In Conversation with Marina Testino

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Marina Testino, a creative force redefining the boundaries between fashion, photography, and sustainability. Known for her bold style and thought-provoking work, Marina brings activism and artistry together in everything she does. From her travels abroad to how she chooses her gear, she’s on a mission to prove that conscious consumerism can be vibrant, inclusive, and impactful. Keep reading to learn more about her journey, creative vision, and the meaningful ways she brings stories to life.

For those who might not be familiar with your work, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a creator, connector, and strategist focused on sustainability and conscious consumerism. I develop artivism campaigns that merge creativity, fashion, and environmental advocacy. Whether I’m wearing one suit for two months, curating editorials, or directing brand partnerships, everything I do aims to shift perceptions, inspire tangible change, and raise awareness around conscious consumerism. I want to show that sustainability can be fun, colorful, bold, creative, and inclusive!

You work at the intersection of fashion, photography, and sustainability—three very different but connected worlds. How did your journey into these spaces begin?
Creativity has always been in my life. Growing up surrounded by art and fashion, I was constantly exploring and questioning things. Studying Fashion Marketing at Parsons, interning at French Vogue, Purple PR, Orchard Mile, and Art Partner, and then starting my own clothing brand helped me understand the industry from the inside but also opened my eyes to its environmental footprint. Photography came naturally—it’s how I document stories and express ideas visually. From there, blending these worlds became my form of communication and the way I wanted to raise awareness about the issues in the fashion industry.

We love that you shoot on secondhand gear! How does using pre-owned cameras align with your sustainability values?

Honestly, growing up, I always borrowed my parents’ cameras. I never thought of it as “pre-owned,” but it was. It brings me back to the idea that we don’t need to own everything new to create beautiful things. When I discovered KEH, I got so excited — why not give camera gear a second life the same way we do with fashion? It’s a beautiful extension of conscious consumerism. I had been thinking about buying new cameras, but I was hesitant since I didn’t know which one to get or where to buy it, so I was very excited to discover that I could buy a pre-owned one with KEH.

You brought a KEH Certified™ Sony RX100 VII along on your trip to India. How did that camera perform for you, especially in such a dynamic and colorful setting?
I was super excited to shoot with this camera! The colors were incredible — it captured India’s vibrancy perfectly. Also, it felt so freeing to shoot without my phone. No notifications, just me and the camera. It helped me be present and really connect with what I was seeing.

You travel a lot — what’s in your camera bag when you’re on the go? Do you have any must-have gear for capturing your adventures?
I always have a card reader that plugs into my phone — I love being able to download images on the go. I also have a charger and an extra memory card. 

Sustainability is a big part of your mission. Where do you see the biggest opportunities for creatives to make a difference, whether in fashion, photography or beyond?

Education is everything. If we don’t know the problems — whether it’s microplastics, fast fashion, or energy usage — we can’t be part of the solution. Creatives have a superpower: we tell stories that spark curiosity. If we use that voice to highlight solutions and hold space for deeper conversations, we can shift culture from the inside out.

What advice would you give to those who want to be more sustainable in their creative work but don’t know where to start?
Start small and stay curious. Whether it’s thrifting materials, using secondhand gear, or just carrying a refillable water bottle, pick one thing and build from there. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. And talking about what you do can always inspire others to follow! 

This has been such a great conversation! Where can people follow your work and learn more about what you’re doing?
You can follow my work on Instagram at @marinatestino and check out my sustainability page @sustainablefridays.

About Marina Testino

Marina Testino is the director of strategic partnerships at Earth Partner, sustainability editor at Beyond Noise, advisory council at The Climate Museum, and contributor to Vogue Mexico y Latin America.

With nearly a decade of experience in the niche spaces of sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism, Marina is uniquely tapped into the new generation of consumers who are holding brands to higher social and environmental standards. She has worked with brands such as Stella McCartney, Gucci, UGG, and Davines; organizations like Greenpeace, United Nations, and Ellen MacArthur Foundation; and technology companies like Pentatonic, Oritain, and Pyratex.

In addition, Marina is known for her social media activations (via @MarinaTestino), such as #OneDressToImpress, where she took a stand against overconsumption and the stigma of “outfit repeating” by wearing the same suit for 60 days. Additional activations include #YellowLikeALemon, #WeSeaThrough, and #GreenRooms.