I like fashion. In fact, I like clothes so much that I might give up the rights to my first born, if Rumplestiltskin could offer me unlimited access and exclusive rights to every beautiful dress in the world (and Sienna Miller’s closet), at the spin of my straw.
(Oh and Mom, that was a joke – just like the fable, I would love my little first unborn brat too much to give him/her away).
BUT I also have a conscience, and I really believe in living an accountable existence where I can try to give more back to the earth than I take. I’m not trying to be ironic. It may seem unimaginable that this is possible since fashion and clothes can be centred around vanity, self indulgence, and self expression. But fashion that screams “me, me, me” can also scream “I’m accountable for my choices!” It can scream “In my pursuit of sartorial greatness, I don’t have to take advantage of natural resources or people!” I’m going to work hard at not being preachy (I’m getting a little preachy here, I can feel it).
I don’t think I’m better than anyone else and I definitely don’t think I have any more willpower than the next guy or gal. Trust me. I’m guilty of buying watermelons harvested in Mexico, in January; drinking wine produced in New Zealand, in well, I do it weekly; and reading paperback books published in New York, from 80% virgin fibre. And I’m constantly tempted again and again by scrumptious silks and cute colorful pumps that, after one night on the dance floor (with these “moves”), are doomed for eternal closet darkness.
… So, lately I’ve really tried to spend time on quietly reflecting on what really matters to me. Here’s a peek:
- I care about sustainability.
- I care about putting money back into local economies.
- I care about giving my money to local artists and designers who give back more than they take.
- I care about feeling classic, confident and comfortable in the clothes I put on.
- I don’t want to buy things that I can only use once.
- I don’t want to care about trends in mainstream culture.
- And I don’t want to base my happiness on something that changes as frequently as people’s opinions or trends.
So more than anything, I’m going to need your moral support as I start living my life as a more sustainable buyer. I’m going to ask the lovely Aritzia girls, “Is this oh so delectable blouse made locally?” (I think I already know the answer to that one); and I’m going to say to the shoe man at Holt’s, “Please point to your vegan line.” (Dior and Natalie Portman have designed a great one together). Yup, I’m doing it.
And in making choices that have less of an impact on the environment, and that treat people who make clothing throughout the world more fairly, I’m going to try even harder to find clothing with scrumptious stories of past lives, rich in history and bold with character. Buying or swapping used goodies, as cheesy as it sounds, is really really good for the soul; and for inspiration, I recommend checking out Kelsey Dundon’s website, The Anthology - she can transform curtains into Cinderella’s ball gown at the helm of scissors and thread. Almost as fast as I can spin straw into… well, more straw.
