Slow fashion
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Every week you can open any fashion magazine and see yet another new trend, which many go out and buy straight away. In fact, fashion trends move so fast that prices have come down because clothes shops are competing to feed our relentless need to stay in style. Welcome to fast fashion!
Fast fashion
Fast fashion is when companies make large quantities of cheap clothes as fast and as cheaply as possible. In fast fashion a sample or design sketch can be turned into a finished product in as little as 12 days!
Fast effects
In order to keep the cost of the clothes as low as possible, fast fashion items are often made in Asia and Africa and developing countries, where labour costs are much cheaper that in the UK.
In many of these countries the human rights of the workers are often ignored. In order to keep up with the demands of fast fasion they often have to put up with poor working conditions, long hours, unrealistic deadlines and low wages. The minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh for example is equivalent to £7.16 a month!
Read more about the effects of fast fashion.
Slow fashion
Slow fashion are clothes that are produced at a slower rate.
For workers in developing countries, where jobs in the fashion industry can mean a steady income to support families and communities, slow fashion means unrealistic deadlines are not set and salaries are more fair.
For the consumer, slow fashion means that clothes are made with more care, resulting in better quality.
For the environment it means less waste that comes as a result of people throwing clothes away when the trend has passed.
Slow awareness
Topshop now stock Fair Trade label People Tree in their London flagship store. The label believe in slow fashion and aim to make beautiful clothes while still being fair to those that produce it. They also provide training, funding education and allow enough time for production by hand.
They are members of the International Fair Trade Association and support 50 Fair Trade producer groups in 15 developing countries.
Think fair
What can you do to make a difference?
- Be aware. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when buying something, it’s your money!
- When buying a new item of clothing, think about who made it and whether you really need it.
- Value your purchases. Try to buy things you know you will keep for a long time. When you're done with them try to recycle them or pass them on to someone who will still wear them.
- Vintage fashion is in - hunt down some gems in car boot sales, charity stores or even your parents’ wardrobes.
- Be more creative – customise or find new ways to wear your gear.
- Try to support companies that produce Fair Trade goods.
- Sign up to become a member of the Ethical Fashion Forum for regular updates and info on upcoming events.
