The Fashionista Who Wised Up
MICHAL LEVI ARBEL
Fashion & Sustainability Expert
Former fashion journalist turned leading sustainability expert. Lecturer, consultant, and co-author of "Life is Short, Don't Fix Your Shoes."
My Story
About Michal
Michal Levi Arbel is a sustainability expert, lecturer, consultant, and author. A former fashion journalist at Yedioth Ahronoth, she left the fast fashion world at 28 following a moral awakening about the true cost of obsessive consumerism.
As a journalist at Yedioth Ahronoth and Xnet, she wrote daily about trends, colors, designers, and must-have items. One day, a brand representative told her that a 99.90-shekel dress wasn't expensive because it was disposable — and Michal realized she was part of a machine she could no longer support.
She left, completed a Master's degree at the Porter School of Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University, specializing in fast fashion's environmental impact. Since then, she has become one of Israel's leading voices in sustainable fashion.
Today Michal lectures to organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions, consults on ESG and sustainability strategy, and is the co-author of "Life is Short, Don't Fix Your Shoes," published by Keter.
"The obsessive consumerism of the Western world is a problem we all pay the price for."
10+
Years in the Field
100+
Lectures Given
50+
Published Articles
1
Published Book
What I Do
Areas of Expertise
Lectures
Lectures and workshops for companies, municipalities, organizations, and educational institutions on sustainable fashion, textile waste, and conscious consumption.
Sustainability Consulting
ESG and sustainability consulting for companies — building sustainability strategies, communicating sustainability values, and producing ESG reports.
Writing & Content
Articles, educational content, and journalism on fashion and sustainability. Including collaborations with magazines and digital platforms.
The Lecture
The Fashionista Who Wised Up
The lecture that changes perspectives
A lecture bridging the world of fashion and sustainability — in a personal, honest, and insightful way. Michal shares her personal story and reveals the true price of fast fashion.
"The new fashionista is attentive to herself, delays gratification, and cares about the environment."
Lecture Topics
- 52 fashion seasons per year — the truth behind the model
- The true cost of a $5 shirt
- 21 million tons of textile waste per year
- Consumer psychology and what drives us to buy
- How to build a sustainable and satisfying wardrobe
Suitable For
- Businesses and organizations
- Municipalities and local authorities
- Educational institutions and schools
- Fashion festivals and events
Past venues include
Tel Aviv Fashion Week, WIZO Bigudiyot, Tel Aviv Municipality, Kan 11, Givat Shmuel Center
The Book
BestsellerLife is Short, Don't Fix Your Shoes
A practical guide to a sustainable wardrobe
75
weeks
Over a year and a half on Israeli bestseller lists
Together with Shelly Gross (The Dresser), Michal co-authored a revolutionary book about what happens when your wardrobe is full but you have nothing to wear. The book examines overconsumption, reveals the true costs of fast fashion, and offers simple principles for building a sustainable, satisfying wardrobe.
"Shopping is fun, but let's rise above it."
Official Book Video
From the Keter Books official page
Media
Interviews & Podcasts
Episode on Slow Fashion
Choose Right | Hilly Sorek
On defining sustainable fashion, whether it's only for the wealthy, and practical tips for responsible shopping.
Researching What Burns in You — From Activism to Academia
Research with a Good Head | Dr. Shira Daskal
On the journey from fashion journalism to academic research, and turning activism into a master's thesis.
Watch the Episode