With sustainability becoming ever more important in our society, UK designer, Susan Harris, is embracing a new fashion movement that rejects the traditional ‘fast fashion’ model in order to protect the planet. As the leading figure of this eco-friendly trend, Harris has made it her goal to create high-end, quality clothing pieces that are good for both the environment and individuals. The Manila Times explores Harris’ passion for sustainable fashion and how her journey has been inspiring positive change throughout the fashion industry.
1. Uprooting Fast Fashion: A UK Designer’s Commitment to Our Planet
In 2020, the UK-based designer Vicky Moselle made a commitment to uproot fast fashion from her practices, and move to more eco-friendly production processes. She has already taken massive steps to create a more sustainable business model.
Vicky Moselle was inspired to make her commitment to the planet by Scottish producer Tala‘s mission to create products that are both beautiful and sustainable. With this in mind, she began to rethink the entire way her business operated. Here are some of the steps she has taken to make her business more sustainable:
- Switching to recycled materials where possible
- Working with suppliers who use renewable energy
- Reducing waste and aiming for zero fabric waste
- Using recycled and recyclable packaging for orders
By making the commitment to become more mindful and sustainable, Vicky Moselle is setting an example that other designers should follow. As our resources on the planet become increasingly scarce, it’s crucial to find ways to lessen our own consumption, and she’s doing exactly that.
2. Shifting the Fashion Industry from Disposable to Sustainable
Fashion, like many industries burdened with social and environmental costs, has a footprint that is hard to ignore. The sheer volume of clothing pieces manufactured and shipped worldwide takes a toll on the planet’s resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. But luckily, there is hope!
The fashion industry is shifting its approach by moving from disposable fashion towards more sustainable practices. Everyone from big brands to small businesses can support these efforts in a number of ways:
- Diversify product offerings to include eco-friendly options made from recycled, upcycled, and organic materials.
- Offer repairs and reclamation services for garments to maximize their lifespan.
- Partner with suppliers and manufacturers that practice sustainable sourcing and ethical labor practices.
- Educate customers about recycling, composting, buying pre-owned, and other practices that reduce waste.
By taking these common-sense steps, fashion companies can help reduce waste and the environmental impact of their work. Consumers who value sustainability can also make an impact by supporting brands and businesses that prioritize sustainability. With a collective effort, a cleaner and greener fashion industry can be achieved!
3. Inspiring a Movement for Responsible Consumption
Sustainability starts with responsible consumption, and it’s something that every person can play a part in. We need to move away from habits that diminish our environment and shift towards ones that will help develop a better tomorrow.
It starts with making small changes to create sweeping results:
- Become conscious of what you buy — Choose products with lesser packaging, recyclable materials, and eco-friendly sources
- Cut down on food waste — Plan your meals, buy what you need, and store food appropriately
- Recognize the value of resources — Respect the environment and animals, and use those resources responsibly
- Be aware of your impact — Understand how something like a car ride can add harmful pollution to the environment
- Inspire others — Lead by example and show the importance of sustainable living to those around you
Taking on the challenge of responsible consumption is a great way to join a movement of sustainability. Each action shows care and points us towards a cleaner, more nurtured future. Together, we can create a more fruitful tomorrow.
4. Reimagining the Future of Fashion: Rejecting Fast Fashion and Respecting the Environment
Transitioning to a Slow Fashion Model:
The fashion industry has a major outpost in many nations’ economies, and by breaking away from the damaging infrastructure of fast fashion production, designers and consumers alike can work together to create a better future for fashion. Designers can embrace slow fashion techniques to craft their garments, minimizing the amount of resources used while maximizing the quality of their products. This can include:
- Utilizing sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and re-used fabrics in production
- Designing pieces that last longer and are versatile enough to transition from season to season
- Choosing to produce in smaller batches, reducing the need for excess resources
When consumers opt for these apparel pieces, they are encouraging a culture of respect for the environment. By purchasing these items, they are investing in their longevity and contributing to a larger effort to reduce environmentally damaging practices. By being mindful of the fashion they bring into their lives, individuals can make a huge impact in the long run.
Human Rights on the Runway:
While embracing environmental sustainability is a crucial part of this movement, ensuring the well-being of all human beings in fashion production is an equally important aspect of the mission. The fashion industry is notorious for taking advantage of workers in poor countries, paying them next to nothing for their time and effort and offering terrible working conditions. Regulations surrounding code of conduct in production processes are also often overlooked. In order to create a healthier future of fashion, designers and producers in both luxury and affordable fashion realms must commit to working ethically and responsibly.
- Ensure fair wages for all workers, from high-level managerial staff to the laborers producing the items
- Establish regular, dependable working hours so workers can plan their days reliably
- Provide a safe production space, protecting the physical and mental health of all involved in the fashion process
These advancements in the fashion industry, when made in tandem, create a dynamic that fosters real, meaningful change in the way fashion is thought of and experienced. As more people become aware of the abuses dealt out within fast fashion circles, it is important to embrace the alternate possibilities and work together to create a better, brighter future for fashion.
With sustainable fashion gaining momentum, the work of UK designer, Rachel Dale, is an inspiring push towards a more eco-friendly form of fashion. By challenging the current ‘fast fashion’ trends and practices, Rachel has pioneered an alternative to preserve the future of fashion and help protect the planet.
