What to Expect at the 2022 Met Gala
The Met Gala has never fallen short of drama, extravagance, reinvention, and innovation. However, I truly believe that this will be a year of the prosperity of fashion in its most refined form: gilded glamour.
I shamelessly squealed when the theme of this years mat gala was released. Although receiving an invitation of my own is not quite realistic yet, I delight in living vicariously through those who opened the invitation, in all its grandeur, and read the fine print at the bottom revealing the theme: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”. I believe there will be many interpretations of the theme — as expected — yet a major showing of the prosperity, cultural revolutions, and industrialization of Gilded Age New York. During this period, not only did the world seemingly develop overnight, but so did fashion. Think Age of Innocence or The Social Graces. I imagine ruffles, silk, velvet, lace, soft shimmery jewel tones, and bountiful accessories.
Why an “Anthology of Fashion”? Shortly after the Gilded Age, Vogue was founded. Fabric production during this period was advanced and a magazine was created to document the development of fashion through the 1800s and for the rest of time. At this Gala I expect a collection of what was displayed in that first magazine yet modernized by McQueen, Dior, Laport, Dundas, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Guo Pei, and Giambasttista Valli. I predict a Bridgeton style ball adorned with heavy and precious metals, wet drapery techniques, and maximal accessories. The bigger the better in dresses, ruffles, and hair represents America is its rawest form.
Addressing individual guests and their designers, I would love to see Anna Wintour as the “Queen” of the Gala, wearing Oscar de la Renta with elements of Lagerfeld as a tribute, yet shifting away from the matronly patterns and shocking the world in royal tones and an unusually conducted gown. Wintour drops jaws with cohesive, sleek, and timeless looks, yet I was to see innovation from the host herself.
If America was a brand, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, and Ralph Lauren would have full reign. Think Kate Moss, Brooke Shields, denim, horse ranches, and old money. How fabulous would it be to see a play on Gilded Age glamour, modernized and developed through each decade. The materials are all cohesive — silk, satin, lace. All we need is the designers to execute. This is the perfect opportunity for a Neoclassical spin one higher Anthology of Fashion that we all need to see.
Honorable mentions go to mixed metals, using hair as the accessory of the night, and the Beiber’s first Met Gala together. I also expect Guo Pei’s construction and color scheme to display a diverse yet perfectly fitting interpretation of the theme.
It’s almost time for the best day of the year and the anticipation is killing me! More later!
xoxo,
Annie
Capsule Wardrobes: A Study of Timeless Trends
I love the juxtaposition of the phrase “timeless trends”. Their definitions contradict their core meanings in the perfect way. To be timeless requires something to transcend time. Trends oscillate like great waves of public opinion. Therefore, there are few things as powerful timeless trends.
The final step of our sustainable fashion journey requires dedication. It requires a willingness to sort and sift through piles of trending items to find the one that rings the bells of timelessness. However, I can promise a reward that will last a lifetime and many more: a lifelong wardrobe. So what are capsule wardrobes? Capsule wardrobes were first coined the term in the 1940s to describe a small but mighty collection of clothing that is cohesive, quality, and versatile, ultimately eliminating the need to give into trends and purchase new clothing as often. Creating these wardrobes decreases the chances of buying useless pieces and erases the phrase “I have nothing to wear” from one’s vocabulary.
In creating a capsule wardrobe, you want to focus on only keeping and purchasing pieces that can be mixed and matched, are of high quality, are versatile, and make you feel confident. What is the point of keeping one-time-wear pisces that do not match, tear, and are uncomfortable? Start by going through your closet and picking everything that you love. Make a maybe pile, sift through that making wise decisions, and donate everything else. This will leave the perfect base for you to evaluate your personal style and add on to what is existing as the years progress.
To create a starter wardrobe, here are a few pieces, all from Aritzia, that are must-haves as building blocks for the future: white t-shirt, black long sleeve, solid-colored crewneck, white button-up, sleek going-out tops, wool sweater, blazer, trench-coat, slip dress, leather, denim, and trouser pants, versatile bag, white sneakers, loafers, and a pair of sunglasses.
Style-icons such as Matilda Djerf in her oversized power suits and Swedish summer aesthetic, and Claire Rose Cliteur in her ballet slippers and French mysterious girl aesthetic radiate timelessness while expressing their personal styles. Xenia Adonts also has capsule wardrobes in a chokehold, styling designer basics as the ultimate cool girl.
By actually buying into capsule wardrobes, you are not only making your life easier, but the world greener. Fast fashion retailers will gradually be put out of business and thrift stores will explode with donations. Sustainable brands will adapt and create clothing with their eco-friendly materials that fits perfectly on the body and in our closets. Sustainable fashion does not have to be boring. There are ways to express your inner style with a unique capsule wardrobe. However, the best things in life are often the simplest ones, and by taking this step, our closets are becoming cleaner and greener.
xoxo,
Annie
Ethically Appetizing Apparel: Who Should We Buy From?
From material breakdown to ethics of the industry, the fast fashion market has blind sided consumers, camouflaging its destructive tendencies with beautiful colors and trend radar. If you have been following my series of articles regarding sustainable fashion and how to erase the carbon footprint through ending the cycle of fast fashion, you now possess all possible knowledge about going green. The next step is to become familiar with the most popular and emerging brands that are revolutionizing the sustainable fashion industry. These creative masterminds are providing hope for style conscious consumers and connoisseurs, just like you and me!
I will say it once and I will say it a hundred times: Réalisation Par. The feminine French soul of mine is obsessed with every single piece they have to offer. Their clothing is made from biodegradable silk which is not vegan but it is extremely high quality. Therefore, you are paying for endless wear. Their capsule pieces are timeless and their versatile designs embrace classic individuality and expression, all while benefiting the planet.
Up next is the woman, the myth, the legend, Matilda Djerf’s Djerf Avenue. Pinterest superstar and minimalist fashion icon Matilda Djerf, created her own clothing brand inspired by a Swedish, timeless, laid-back style. The company produces these ready-to-wear items in Portugal, guaranteeing “quality workmanship, respecting working conditions, and premium fabrics research” (Djerfavenue.com). Djerf only uses natural and organic fibers, natural corozo buttons, cotton labels, no plastic, and 100% recyclable materials. What I love about Djerf Avenue is their transparency and sincerity, fully explaining their production process and creating timeless pieces to last a lifetime. Some of the most popular items are the Breezy Shirt, Favorite Pants, and Forever Blazer.
Lacausa Clothing is another brand committed to transparency and ethical clothing manufacturing. Even better, a portion of their proceeds are donated to a new charity every season. Lacausa delivers the California chic look while supporting a low waste design process and taking small steps towards being fully sustainable. Using organic cotton, recycled polyester, no plastic, recyclable mailers, and paper tags Lacausa has devoted themselves to being global citizens of sustainability. Consumers swear by this brand for basics and their internet famous unitards, perfect for a workout-to-brunch look.
I have been shopping at Vitamin A for swimwear since I was very young. But only recently did I start drooling over their ready-to-wear clothing. I mean common! Their motto is literally, “We Believe Style and Sustainability are Inseparable”. Vitamin A uses their own fabrics to make sure what they put out is 100% sustainable. BioSculpt fabric is the first swim fabric made from plant based fiber. EcoLux is made from recycled nylon and uses 77% less water. EcoCotton and EcoLinen use 90% less water and get softer with every wear. Further, their production process is done in one location in California which further reduces their carbon footprint. From the electricity-minimizing lights used in the warehouse to filtered water, Vitamin A is insistent that sustainable clothing is derived from a sustainable workplace. One look at their clothing will make your summer minimalist dreams come true.
Some honorable mentions include: Reformation, Attire the Studio, and Celio Studio. Not only does this list include a collective of individuals actively pursuing change, but it includes people with amazing and timeless style that desire to look good while making the planet feel good. Until next time!
xoxo- Annie
An Advocates Eyes: Addressing Climate Change With Jeff Nesbit
What would you do if I told you that the shirt you are wearing is one of the factors responsible for killing someone? That pit in the bottom of your stomach is completely normal and just the response sensory receptors should signal. It is a response to the fact that most clothing is manufactured by the fast fashion industry which has increased climate change, and killed an average of 300,000 lives every day.
In recent years, talk of climate change has ravaged society and the media creating an ongoing debate on whether or not the phenomenon truly deserves attention. The fast fashion market has become the jack of all trades and a master of disguise. It has convinced it’s audience that the need to update one’s closet for 12 different seasons is imperative, and that expensive and quality clothing is unnecessary. What consumers do not understand is that this scheme forces them to spend more money to replace low quality clothing often, and that the clothing they are wearing has left a dent somewhere in the process — from material sourcing to pollution and degradation of land and nonrenewable resources.
To gain even more insight on this topic, I contacted Jeff Nesbit, an American author and executive director of Climate Nexus. Nesbit is an omniscient force in the area of climate change, having written books such as This is the Way the World Ends, working as the communications director in the White House, and as the Director of Public Affairs for both the NSF and the FDA. I had the privilege of meeting Nesbit at the Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Youth Summit this past summer, and yearned to hear more of his ingenious ideas.
Nesbit began by describing how he has seen the fast fashion market contribute to climate change. He explained how this market contributes to “10% of annual carbon emissions globally”, and uses enough water to “meet the needs of 5 million people”. These statistics are absolutely astonishing simply because the fast fashion industry is so normalized. How can something seemingly so minor cause such a large effect? There are many factors, such as the incineration of clothing in landfills for extra profit. Nesbit addresses the public health effects of the burning of these cheap materials. He claims that these landfills are commonly near “places where people (predominantly poor or communities of color) live”, and that they do not have a large say in their exposure to the “poisonous gasses from burning landfills”. Although technologies to mitigate the effects have been created, slightly hindering the effects will not stop the destruction.
Government has the power to make a positive change by incentivizing responsible, regenerative agriculture. Farming subsidies tend to go to industrial farms producing corn, soy, and wheat.Would shifting that support toward small farms for organic cotton, flax, or humanely raised sheep for wool go a long way toward making regenerative agriculture a viable business and realistic element of the fashion industry of the future? Nesbit emphasized the importance of human influence in his response. We can revolutionize the textile industry and regenerative farming with the power of “consumers demanding sustainable products”. Your voice can help include organic and source products into the clothing industry and show real change.
The cruel labor standards in and out of the US are also major contributing factors to the fast fashion deaths. For example, garment workers in California are still fighting for minimum wage and safety, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I was curious as to whether additional government policy should be or can be implemented for fair labor standards in the United States? Nesbit explained that “making changes in labor laws in the United States is only part of the equation”, because the United States already values fair labor standards. The key, according to Nesbit, is to target countries where “wages are low”, and “insist that products exported to the U.S. are more sustainable – or they can absorb carbon tariffs to account for some of the damage done”. We live in a country where the government has so much power, but so do we. The government would help in creating policies to prolong fashion trends, instead of promoting new styles and designs continuously throughout the year, but it is up to the consumers to end this trend. Nesbit outlines a three-step plan for success: “wear clothes longer”, “don’t buy clothes you aren’t really going to wear”, and “tell the fashion industry you don’t want to buy their latest trends”. If we encourage and reward sustainability, sustainability will reward our planet.
Well would you look at that! Turns out green is this season's color! Thanks to people like Jeff Nesbit and those of you making change, we are one step closer to decreasing the fast fashion footprint and making green the most timeless color.
Thank you Jeff for helping me with this project and look forward to following in your footsteps!
xoxo- Annie
Violet Visions Thrift - Sustainability in the Community
My mission for OhSoAnnie and the Fashion4theFuture Initiative is to inspire sustainable fashion in the closets of Generation Z. However, this time I have been inspired by someone else. Maya Clausman and Ellie Tolan, two young entrepreneurs, decided to design their own form of producing sustainable options in the community by creating Violet Visions Thrift.
I reached out to Maya to gain some insight on Violet Visions and provide you guys with inspiration to make change too! Violet Visions Thrift is a consignment pop-up store that restocks once every month. Maya and Ellie decided to create their brand during a thrift trip to San Diego where they found themselves neck deep in amazing finds and wanted to develop their closets while sharing the wealth. Clausman shared that their mission is to help both boys and girls find “affordable and reusable pieces that won’t go to waste on the earth”. What better way to inspire a community than to provide literal evidence of how easy sustainable shopping can be! She also shares that “sustainability is the best way to go” because buying a “quality piece that won’t fall apart before you even get the chance to wear it” is worth the switch. The fast fashion market has convinced it’s audience that the need to update one’s closet for 12 different seasons is imperative, and that expensive and quality clothing is unnecessary. However, clothing from Forever 21, H&M, and Zara is low quality and forces consumers to buy triple the clothing necessary, ultimately increasing the carbon footprint. Vintage clothes were made using timeless techniques and materials, which according to Clausman, “proves their longevity”.
Upon entering the make-shift boutique, one can find piles of pieces inspired by Ed Hardy, Abby Lee Kershaw, and Drew Barrymore. The pieces are handpicked and tagged with insanely low prices as well! From baby dresses, tees, and boots, to bags, overalls, skirts, and knits, Violet Visions Thrift has it all! Ultimately, their goals include creating a website, providing a larger men’s selection, and increasing their following. Both Maya and Ellie have a passion for style and erasing the carbon footprint, and desire to inspire their friends!
I love seeing change in the community and looks forward to seeing Violet Visions Thrift grow exponentially! Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram and your eyes peeled for next month’s drop!
xoxo-
Annie
Fall/Winter 2021 Fashion Month
It is a national holiday. It is everyone’s favorite time of the year. Is it Christmas? Nope. It’s fashion month!
This year, we kicked off Fall/Winter 2021 with a tribute to global fashion from past generations; where neon, pops of bold and bright colors, and texture are rethought into an array of eye-catching statement pieces for everyday use. I love nothing more than a bold, timeless look that will knock some sense into summer florals and fall neutrals. I have something to admit: I am so bored of being bored. Between quarantine and matching sweat sets there has been such a lack of excitement in the past few years. So, even if you think that some of the looks from this month were borderline tacky or too bold, you cannot tell me that you were bored for even a minute.
Texture was the name of the game this season. The sudden switch from bland to feathers, tulle, and faux fur is everything to me. Elie Saab illustrated a refined feather technique with his pastel rendition in Paris. Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Prada channeled their inner bear that looked so realistic and had a modern take on surviving the New York winters.
Even puffy dresses were prominent as seen in Molly Goddard’s collection of layered, tulle pieces that are my current obsession. Put me in a bright colored tulle gown and I will act as though I am a cottage-core princess on her way to meet the queen. No actually, I will act as the queen. Nicholas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton and others took a more literal interpretation of these larger than life dresses, bringing back the bubble shape as a metaphor for social distancing to avoid getting sick. These puffy silhouettes elongate the legs and accentuate all things beautiful.
I also saw a huge increase in the saturation of colors on high fashion runways. The bright colors seen in Prabal Gurung and Claudia Li bring out the beautiful shades of swanky green, bubblegum pink and perhaps the most iconic color in fashion history: cerulean blue. Do these colors cross the tacky line? It is up to you. All I see are solid depictions of what the fashion industry needs during such a blah season.
From sweater dresses and chunky knits to debut on the city streets, to chalet style coats and quilted jumpsuits for on and off the slopes, designers took fall/winter quite literally. Now that it is finally becoming acceptable to vacation, there will be plenty of ways to wear the runway even in the downpour of snow. Chanel released a quilted jumpsuit demonstrating the brands timeless response to Moncler, North Face, and Prada’s coat phase. This piece makes me want to buy a one-way ticket to Aspen where I can flaunt my après ski attire. Even Casablanca’s collaboration with CURVYcon and Dior’s drop are preparing their buyers for the snow storm I like to call ice. Even Mui Mui, the leading slope style atelier, demonstrated their effortless layering techniques with skiwear over silk. Bring on the moon boots, ear muffs, and coats — yes I know it is seventy degrees in LA.
I am so pleased with what I saw down the runway this season. The designers did indeed create pieces that are able to withstand the pressures of the rest of 2021. Between Bettina Vermillion’s loud thigh highs, ALYX’s flashbacks, and the Alber Elba tribute show created the most magical moments that broke up the silence of this year.
xoxo-
annie
The Italy Project — One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind
Unification of Great Minds
Stella McCarney releases recycled cashmere
How is it that humanity is still divided? After all, humans have endured hardship, seen others fall, achieved the unthinkable, and developed over two thousand years. One would assume that by now, we would unite into over seven billion hearts dedicated to each other and heads dedicated to innovation, ultimately forming unbreakable bonds between individuals with nothing in common except the ground they tread on. Luckily all of humanity has one thing in common: we want to not only live but thrive on this planet. How do we achieve this goal? We take care of our bodies and our world. After all, a better future relies on better communication and connectivity.
A new word — better yet an idea — has emerged and converted countless minds. The idea of transparency is rather simple: consumers want to know where their items are from and how they were created. Surprisingly, so many manufacturers and companies still refuse to disclose this vital information. But thanks to movements such as the Italy Project and Fashion Pact, transparency is emerging victoriously.
According to the Global Fashion Agenda, the apparel industry will grow by 81% by 2039. This growth will also increase the carbon emissions (currently around 8%) directly. Since our planet cannot handle this skyrocket in emissions, brands such as Stella McCartney, Burberry, and Kering formed a coalition to “establish a platform for manufacturers to coordinate, fund, and scale environmental programs with measurable impact”, abiding with the requirements of the Apparel Impact Institute. Creating sustainable energy, using water, and innovative technologies will chip away at fast fashion’s footprint. Stella McCartney released a line of recycled cashmere, Burberry’s camping screamed circularity by donating material to fashion students in need, and smaller brands all over the world are following in the role model’s footsteps. By initially decarbonizing the Italian fashion industry, the rest of the world will have no choice but to accept the benefits of the revolution.
Burberry circular campaign
Although the progress is slow, it has shed light on the severity of fast fashion and its correlation to climate change. Even small movements such as the shift from micro plastics to mushroom leather have ravaged the industry and set off a chain reaction of passionate advocates. The final steps of stopping global warming, restoring biodiversity, protecting the oceans, and changing minds begins with us. How can humanity be divided on such a matter? I know you want to heal the damage that has been done by past generations. Let us rally the efforts, commutation, and connectivity needed to make real change. You just wait and see how fast our world will heal. Let’s make it our own Italy Project, and take one big step for all the fashion fanatics.
xoxo- Annie
Miami
It’s been waiting for you
There is nothing I love more than traveling — especially over the summer. What better way to break the quarantine fast than tanning on the warm sands of your favorite beach, dressing up for dinner, and enjoying brainless relaxation. This summer I traveled quite a bit and got to experience the birth of a new confident and accomplished Annie on the beaches of Miami. I have created a lookbook for my favorite sustainable outfits from my trip!
Let’s talk swim. I have to admit high quality, sustainable swimsuits are so extremely expensive and it is so hard to drop a pretty penny on two pieces of fabric. However, a good swimsuit will last you years and if it has the ability to make me look and feel good, then please, take my money! That being said, I wore a combination of cheaper and pricey swim in Miami and am here to give my tips and tricks to finding a great deal, brand, and fit.
I am a huge fan of Belle the Label. They focus on making their products timeless, comfortable, and stylish all at once. If you take a look at their site, you’ll find the most beautifully crafted, yet minimalistic pieces that are attention grabbing yet ethically made.
ONEONE Swimwear
Belle The Label
Sommer Swim, Cool is a Construct, Vitamin A, and OOKIOH, are my other favorites for sustainable swim but they are on the pricier side. However, I live for Depop swim and I swear by the amazing sellers and their honesty. Simply search specific keywords (pink triangle top, green bottoms, designer swim), find a piece you love, and then message the seller about the history of the product. Most sellers are transparent which is so helpful in this process. If the swimsuit is not from a sustainable brand, buying it second-hand is far better than buying it from a fast-fashion retailer.
My favorite dinner look was thrifted from LA and is by the designer Ingwa Melero. Honestly, we all just hit the jackpot with this name. If you search her name on eBay, Poshmark, or Depop, you will turn into that head-turning, ethereal fairy with respect to the environment. It literally cannot get any better than that. Here is one of my favorite Melero finds.
Balzac Paris makes their clothing from a completely biodegradable cellulose fiber called Tencel, and their designs are so effortless yet professional.
We all know and love Reformation, but did you know that they work with non-profits and will actually pay you in-store credit if you switch to solar power and other environmentally friendly practices. Plus they are size inclusive and have everything from bridal wear to swim!
I have so many more name drops and lookbooks of sustainable and stylish brands coming up and I hope you enjoyed this one! Knowing all this made my travel shopping and packing so much easier knowing it was done ethically, and I cannot wait to see all of you in Miami next year wearing your perfect timeless pieces!
xoxo-
annie
Fashion Insider: A Closet At Your Fingertips
Learning how to shop sustainably
Everyone has seen the iconic montage of Cher Horowitz’s morning routine, and it never fails to disappoint fashion fanatics in a digitally advanced society. In the movie Clueless, a digital closet and personal stylist is made a reality. This idea inspired a new generation of apps dedicated to online shopping, with an emphasis on sustainability. An up-and-coming army of environmentally conscious small businesses, fashion addicted influencers, and normal individuals trying to make a few extra dollars has developed over the past few years and falls nothing short of impressive. Apps such as Depop, Poshmark, Mercari, and even the notorious Ebay have emerged as top competitors in this successful market. What exactly drives their motives, and how have they affected the fast fashion market?
Although there are numerous apps and websites dedicated to the craft of sustainable fashion, Depop comes out on top because of the combination of aesthetic, social aspects, and convenience. The motive behind the app was that it would provide young generations with a convenient way to buy and sell second-hand pieces. It has exponentially grown in popularity because buyers approve of the fact that they are not buying from a company that mass produces clothing. Buyers and sellers are able to contact directly to negotiate, purchasing takes a few seconds, and the clothing selections are all personalized. Selections range from small businesses using the app to gain exposure, to big-name brands and luxury pieces for cheaper prices. Many people have shared concerns about the quality of the clothing and online scams, but Depop, Mercare, eBay, and Poshmark sellers are genuine, real people with a love for the market.
There is such a large variety of clothing on the market to match the personal preferences of every buyer. From athletic wear and professional attire to the newest trends and swim, these apps have it all! These pieces are obtained in a few different ways such as thrift stores, individual closets, and even designer stores. The use of these apps to increase the popularity of obtaining clothing from thrift stores is quite recognizable. Influencers have made a name for stores such as Goodwill and Savers, promoting their products as a way to avoid fast fashion. Straight to the apps they go; either sold as is or upcycled in the most phenomenal ways. Sellers often turn extra-large shirts into the most flattering dresses for their body types or outdated sweaters into modern layering pieces. Small businesses have also exposed their products with an emphasis on sustainability. What makes it even better is that anyone — that’s right, even you —has the ability to post clothes, swimsuits, shoes, and accessories with the touch of a button. Because of the many active members of the online fashion marketplace, every app is filled with the most amazing new and secondhand, sustainable pieces.
Endless benefits have come from this new way of shopping. In a generation of individuals who do not want to overspend on clothing, these apps are perfect! They introduce novices to the world of sustainable fashion, and eco-friendly businesses are able to grow in popularity. A major emphasis is placed on what you can buy with $25 and a love for the environment. Slowly but surely, the fast-fashion footprint is being erased thanks to ordinary individuals who counteract the negative effects of carbon dioxide emission from textile businesses, child labor, and landfills dedicated to cheap clothing. The future is now, and it is our responsibility to use innovations such as technology to better the world we live in — one pair of jeans at a time.
Breaking News: Fashion For the Future. How can I help the environment doing something I love?
What is Sustainability?
Stop where you are! You— yes you! Have you heard of social media’s newest debate? The word fashion has been carelessly spread in two directions: the continuation of fast fashion marketplaces, and the introduction of sustainable fashion. Perhaps the biggest influence on determining what category trends will fall into is social media. Bloggers, Instagram models, magazine editors, fashion students — and your fine self — cab express voices on this topic through multiple easy-to-access sources such as Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Depop. Social media’s debut has proved to be a major factor in social, political, and relational unity. However, the new style vault has opened to sway voters to their preferred side of the argument.
The term “social media influencer” has grown exponentially and professionally throughout the past generations. Influencers coined their title after discovering how simple and accessible a large platform is, and how easily the innocent minds of generation Z are manipulated. Fashion influencers such as Aimee Song, Danielle Bernstein, and Chiara Ferragni are using their platforms to emphasize the value of luxury goods, Haute Couture, and their love for finer things. Many have created brands, including WeWoreWhat and Camile Coelho Collection, consciously avoiding materials and labor processed using cruel labor and disposable materials. Instead, they realize the magnitude of their platform and ultimately dictate what their followers believe. Smaller creators such as aspiring bloggers are using apps such as Instagram and Tiktok to ultimately dress the generation. Barriers between brands and gatekeepers carefully preserving their factories, supply chains are being broken by these generous individuals. Immediate responses for questions from what to wear with what, to where to buy sustainable pieces are answered within minutes on posts or comment sections. Therefore, individuals interested in eco-friendly brands and ending the chain of fast fashion are given accessible information on the topic and are able to make informed decisions.
With the increase in knowledge comes the increase of sustainable brands. Eco-conscious designers are stepping into their roles as leaders in uniting the fashion world under one cause: to decrease the mass production of cheap designer replicas while catering to affordability. Reformation, ThredUP, Levi’s, and Everland have emerged as top competitors in this new market. Lucky and Yak, TALA, and Rens Original have been pushed onto apps such as Tiktok and admired for their use of items such as plastic bottles and coffee grounds to handcraft fashionable pieces. An alternative to thrift shopping and purchasing second hand is consuming pieces from brands like these, who want their buyers to know where and how their clothes were produced, and who focus on cleaning the planet one piece at a time. If you are looking for a higher-end alternative, Vogue released an inside look at the Apparel Impact Institute’s partnership with many high-end brands such as Stella McCartney and Burberry on “The Italy Project”, to establish a positive influence on fast fashion manufacturers, and erase their destructive footprint (Farra, 2021). The increase in intentional change from influencers and brands on social media has quickly begun to decrease the fast fashion market’s influence by almost 30% in 2020.
Sustainable fashion looks promising for future generations. Thanks to environmentally friendly yet stylish designers and individuals with great influence, decreasing the amount of fast fashion consumership is far within our reach. Attitudes towards the new market have also changed as brands have consciously considered the factor of affordability. Now, buyers can purchase long-lasting, quality pieces without worrying about astronomical prices. Soon, the footprint of fast fashion has the potential to be erased, and sustainable fashion will stand as the only option.
Farra, E. (2021, January 22). Stella McCartney, Burberry, and Kering Forge a New Kind of Sustainable Partnership. Retrieved February 08, 2021, from https://www.vogue.com/article/apparel-impact-institute-kering-stella-mccartney-burberry-sustainable-fashion-partnership