SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Irrespective of whether you believe in the evidence of global warming or not, it is impossible to ignore the devastating evidence of our systematic destruction of our planet in the news this week. California and Canada are facing soaring temperatures of well over 40 degrees Celsius and the Antarctic has recorded the highest ever temperatures this week.

As well as being an author, I am also an academic, fashion designer and stylist who have written extensively on the subject of sustainable fashion. I am passionate about promoting the need for shopping mindfully and with purpose, purchasing items that will last for many years to come. In essence it means classical garments of quality, made to last and not subject to the everchanging whims of fashion.

Sustainable fashion, also known as slow fashion, is buying only what we need and reducing the amount of clothes that end up in land waste sites or overburden already overwhelmed charity shops. It encourages us to rethink our relationship with clothes, creating an industry that benefits the planet and the people who work in the industry. It promotes a more ethical way of living and therefore consuming.

The slow fashion movement is having a significant impact on producers of fashion, both large and small. However, of equal importance is a change in consumer behaviour. It will only be sustained through a partnership between producers and consumers. Each one of us has a moral obligation to contribute to the efforts of saving our planet and we can do so through our buying habits.

The Slow Fashion movement also raises awareness of buying vintage or first loved clothes. It encourages us to redesign or alter items in our wardrobe thereby giving them a new lease on life. If you’re not a dab hand with the needle, find a dressmaker who can help you to transform garments you love or are reluctant to give up.

Do your bit and challenge your favourite brands by enquiring about the steps they are taking in producing ethically and environmentally conscious garments. Seek the help of a stylist as we can provide you with the know how to change your shopping habits and your relationship with your clothes.

Next time you shop for clothing, stop and ask yourself: “Do I really need this item and furthermore, what contribution has it made to global warming?”

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