In Conversation with Brynn Heminway
Founder of Display Copy
Q: Why did you start Display Copy?
A: I’ve always loved fashion, but after 20 years in the industry, the gap between my values and my work became impossible to ignore. Display Copy was born from that dissonance—to offer a more aligned way forward. I wanted to create a platform that celebrates personal style without contributing to planetary harm.
“Nothing new is sustainable. But everything old still has something to say.”
Q: What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability is not enough. We need to move beyond sustaining the status quo and into repair and regeneration. Circular fashion is our way of contributing to that shift—keeping garments in use, celebrating what already exists, and closing the loop on waste.
Q: What is circular fashion?
Circular fashion is a system where clothing never ends up in landfill. Every item is designed or chosen to stay in motion — through repair, resale, recycling, or composting. Waste isn’t an afterthought; it’s a design flaw we aim to eliminate.
"Waste is a design flaw. Circular fashion is the correction."
Q: What does “new” mean in this context?
"New" is anything you consciously invite into your life. It doesn’t need to be freshly produced. A 1970s blouse can be new if it lights you up today. The real question is: will you treasure it? Will it stay with you?
Q: Why vintage?
Because it’s beautiful, because it already exists, and because it’s a powerful solution. Fashion is a massive contributor to carbon emissions—vintage is one way we can each lower our impact while still expressing who we are.
“Vintage is the new luxury. Thrift is the new streetwear.”
Q: What’s the hardest part of curating vintage?
Abundance. There’s no shortage of incredible pieces out there. But finding the right ones—and showing how they can live today—takes time, vision, and care. That’s our role.
Q: Can vintage still be on trend?
Absolutely. Trends are expressions of collective energy. You can be in the conversation without buying into the churn. Style is timeless; trends are just the lens.
Q: Does Display Copy focus on a certain era?
No. If it already exists, it’s fair game. We pull from across time to offer something relevant now—drawing from fashion’s past to shape its future.
Q: How do you personally shop more consciously?
I use wishlists. If something still resonates after a little time and space, that’s when I know it’s worth bringing into my life. I also think about where my clothes go when I’m done—donating, recycling, or upcycling whenever possible.
Q: Can fashion be a force for good?
Yes—when we remember it’s not just product, but communication. Fashion sits at the intersection of culture, society, and ecology. If we align it with care, justice, and imagination, it can be a vehicle for change.
“Fashion is a mirror. Let’s use it to reflect better values.”
Q: What about size inclusivity and representation?
Display Copy exists because I was told—more times than I can count—to make my work “more white,” “less urban,” “less fat.” Those experiences broke me. This platform is my response: a place where everyone is worthy of being seen.
Q: How do you justify printing a physical magazine?
We publish in small runs using compostable materials and FSC-certified paper. Print allows us to engage industry insiders, inspire artists, and create something people want to keep. It’s intentional. Not disposable.
Q: Thoughts on cultural appropriation in fashion?
It comes down to curiosity and respect. Appreciation isn’t the same as consumption. The Fashion and Race Database is an incredible resource for learning more—I recommend it to everyone.
Q: What does the future of fashion look like?
Circular. Regenerative. Reimagined. A world where vintage becomes aspirational, recycled becomes everyday, and fast fashion becomes obsolete. We already have what we need—it’s just a matter of shifting our gaze.
“We don’t need more. We need better.”