The Slow Fashion movement is turning Fast Fashion on its head. As an industry that churns out mass-produced clothing at a rapid pace, using cheap materials and labour to manufacture the latest trend item which will be thrown away as fast as it was produced, many are waking up to the negative impacts of fast fashion and looking to make more mindful wardrobe choices.
This growing consciousness and accountability throughout the fashion industry and fashion consumers is resulting in 3 main fashion movements. Consumers are growing more demanding of brands that can authentically answer the requirements of these movements.
ETHICAL FASHION
Ethical Fashion concerns human and animal rights. It is about fair treatment for the people and animals involved in making clothing, ensuring that people have equal opportunities, that cultural products are made in the correct locality and that all people and animals are treated with respect and dignity.
ECO/SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Eco / Sustainable Fashion concerns the impact of clothing production on the environment. It is about ensuring the protection of the environment, reducing the impact of manufacture through using local and sustainable materials, reducing wastage and emissions. It also incorporates reclaimed products and up-cycling.
LASTING FASHION
Lasting Fashion concerns the garment itself, and slowing down the rate of consumer consumption. It is about consciously choosing to purchase garments that are high quality and built for longevity, buying style rather than trend. Its concerns the intention behind the garment, its manufacture and development.
Slow Fashion unites these three fashion movements. It is the responsibility of all within the supply chain, representing the need for sustainability and ethics within the manufacturing industry, coupled with the mindful decision making and responsible consumption of consumers.
“Slow fashion is about consuming and creating fashion consciously and with integrity. It connects social and environmental awareness and responsibility with the pleasure of wearing beautiful, well-made, and lasting clothing (as compared to the immediate gratification of fast Fashion). — Kat Collings, Who What Wear