Bianca Bardoe
Actor
We'd love to hear a little about you - what is your current journey, and what things from your past influence you as you move forward?
I don’t know exactly where I am on my journey, but it feels like a good place. I worked a lot last year which felt great after spending my first year in the industry in lockdown. That year taught me a lot about patience, and how family really is the most important thing. The fear involved in completely changing my career from fashion to acting taught me that you should always take the risk. And I suppose I have held on to curiosity from my childhood. As kids, we were always encouraged to question everything, and I think that feeds into so much of what I do now.
What does sustainability mean to you?
To me sustainability means many things - commitment, education, awareness. It’s about making the future of generations to come a viable one. And if that is too difficult to comprehend, it’s about making it possible to meet the needs of our own future - so many environmental crises are happening and will happen in our lifetimes. I suppose the first step is a willingness to change, and that takes commitment.
As an actress, what do you love about your industry, and what changes would you still like to see?
What I love about the industry is the work - the exploration of the character and of yourself, the storytelling, the living and working a little out of your comfort zone! From a sustainability point of view, I think there is a lot of room for improvement. You read a lot about the ‘net-zero commitments’ of fashion brands, tech companies etc., but less so about the film production industry. I’d like to see the film industry hold itself to higher standards for building sustainable production practices - and really I think that requires systemic change.
How much of the weight of trying to protect the planet should be on the individual - what are the specific things you try to be aware of yourself? What can we do as individuals, and where should the government and companies take responsibility?
I do think sustainability is a personal responsibility, mainly because I believe that if we can change our consumption patterns on a larger scale we might be able to influence companies into changing theirs. I’ve seen my attitude towards consumption really change - I try to buy only what I need, I rarely eat meat, I have moved entirely away from ‘fast fashion’, I even compost…in London! I understand that often it is a privilege to be able to make those choices, but if you can, you must play your part. That said, ultimately climate change is a global threat that requires global reform. Holding our governments and larger companies to account comes under our personal responsibility.
In your opinion, what are some good ways of slowing down our approach to consumption? Where can we re-focus, and re-think in terms of our modern lifestyle?
I think it’s about doing more with less. It’s clear people need to buy less - the statistics speak for themselves on how much we waste every year, particularly with food and clothes - but I’d be a hypocrite if I told people to stop shopping. Mindfulness is key. Buy from brands that are committed to the environment and sustainability. Buy pieces that you know you will wear or use over and over again. Look after your things and they will last longer. We are surrounded, almost overwhelmingly so, by options. Now, more than ever, it’s about making the right choice.
We would love to hear more about your approach to fashion, wardrobe and style?
I really value quality and design over anything else and I think my style reflects that. I used to (try to!) follow trends but now I think I have more of a sense of what is ‘me’ and what’s not. When I buy I look for quality and pieces that I know I will wear for years. I’m a strong believer in wearing what makes you feel your best - sometimes that’s just jeans and a white t-shirt - and that’s fine!
Is there a garment (or more!) in your wardrobe that is of special importance to you / has an interesting story you would like to share?
My Mum worked in The Cashmere Studio before I was born and I have a few pieces that she played a part in designing. The quality is amazing - they’re older than me and they still look and feel great. They’re classic styles and I can’t see myself ever parting with them (unless I get to pass them on to my own children!). I also have a vintage Prada jacket from my godmother - again, totally timeless and amazing quality - that I can see becoming a modern heirloom. Lastly, my engagement ring is also a vintage piece that my partner had engraved…all pre-loved pieces that I will keep forever.
Photographed by @alexbramall
Styled by @nataliewj wearing a dress made out of blazers from @crisis_uk and safety pins.
All jewellery Bianca's own.
Make-up @karinaconstantine
Hair @a_day_at_the_factory
Styling assistant @imanebenbetka
Location @drop__studios