To be considered an ethical lover of fashion it means you see clothing for their full value.
“The decisions we make today with regard to sustainability will largely set out how the next few decades unfold and what form this damage might take” says fashion lecturer and owner of Trendlistr Louisa Rodger’s, who believes that shoppers must chose a sustainable fashion future.
The fashion industry can’t ignore the climate crisis, with 8% of greenhouse gas emissions being from clothing production. Choosing a sustainable path when consuming fashion shouldn’t be a trend of the moment, but a lifestyle that we must follow in order to save our planet.
“I think we owe it to the world to be conscious of our habits and the way that we consume. Ignorance in any form is ugly to me”
Shop Smart
With clothing demands rising, consumers are moving toward fast fashion brands for their clothing fix even if its slowing killing the environment, “Fast fashion, like fur, was a moment in time. It cannot represent the future of fashion” says Louisa Rodgers.
“Fashion lovers should value, treasure, covet their pieces and this mentality should be at the forefront of how brands are marketing their sustainable products.”
“It’s barbaric to think it acceptable to purchase a garment to be worn once, then discarded. Fast fashion reinforces beauty ideals instead of encouraging individualism” says Richard Murr from Open House & The Spare Room.
The demand for ethical clothing has increased by 19.9%. So leave behind your fast fashion habits and choose an ethical clothing store, the North East is bursting with sustainable brands.
Richard Murr, owner of the ethical brand Open House, wants customers to understand the importance of having an ethical mindset when consuming. Instead of passively shopping, we must be conscious of our shopping habits.
In a modern society ,“Questioning your decisions and striving to make a change is so important” says Richard who, since opening in June 2018, has had a great response from customers who support and understand the company’s ethos.
“We are no longer just a vintage store selling great fashions. We introduced a refill station, allowing customers to refill their own containers with shampoo, body wash and laundry liquid.”
Try Vintage
The growing vintage market could be the future of fashion, “revival of the vintage clothing industry is one of the main trends” says Louisa Rodgers owner of fashion brand Trendlistr.
Founded by Louisa Rodgers, her company is an example of a successful and well-established vintage store. Originally Trendlisr traded retro and vintage fashion but has now introduced its own collection of clothing.
“I want to pioneer made-to-order manufacturing as a way of cutting down on unsold inventory, excess waste materials and returns. I’m passionate about producing my garments in the UK and having full control over that process.”
At the time where society is rethinking its shopping habits, vintage clothing offers a more curated and unique approach to consuming fashion, something that can’t be found at fast fashion retailers.
“Shopping in pre-loved or vintage stores greatly reduces the strain on resources which are exploited in the fashion industry. Consumers, especially the younger generations, are becoming more creative with their styles, edging away from traditional ideals” says Richard Murr from Open House & The Spare Room.
Go into the next decade with the mindset of saving the planet, shopping sustainably and living ethically.
