In the past few years we have seen a shift toward the so-called ‘slow fashion’ trend. This trend doesn't only refer to a sustainability movement, but it is slowly echoing into the type of clothing we see in shops and catwalks as well. As designers turn against hype and extravagance in favour of more considered collections, the fashion landscape is shifting to one of enlightenment.
What is slow fashion?
Slow fashion is a concept that opposes fast fashion. The movement advocates for conscious production, distribution, as well as mindful consumerism, as a response to the fashion industry that is polluting and wasteful. With 100 billion pieces of clothing produced worldwide each year and more than 15 million tons of used textile waste generated in the United States alone, slow fashion aims to refocus our energy towards shopping smarter, becoming more informed, and more mindful.
As opposed to fast fashion, slow fashion encourages initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint, child labour and other unethical industry practices as well as coming in better quality materials, such as natural and organic fabrics.
At Cherchez La Femme, we have put together a list of a few changes you can make in order to embrace the slow fashion movement:
Shop smart
Start thinking about your fashion choices the exact same way you think about your food choices and gain more information about it. Read the labels, check where it’s been made, try not to waste any of it and accept that better quality clothes, just like food, will cost a little more.
Investigate the brands
It is called slow fashion cause it might take some time to find your go-to sustainable brand. Be patient and investigate each and every brand that claims to be sustainable. Look for official GOTS certifications, ask questions on their social media and just keep an eye on their processes and the ethical practices they claim.
Opt for timeless pieces
Once you have found your sustainable go-to brand, always try to opt for timeless and classic pieces. This way, you will avoid following seasonal trends that will push you toward the ‘wear only once’ behaviour by only buying pieces that you can wear again and again year after year. Try adopting this technique for accessories as well as clothing!
Shop local and made-to-order
Made-to-order is one of the most sustainable approaches to fashion and because there’s no overproduction, less unwanted stock ends up in landfills, or even worse incinerated. Shopping made-to-order will also allow you to customise your pieces down to the size, colour, detailing, and even add-ons such as pockets and zippers. Did you know that at Cherchez La Femme, producing to order is our biggest mission?
Take care of your pieces
One of the most important aspects of slow fashion is to make sure the garments you invest in will last for a long time. From religiously reading the care label instructions, to asking your favourite slow fashion brands for care guides, down to how you wash or dry your clothes, everything plays a part in taking better care of the pieces you already own. The mission? Making them last as long as possible.
The slow fashion movement is on the rise, gaining mainstream popularity in recent years. As for the polluting fashion industry and fast fashion brands, the only way to go is down. The hope is for a world where toxic cheap clothing, excessive mass production, overcomplicated supply chains, textile waste, mindless consumption and polluting fast fashion brands will be a thing of the past. Vivienne Westwood said it best: ‘Buy less, choose well, make it last.’ Simply put, slow fashion is a much-needed reaction to fast fashion.
Lots of love,
Cherchez La Femme team x
[Information sourced on vogue.co.uk and thepearlsource.com
Photo 1 by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Photo 2 by Cam Morin on Unsplash
Photo 3 by Dan Gold on Unsplash