It’s no secret that fast fashion is a toxic, dangerous industry. Ethically and environmentally, its damages to the world are terrifying, and sadly continue to occur despite documentaries like The True Cost weighing in on the reality behind brands such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21 and Topshop. Not only do they exploit their workers while the heads of the companies make ridiculous amounts of money (Amancia Ortego, the founder of Zara, is worth $74.6 billion dollars), but the impact it has had on our planet is nothing but outrageously negative. The clothing industry, believe it or not, is the second largest polluter in the world, with oil taking the number one spot. We may not associate the sweater we recently bought at the mall with the insane number of harmful chemicals surfacing the Earth, but think about it: 5,000 gallons of water are needed to create a t-shirt and a pair of jeans.
Although the sinful and utterly awful truth behind these brands is all we need to know about them to boycott, it may be hard to find alternative places to purchase clothing when most malls carry nothing but fast fashion shops, and billboards and advertisements for them lie everywhere we look. There is, however, a solution: many solutions. One can thrift their clothes at Goodwill for bargain prices, and purchase unique items that couldn’t be spotted at Forever 21. From vintage stores to supporting brands that make and source the materials for their clothing in an ethical method, there are many substitute companies and shops one can embrace that don’t partake in the carbon footprint that the fast fashion industry creates. This article will introduce three different companies that go against the harsh and gruelling reality of the clothing industry, while celebrating the art of style and fashion.
Started by Haley Madison, this online vintage store is based in Los Angeles, California. As someone already embarked in fashion as a blogger, stylist and buyer, Madison noticed numerous flaws within the system, and how destructive the industry is to the planet in which we should be taking care of and protecting by all means. She acknowledges the importance of being an aware and intelligent consumer, and therefore created this remarkable line to allow individuals to express themselves through fashion, whether their style reflects an edgy look or retro feel, while embarking on an environmental movement to be socially conscious and loving of the Earth and others.
Although leaning to the more pricy side of the spectrum, The Reformation has been coined as the new “it” brand by numerous magazines and fashion platforms, as their clothing has been favored by many celebrities. Not only do they create clothes that spark trends, but they also manufacture their items in a completely safe and ethical manner. As their website says: We make killer clothes that don’t kill the environment. Created by Yael Aflalo in 2009, this sustainable brand is one to watch out for as it will continue to flourish with the impeccable quality of each garment they produce.
Designed in New York City, this company does not shy away in the importance of incorporating multiple styles from different cultures without appropriation. From the artisanal details that appear in places such as Peru and Pakistan, Arbib (creator of A Peace Treaty) transitioned her father’s Libyan Jewish heritage and Roman childhood into a company in which embraces the art of craftsmanship, sustainability, and overall respect for the wide range of nationalities and upbringings that inhabit humanity. From stunning jewellery to handmade scarves, you will never fail to be impressed by the beauty of this brand and the positive effect that it exudes on this planet.
