Though it may seem like we only focus on the latest and greatest, we here at Fashion Moves Forward also like to cast our eyes outside of the mainstream to bring you people whose ideas we feel are important. Auckland native Arlo Pavlovich is one such person, and today we would like to present to you his creative project, Future Studios, and to introduce an initiative that is truly worth sharing: the Deep Blue Project.

The Project is a short run of eight pieces, representing the eight main threats facing marine wildlife, the proceeds of which will go to eight charities: the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the Oceanic Preservation Society, the American Cetacean Society, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Ocean Conservancy, the Institution for Ocean Conservation Science, Oceana, and Team O.R.C.A. Speaking to Arlo, he told me that the idea arose from a lifelong love for the ocean and all its creatures, many of whom are facing growing threats from practices such as overfishing, plastic pollution, oil and gas exploration, tourism, and of course climate change. Though these threats are being faced by ocean life the world over, the potential dangers are especially poignant here in New Zealand, as we are not only an island nation, but one that prides itself on the health and vibrancy of our marine ecosystems. Speaking to Arlo about the project, he had the following to say:

"The Deep Blue Project was an idea I've had since I started Future Studios, it is a cause I have always supported and felt an obligation towards. My aim for this specific project was to get the message out there that the oceans are such an important part of human lifestyle - we need to take care of our oceans if we're to continue as a species."

And what about Future Studios itself?

"The idea behind the company was to create something that was a little more personal than just a clothing label, and to demonstrate that the things we do in the present have an enormous impact on our future, and I think that the fashion industry as a whole is incredibly wasteful and doesn't communicate the right message to the public. My main focus for the clothes I make is to avoid the idea of consumerism entirely by making a lot of my pieces from recycled fabrics. I try to create individuality in every piece, even down to the labels being cut and sewn in a different way for every piece, because for me the fashion industry was not entirely about a trend or a specific brand, it is about individuality and is the reason for the one-of-one approach to my work. I don't see the beauty in a piece anybody can go and buy from their local retailer, it has to be more than that - it has to be something you can take a step back and appreciate for the pure creation that it is, and I think there is a lot more longevity in that."

Thank you to Arlo for taking the time to speak with us, you can keep up with his work here, and if you want to support the Deep Blue Project, it launches online this Friday.