4.23.2016 / fashion, lifestyle
It's Time For A Fashion Revolution
Living through a time where election results physically made a lot of people's heart ache is eye-opening. We've come a long way as society yet there's so much work to be done. I like to think we are more connected to socially aware individuals than ever before. Because of the internet, we have the power to type in a few key words to figure out what's going on around us. With that said, I believe it's important that we spread awareness and try our best to find solutions.
Most people don't really think about this but, do you know if the clothes you're wearing right now were made ethically?
Many corporations exploit workers in other countries due to the fact that it's legal in these countries; big corporations do this in order to get a profit. Fast fashion companies predominantly partake in these unjust actions but some high-end houses do, too. It seems almost impossible to avoid purchasing from brands that do not take part in these actions. While it is true that this is a rampant issue, there are alternatives out there.
Take a good look at the device you're reading this from. We can look up (online or local) clothing shops that are ethically made and buy from there instead. If you think about it, we basically vote with our money and we should try to refrain from indirectly contributing to these practices. If big companies start to notice their numbers declining and customers complaining, they are bound to take action. We have the power to read up on a brand's values and see where their clothes are made! Thank our lucky stars for the internet. Although, unfortunately, sometimes it may be more costly to buy ethically made clothes, there's still a few options for those of us on a budget. There's thrift shopping! You can find unique and antique pieces in these places. It won't cost as much and more importantly, it won't cost someone's life. Also, it is important to note that some things may be worth investing, especially if it's for a good cause. Quality really beats quantity. If you have the means/patience to buy a few quality, long lasting, ethically-made staple items, it will always be better than buying a gazillion pieces that shrink after a few washes or that were unethically made. We have a choice and we have a voice.
I know what you're probably thinking.
"But Rachel, realistically speaking, it's not that easy to completely avoid these unethical practices. It's all around us."
You're absolutely right, it's not easy. And this goes for any unethical practice beyond the fashion industry. But it is your actions that speak for you. As long as you make an effort to advocate change, you shouldn't be too hard on yourself if you catch yourself buying things from these popular companies because we aren't perfect and the circumstances aren't always cookie-cutter. You can still spread awareness, write to the head of these companies, or even if you make the decision that one day to buy a shirt from a smaller artisan/local brand instead of Forever 21 -- you are still making a difference and you should be proud of that.
(The same goes for that vegetarian dish you ordered that one time instead of consuming meat!)
Bottom line: your genuine effort is valid. And this applies to a range of issues, including switching to veganism and cruelty-free beauty and fashion. The process doesn't have to be perfect but you can be conscious, make better decisions, inform others -- and that's already a step towards the right direction.
In my effort to spread awareness and promote ethically made products, I will be selectively speaking about where I get my products and garments. For the most part, I will not be posting where my products are from because I really just want my readers to focus on the art of pairing sartorial pieces together regardless of where it's from. I want to promote creativity and inspire others to find their own style. But from time to time, I'll be more than happy to add in ethical, alternative shops to get a similar look! Unfortunately, I cannot always afford ethical companies but I strive to make conscious decisions within my means. If I feel the need to mention products, I will make sure to emphasize when a product has been ethically made. My main focus is to show the world that this industry has a lot to offer and that together, we can make it a better place.
Thanks for reading!
Xx,
Rachel
Stay informed with http://fashionrevolution.org, http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com.
Photos courtesy of fashionrevolution.org.
Most people don't really think about this but, do you know if the clothes you're wearing right now were made ethically?
Many corporations exploit workers in other countries due to the fact that it's legal in these countries; big corporations do this in order to get a profit. Fast fashion companies predominantly partake in these unjust actions but some high-end houses do, too. It seems almost impossible to avoid purchasing from brands that do not take part in these actions. While it is true that this is a rampant issue, there are alternatives out there.
Take a good look at the device you're reading this from. We can look up (online or local) clothing shops that are ethically made and buy from there instead. If you think about it, we basically vote with our money and we should try to refrain from indirectly contributing to these practices. If big companies start to notice their numbers declining and customers complaining, they are bound to take action. We have the power to read up on a brand's values and see where their clothes are made! Thank our lucky stars for the internet. Although, unfortunately, sometimes it may be more costly to buy ethically made clothes, there's still a few options for those of us on a budget. There's thrift shopping! You can find unique and antique pieces in these places. It won't cost as much and more importantly, it won't cost someone's life. Also, it is important to note that some things may be worth investing, especially if it's for a good cause. Quality really beats quantity. If you have the means/patience to buy a few quality, long lasting, ethically-made staple items, it will always be better than buying a gazillion pieces that shrink after a few washes or that were unethically made. We have a choice and we have a voice.
I know what you're probably thinking.
"But Rachel, realistically speaking, it's not that easy to completely avoid these unethical practices. It's all around us."
You're absolutely right, it's not easy. And this goes for any unethical practice beyond the fashion industry. But it is your actions that speak for you. As long as you make an effort to advocate change, you shouldn't be too hard on yourself if you catch yourself buying things from these popular companies because we aren't perfect and the circumstances aren't always cookie-cutter. You can still spread awareness, write to the head of these companies, or even if you make the decision that one day to buy a shirt from a smaller artisan/local brand instead of Forever 21 -- you are still making a difference and you should be proud of that.
(The same goes for that vegetarian dish you ordered that one time instead of consuming meat!)
Bottom line: your genuine effort is valid. And this applies to a range of issues, including switching to veganism and cruelty-free beauty and fashion. The process doesn't have to be perfect but you can be conscious, make better decisions, inform others -- and that's already a step towards the right direction.
In my effort to spread awareness and promote ethically made products, I will be selectively speaking about where I get my products and garments. For the most part, I will not be posting where my products are from because I really just want my readers to focus on the art of pairing sartorial pieces together regardless of where it's from. I want to promote creativity and inspire others to find their own style. But from time to time, I'll be more than happy to add in ethical, alternative shops to get a similar look! Unfortunately, I cannot always afford ethical companies but I strive to make conscious decisions within my means. If I feel the need to mention products, I will make sure to emphasize when a product has been ethically made. My main focus is to show the world that this industry has a lot to offer and that together, we can make it a better place.
Thanks for reading!
Xx,
Rachel
Stay informed with http://fashionrevolution.org, http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com.
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