The Victoria & Albert Museum defines ethical fashion as “an umbrella term used to describe ethical fashion design, production, retail, and purchasing. It covers a range of issues such as working conditions, exploitation, fair trade, sustainable production, the environment, and animal welfare.” More is being done to improve the standards of the fashion industry, with an increasing number of designers choosing to use faux-fur over real fur in their collections, as seen by Gucci as of their Spring 2018 collection, and with Chanel announcing today that they are going to stop using exotic animal skins and fur after the house stated that it was struggling to source those which met their ethical and quality standards, WWD reports. Harper’s Bazaar reported that while “Chanel will no longer use fur and exotic animal skins in future collections, it may take some time for products that include them to work their way out of boutique distribution.” The house has joined the growing list of fashion brands that are adopting a fur-free policy, including Versace, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood.
So while more is being done by the fashion houses, what can we do as consumers to shop ethically?
“The UK alone throws away 1 million tonnes of clothing every year.” – Waste Online
With fast fashion remaining the principal way we consume clothing and accessories it is harming our environment and we need to take action to change our shopping habits. We all fall victim to a Primark bargain every now and then but next time stop to think about who made that item of clothing? Were they paid enough for it? What were their working conditions like? And seriously reconsider whether you even need the item or not. I don’t know about you but so many times I’ve bought something because it was on sale or it was an impulse buy – because “why not?”- and I’ve never worn it. It is essential that this attitude to fashion and clothes changes soon. We need to be buying less from fast-fashion, high street brands and exploring new options. I am a big fan of thrift and charity shops because you never know what you might find. Sure its not the most practical way of shopping for specific items but its so much more fun! I love going through the rails of clothing, keeping an eye out for a real gem.
Another option for those of you with more money to spend is vintage. Some people don’t like the idea of wearing a dead persons coat but I like to think of the history of each piece, who wore them and what they did. Each item has so many stories and the clothes can be so beautiful. Personally I don’t recommend head-to-toe vintage if you want to stay on trend, but mixing vintage pieces with your current wardrobe can give you so many possibilities. Plus, you know no one else will be wearing the same thing as you.
If you’re like me, you’ll probably go through fazes where you hate every thing in your wardrobe and just want to throw it all out and start again. This is when I get creative. If you’re tired of your current clothes and can use a sewing machine, I recommend up cycling. Reinventing your clothes can make such a difference in your wardrobe, even if it’s just cutting jeans into shorts. You get a new item of clothing and you don’t have to spend any money! Another place to look for ethical clothes is independent boutiques, whether high street shops or online. Personally I love ASOS marketplace because it is full of vintage and new independent brands, most of which practise ethical production methods.
All of these options help improve how you shop, by making the most of what you have and by buying from sustainable sources. Not to mention your wardrobe will become more unique and have more personality than simply buying whatever’s on trend. You’ll be helping the environment and looking good doing it.
Sources:
Vam.ac.uk. (2018). Ethical Fashion – Victoria and Albert Museum. [online] Available at: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/w/what-is-ethical-fashion/ [Accessed 4 Dec. 2018].
de Klerk, A. (2018). Chanel to stop using exotic animal skins and fur. [online] Harper’s BAZAAR. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/a25395318/chanel-ban-exotic-animal-skins/ [Accessed 4 Dec. 2018].
Lauren Rees 