to come together and share personal experiences and backgrounds. Through holding informative and interactive discussions on emerging trends and topics in the intersection of fashion and sustainability as well as skill-developing workshops, we empower members to be pioneers in an emerging new market.
To Network: Building Community Connections through Project Initiatives and Events
Students interested in both sustainability and fashion operate within an interesting niche and benefit from collaborating with like minded peers. Through organizing cross-organizational events and conferences, inviting guest speakers, and spearheading various project initiatives, Flipped or Flopped aims to provide networking opportunities to members for professional development and to engage greater communities.
To Create: Developing Tangible Skills through Hands-On Workshops
In line with our commitment to fostering creativity and resourcefulness, the third pillar of Flipped or Flopped is dedicated to equipping our members with practical skills that transcend traditional fashion norms. Through hands-on workshops focused on clothes mending, upcycling, repurposing and thrifting techniques, we aim to empower individuals to reimagine wardrobes and make sustainable fashion choices. Through interactive and collaborative workshop sessions, we not only cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation and raise awareness about the importance of clothing sustainability, but we also inspire our community to be proactive agents of change in the fashion industry.
