Slow Fashion

The term “Slow Fashion” was coined by Kate Fletcher in 2007 (Centre for sustainable Fashion, UK.) “Slow Fashion is not a seasonal trend that comes and goes like animal print, but a sustainable fashion movement that is gaining momentum.”

The Slow Fashion movement is a unified representation of all the "sustainable", "eco", "green", and "ethical" fashion movements. It encourages education about the garment industry's connection and impact on the environment and depleting resources, slowing of the supply chain to reduce the number of trends and seasons, to encourage quality production, and return greater value to garments removing the image of disposability of fashion. A key phrase repeatedly heard in reference to Slow Fashion is "quality over quantity". This phrase is used to summarize the basic principles of slowing down the rate of clothing consumption by choosing garments that last longer.

Slow Fashion encourages a systems thinking approach because it recognises that the impacts of our collective choices can affect the environment and people.

Why Slow Fashion  Important!           

The Slow Fashion Movement is based on the same principals of the Slow Food Movement, as the alternative to mass produced clothing (AKA “Fast-Fashion”). Initially, The Slow Clothing Movement was intended to reject all mass produced clothing referring only to clothing made by hand but has broadened to include many interpretations and is practiced in various ways.

Some examples of slow fashion practices include:                                    

Opposing & boycotting mass produced fashion (AKA "Fast-Fashion")             

Choosing artisan products to support smaller businesses, fair trade and locally-made clothes.

Buying secondhand or vintage clothing and donating unwanted garments.

Choosing clothing made with sustainable, ethically-made or recycled fabrics.

Choosing quality garments that will last longer, transcend trends (a "classic" style), and be repairable.

Doing it yourself - making, mending, customizing, altering, and up-cycling your own clothing.

Slowing the rate of fashion consumption: buying fewer clothes less often.

What Designers look for when designing Slow Fashion….

1. Seeing the big picture: Slow Fashion producers make decisions to how their consumption effects both the environment and social system and bases decisions accordingly. 

2. Slowing down consumption: Reducing raw materials by decreasing fashion production can allow the earth’s regenerative capabilities to take place. Using natural materials and reducing the waste when making garments.

3. Diversity: Slow Fashion producers strive to maintain ecological, social and cultural diversity. Biodiversity is important because it offers solutions to climate change. Diverse and innovative business models are encouraged; independent designers, larger fashion houses, second-hand, vintage, recycled, fashion leasing, your local knitting club and clothing swaps are all recognised in the movement. Keeping traditional methods of garment & textile making and dyeing techniques alive also gives vibrancy and meaning to what we wear and how it was made.

4. Respecting People: Participating in campaigns and codes of conduct can help to secure the fair treatment of workers. Some brands have joined the Asian Floor Wage Alliance, Ethical Trading Initiative, and the Fair Wear Foundation, among others. Labels are also supporting local communities by offering skill development and helping them to trade, such as Toms Shoes giving money back to the producers of the shoes.                   

5. Acknowledging human needs: Designers can meet human needs by co-creating garments and offering fashion with emotional significance. By telling the story behind a garment or inviting the customer to be part of the design process, the needs of creativity, identity and participation can be satisfied .It also shows how much time and effort has  gone into making the garment which makes you appreciate it more.

6. Building relationships: Collaboration and co-creation ensures trusting and lasting relationships that will create a stronger movement. Building relationships between producers and co- producers.

7. Resourcefulness: Slow Fashion brands try to use local materials and resources to try and help support the development of local businesses and skills.

8. Maintaining quality and beauty: Encouraging classic design over passing trends will contribute to the life of garments. A number of Slow Fashion designers are ensuring the long lasting life of their clothing by sourcing high quality fabrics, offering traditional cuts and creating beautiful, timeless pieces.

9. Profitability: Slow Fashion producers need to make profits, and increase their visibility in the market to be competitive. Prices are often higher because they are using more sustainable resources and fair wages.

10. Practicing Consciousness: This means making decisions based on personal passions, an awareness of the connection to others and the environment, and to act responsibly.

Within the Slow Fashion movement, many people love what they do, and aspire to make a difference in the world in a creative and innovative way.

By Maddison Field