Sustainability in fashion is a paradox. Trends come in and out, drops happen nearly everyday, and fashion weeks seem to be year round. With ever-evolving “it” bags and “must haves” there seems to be no room for closet staples with a lifetime guarantee. Blame it on our covetous nature, but this issue, that both fashion and our world faces, is affecting our future.
We put immense pressure on our lawmakers, manufacturers, and fossil fuel industries to move toward sustainable practices but we seldom look inward and reflect on our twisted consumerism. We humans seem to have a particular abyss for fashion. Stepping away from high fashion and into everyday consumption, we get excited over new markdowns and warehouse sales. We’re ready to preserve our bank account on a “good deal”, before even considering whether this purchase will contribute to preserving our earth. Maybe it’s not about asking yourself “Do I really need this?” because that never keeps me from swiping my card. Instead it’s a question of “Can I buy this second-hand?” or “Can I borrow a similar piece from a friend?” or even “Can I upcycle/recreate this from pieces I already own?” Get crafty! Enjoy the chase, look on websites, buy it vintage. There are so many alternatives when building a unique closet. And for the staples, remember you don’t need four white Brandy Melville tanks; always work with what you have. In this period of ample time, we look toward developing new habits. Reflecting on our consumption can allow us to reemerge as more conscious and thoughtful shoppers.
0 Comments
|