Embracing Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World
Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World:
An interview with Erin Polowy.
Verena (Erin) Polowy learned how harmful + destructive the fashion industry is while studying fashion design. Seriously questioning her career path, Erin knew she had to find a way to advocate for sustainable + ethical fashion practices.
Erin helps others build conscious wardrobes through her sustainable fashion + conscious living YouTube channel + blog, My Green Closet.
Defining Terms:
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Conscious fashion is an umbrella term for responsible fashion.
— > Ethical fashion focuses on garment workers. Are they provided decent working conditions? Are they paid fairly?
— > Sustainable fashion emphasizes the environmental impact of garments.
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Nothing will change in the fashion industry unless we change the way in which we consume.
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Why is fast fashion so terrible, exactly?
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– It requires constant turnover of product, which contributes to textile waste + microfiber pollution.
– Fast fashion is inexpensive, thus reinforcing the idea that clothes are a disposable commodity.
– Fast fashion garment workers generally aren’t adequately compensated.
– The toxins + pollutants created in the manufacturing process may not be properly disposed of.
– A reliance on trendy items limits the creation of personal senses of style.
What’s slow fashion?
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Slow fashion emphasizes quality over quantity + features classic styles in sustainable fibers that last for years and years.
Peruse Erin’s exhaustive directory of conscious brands here.
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Small changes for huge impact: Erin’s ethical fashion tips.
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1. End impulse buys.
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Think before buying by asking yourself these questions:
– How much will I wear it?
– What will I wear it with?
– Do I actually need it?
– Does it actually fit?
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2. Shop secondhand.
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Find 21st Century thrifting tips here.
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3. Check out the 30 wears campaign.
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Aim to wear everything at least 30 times.
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4. Take care of your clothes.
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Find tips for caring for your clothes here.
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5. Mend items instead of throwing them away.
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Easy mending ideas without a sewing machine can be found here.
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6. Rent outfits for fancy occasions.
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Rent the Runway is one reputable online rental site.
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7. Celebrate the items you’ve had for years.
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Talk about these items + share their stories with others.
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How do you commit to slow fashion? Leave your best tips in the comments!
