How to become a fashion activist
The term fashion activism was coined by Céline Semaan, founder of the Slow Factory Foundation, and refers to the way fashion is used to create social and environmental change. The great thing about it? We can all be a part of the fashion activism movement. Looking to start your journey? Here is our fashion activist starter pack:
1. Ask questions
Fashion is notoriously opaque, with many steps during the production phase, parts of the supply chain are almost never mentioned. So to push for change, start asking questions. Who made these clothes? Are they being paid a good wage? What does this brand’s supply chain look like?
Asking questions about how, where and by whom your clothes are made can lead you to discover ethical or environmental impacts that you may not have thought you had. Don’t be afraid to be curious and follow others in impact campaigns such as #WhoMadeMyClothes with Fashion Revolution.
2. Reuse, repair, recycle
As you push for environmental change within the fashion industry, remember that keeping your clothes for a long time and that you are extending the lifecycle of your clothing is the best thing you can do for a sustainable wardrobe.
From t-shirts to heels to wedding dresses, there is always a way to reuse your clothing. Just check out your wardrobe to find new combinations and ways you can wear your clothes. If it’s the question of a few holes, get your clothes repaired, you can even do it easily by booking services straight through our app!
3. Stay informed and share your knowledge
Last week, we spoke about sustainability certificates and what they mean, and that’s also what fashion activism is about, sharing your knowledge. If you know a certain brand has unethical practices or you know the best way to take care of wool clothing, share it with your friends, your colleagues, your family.
If you also want to stay up to date about the companies doing good and those not doing so well in terms of being ethical and sustainable, there are great resources out there such as Good On You, a database that scores brands based on their impact on people, animals and the planet.
4. Say what you believe through your clothes
Clothes are a great way to express yourself, but also to express your beliefs, and no we’re not solely talking about wearing a graphic tee! Wearing clothes that you have had for a long time, or rewearing them sends a statement.
We’re also big on getting clothes that you believe in. Whether that be buying from sustainable brands, secondhand clothes or just digging through your mom’s closet and adding a big patch to make it more you, we’re here for it!
5. Buy less
The production of new clothes is one of the biggest impacts that clothes can have along with transportation. So why not buy less clothes, you’ll save money and create change! Let’s be real, no one needs 15 pairs of shoes.
And if you need something or a piece of clothing is beyond repair, buy responsibly and always, make it last.
And there you go! This is how you can become a fashion activist! If you already follow one of these steps, congratulations, you are already a fashion activist. Share these tips with your friends to make sure they join the movement as well!