Ethical Fashion: What does it mean to you?

How can we be more sustainably conscious with our clothes? Use them more, recycle, and buy less

I’m no expert, but I’ve been thinking – probably before ethical fashion became buzz words – that we should use and recycle our clothes more and not consume so much.

Some of my clients know the joy it gives me to construct new outfits from items they already own, that they wouldn’t think to use together, getting a whole new look and using more of their wardrobe – also saving them money. I’m all for that, although I love shopping! I’ve also been known to recommend hiring clothes, rather than buying, although this isn’t something my clients are yet on board with. But I do see that as a shift change in the future.

I haven’t consciously stopped buying clothes and accessories myself – although Stoptober seems a great time to start – but I have been promoting swishing (clothes swapping) and altering your things to make them last longer – for around eight years now. I have surprised myself sometimes with my creativity of ideas for clients, and they’re usually surprised too, to think what else they can do with something. (Do get in touch if you have something you don’t use but don’t want to depart with – I love a challenge ….)

Federation of Image Professionals International “Virtual” Conference

I attended the Federation of Image Professionals (FIPI) Virtual Annual Conference yesterday, 25^th September 2021, and it made me realise that I still do not know enough about fashion brands and what they are actually doing (not just saying) to stop depleting the finite resources of our planet. It will be interesting to see how easy it is to find this out…..

What does “ethical fashion” mean to you?

I’m interested to know what ethical fashion means to you, my reader? (It does seem to encompass many things, and has a wide interpretation to different stakeholders, so I would love to know what it means to you at this moment in time.)

For the FIPI Bookclub in June 2020 we read “Slave to Fashion” by Safie Minney, which was quite an eye-opener about exploitation of clothes makers for profit and so on. The thing is, although “ethical fashion” is becoming quite trendy, are we really making any progress?

The Challenge

I was challenged yesterday to play my part more in this industry, to help my individual clients make changes, which will all add up to something greater. For my part I will be researching brands more in terms of their sourcing of items, what materials they are made from, and how far they travel to the consumer, before I buy something in future. My favourite brands will be first to get my attention, and I hope they pass the ethical test.

Please tell me what you are currently doing to play your part in being more mindful about what is in your wardrobe, and how important the ethics of a clothing brand are to you. I think we will all be going towards “sustainable” in some shape or form, but maybe you haven’t started thinking yet how this applies to your wardrobe. If that is the case, there is no need to beat yourself up, perhaps just reading this has made you think, and that would be great, because we all have to start somewhere.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Fiona

Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722