At this point of hyper-capitalist consumption, there is so much erasure in the fashion industry. The expressive nature of style often veils the labor and time of the people who are sublimated to statistical points on the production line. Boots Riley’s new film, I Love Boosters, is poignantly reflective of this phenomenon, clothed in vibrant colors while representing the margins and alternative manifestations of the fashion industry.

Of course, the classic cop out, there is no ethical consumption under capitalism, soothes away the noise of an ever-churning machine of constant development and innovation. Yet, as hopeless as it may seem, it is invigorating to see an informed, student-led platform for slow-fashion and small designers. Hintz’ brand, Foster, has a deep personal significance:

“I learned being adopted was an experience that not everyone went through, but have since carried the knowledge that support can be given to anyone. Encouragement should be extended to everyone.”

This compassionate approach to business is unique given the competitive and commercial nature of the industry– I asked her more questions with regards to the feasibility of her goals. To this, she responded that Foster means to provide infrastructure for small businesses, which I agree is imperative given the ways that big corporate interests have monopolized the market. She admitted that “it's going to take time for a new cultural mindset to settle in, for people to trust the alternative over what they're used to”.

The mention of “trust” was gripping. What are fast-fashion companies and other corporate interests doing but exploiting the collective trust? Disengenously promising satisfaction in newness while degrading the environment, creating poverty, and manipulating the wants of their consumers? Hintz affirmed that sustainability is the company tenet, and emphasized the importance of reliability in that aspect–“small batch drops, pre-orders, and made-to-order models aren't workarounds, they're intentional, and they're exactly how overconsumption gets avoided in the first place”.

Apart from being a space for developing alternative infrastructure, Foster is also a showcase of a collective effort from UCLA students: branding, communication, marketing, models, and photographers. It speaks to a larger communal interest in a regenerative and eco-friendly movement amongst our peers, and its existence affirms the necessity for investment in resources and marketplaces such as itself. According to Hintz, the brand continues to be open to collaboration with student designers who align with its vision.

Browse the Foster site for yourself at viafoster.com, they are also on instagram @viafoster_, and tiktok @via.foster!