Fashion as Activism: How Daisy Riley Challenges the Status Quo

What if fashion wasn’t just about aesthetics—but about power, politics, and who gets heard?

In this episode of Creatively Eccentric, I chat with Daisy Riley, founder of the political fashion zine The Grey, to explore how creativity can be a form of activism. Daisy is redefining what fashion media can be by pushing past glossy trends and celebrity culture to spotlight substance, storytelling, and social impact.

We dive into the creation of The Grey and why Daisy felt compelled to challenge the limitations of mainstream fashion publications. She shares how fashion operates as a universal language—one that reflects culture, identity, and inequality—and why it deserves deeper, more critical conversations.

She also opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, particularly as a woman carving out space in a traditionally gatekept industry. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting your voice, embracing authenticity, and building confidence through meaningful work.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com
Subscribe & Listen

Apply to be a guest - Waitlist
Instagram
YouTube Playlist
Buy a Ko-Fi

Guest

The Grey Zine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreyzine/

Mentions

London College of Fashion
Alterist | Alexander McQueen | Vivienne Westwood

Key Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome is a common challenge, especially for women in leadership and creative roles
• Fashion lovers value detail and meaning, while fashion followers often chase trends
• Tokenism in fashion can lead to feeling visible but undervalued
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daisy and The Grey

00:17 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

00:54 Host Introduction - Daisy Riley

02:14 Educational Background and Early Career

05:01 Fashion Lovers vs. Fashion Followers

07:03 The Value of Physical Print

08:55 Challenging the Frivolous Narrative of Fashion

10:46 Tips for Aspiring Creators

13:05 Experiences with Tokenism

14:27 Fashion's Historical Exclusivity

17:02 Using Fashion as a Tool for Self-Expression

18:43 Inspirational Figures in Fashion

21:11 Behind the Scenes: Studio Draw Segment

24:49 Fashion as Free Speech

25:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

26:05 Outro

Creatively Eccentric™️