Sustainability and fashion are definitely at odds with one another.
As I'm sure you know, fast fashion is typified by mall brands such as Zara and H&M, who were the first to be able to push out new styles at a dizzying rate, often having mid season restocks instead of the 3 month cycle that retailers practiced. Online retailer Fashion Nova took the market by storm with faster than mall brand production and distribution, they could put out a new design within a week or two and they were a marketing juggernaut, and Shien and Temu followed in their footsteps.
The fashion industry is notoriously wasteful, and fast fashion is a major culprit in the creation of waste. The industry is also exploitive for the workers, with well-documented use of child labour and unsafe working conditions, and exploitation of young models, who are away from their homes and support structures. I think we can all agree that the fashion industry as a whole is awful.
There are tragedies that happen all too often, like the garment factory in Bangladesh that burnt down, killing 16 people, and that's just one example. This is the true cost of that $7 cute top.
No thanks, I do not want to support that!
So, what is slow fashion?
Cultivating a style and wardrobe of classic pieces that serve to make you look and feel great, is also a good way to push back against an industry that tries to dictate how everyone is dressed and make you feel too old fashioned for today.
One of the best ways to explore slow fashion, is by being very mindful of what you're buying (does it fit me, does it suit me, will I use it?) and adding to your collection. Whether you're thrifting new fits, or looking for that perfect something
Slow fashion is deliberate fashion, it's out with $7 impulse purchase tops, and in with that special top you've wanted for months and would go great with that skirt you have.
Slow fashion is old fashioned purchases, not buy now and high-pressure marketing tactics. It's about choosing garments that will stand the test of time, and quality over quantity.
Sustainability is achieved through choosing renewable fabrics for garments, such as eco-friendly cotton and bamboo, but there's nothing more sustainable than giving a new lease on life to a vintage piece.
Fashion in the past was a lot more ethically made. Typically, artisans hand-crafted sweaters and sewed garments that they provided, often to tailored measurements. When it comes to vintage reproduction manufacturing, most of the brands we carry here at Love Pinup are made in small batches by ethically-treated workers, with fair wages and safe working conditions.
Trends may come and go, but style endures and is not subject to the whims of an uncaring behemoth of an industry. Focus on timeless designs and wardrobe pieces, for an effortlessly chic look, and they will serve you in your day to day, without any guilt.
Where can I get this slow fashion you speak of?
Slow fashion is the antithesis of fast fashion, and it's available in places where you'd expect. From etsy handcrafting artisans, to thrift stores and consignment shops near you, ebay vintage sellers, and vintage reproduction clothing stores (yes, right here too).
The aim is to put together a wardrobe that you can use and remix, with a few special pieces too. You'll want about 6-10 tops, , a couple of coats and jackets, a few pairs of pants, some skirts (pencil or circle) if you like those. (...and if not, get some more pants!)
Accessories really change the look of your outfits too, and amp up your look. Think hats, scarves, bags and (importantly, in my opinion) brooches!
So that's it. We don't have to buy every bit of fashion that comes and goes, just buy some (practical) pieces that you like, and that's pretty much it.
