WHY I BECAME INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION


Shopping sustainably and ethically is a relatively new conversation within the fashion industry. A year ago not many were aware about the mistreatment of workers in the textile industry. Fortunately, with many individuals pushing towards transparency, companies have been exposed of their unethical practices. I became interested in the conversation when I discovered the work of Hoda Katebi.

Hoda Katebi is a political fashion activist and blogger in the Chicago area that has had a strong influence on the way I feel about the fashion community.

 

(Source: http://www.joojooazad.com/)

 

Growing up I always adored fashion and wanted to be involved in any way that I could. Talking about my interest in fashion always made me insecure because it felt that many saw the work to be vain. I was first introduced to Hoda Katebi during my junior year of college through her article, “On the Political Value of Fashion”. This article changed completely my outlook into the fashion industry, inspired me to get involved and showed me how important fashion can be.

 

The clothes you wear make a statement to the world and understanding where your clothes came from is important. Although flash sales and on sale items can be beneficial, it is important to take a step back and understand how it can be ethical for a shirt to cost only $5. How were the individuals involved in the process properly paid for their hard work?

 

“Pictured: Clarissa (right), 13, who, along with her fellow child-laborers, is forced to work rather than attend school, and is verbally and physically abused by her employers. The farm is owned by Burkina Faso "fair trade organic cotton," aka Victoria's Secret's cotton supplier. 2011. (Photo: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg)”

 

Sustainability became important to me because although I enjoyed fashion and finding new pieces for my wardrobe, I knew my environmental impact was growing more and more with every purchase I made. I began to stray away from buying particularly trendy pieces as I knew they would only be recycled out of my closet within a short period of time. When I did want to shop I decided to look for staple pieces I knew would never go out of style or items that were unique.

 

Everlane is a wonderful example of a brand that continues to push towards transparency.  Everlane is a clothing brand based in San Francisco, CA and represents the change needed within the fashion industry. The company will breakdown the exact cost of an item based off the materials, labor, transportation, duties, and hardware to present customers with the true cost and their price. Additionally, Everlane shows video footage of the factories they are partnered with and what conditions their employees are working under. Everlane is one of the largest icons of the sustainable and ethical fashion movement.

 

 

(Source: http://www.joojooazad.com/2016/12/on-political-value-of-fashion.html#BlackLivesMatter march, Chicago | July 2016)

 

Fashion is a political statement. Deciding to support unethical brands is a form of privilege. Brands are so focused on consumption and profit and do not prioritize the means of production and quality of the product. Refusing to support unethical and unsustainable brands is the first step to reshaping the standards of the fashion industry.

 

Get involved and do not support brands that do not follow proper ethical standards by referring to Katebi’s Boycott List. 

By Alia Ansari

Student Bachelor of Arts in International Studies DePaul University


818 comments


Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!

  • mariya

    The content is utmost interesting! I have completely enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great, and your efforts are outstanding! promo code 1xbet free

  • AMNJS

    Habe meine PlayStation 4 an Refurbiestore.de verkauft. Der Ablauf verlief reibungslos; ich erhielt einen fairen Preis und die Zahlung erfolgte umgehend über PayPal. Dank des beigefügten Versandetiketts verlief die Rücksendung problemlos. Ich schätze die Professionalität und Effizienz der Transaktion.
    playstation 4 pro
    https://refurbiestore.de/shop/konsolen/playstation/ps4-pro-sony-playstation-4-pro-1tb-spielekonsole-mit-original-controller/


  • 슬롯 추천

    This blog is an absolute delight to read. Every post is insightful, thoughtfully written, and packed with valuable information. The author’s passion and expertise truly shine through, making the content both engaging and educational. I appreciate the fresh perspective and the practical tips that are easy to apply. The writing style is friendly and approachable, making even complex topics feel accessible. Visually, the blog is well-organized and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the overall reading experience. It’s evident that a lot of care and effort goes into each post. I always look forward to new updates. Truly one of the best blogs around! 슬롯 추천


  • 8ID casino

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. 8ID casino


  • RGFVBH

    Diavona.de bietet ein erfrischendes Online-Shopping-Erlebnis. Die Website ist modern und ansprechend gestaltet und verfügt über ein übersichtliches Layout. Die Navigation durch die Kategorien war unkompliziert, und die Filteroptionen haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Die Benutzerfreundlichkeit hat hier oberste Priorität, was die Website zu einer beliebten Anlaufstelle für Online-Shopping macht.
    Ohrstecker
    https://diavona.de/shop/ohrringe/ohrstecker/


  • TYGXZ

    Der Parkettboden von DielenDealer hat mein Zuhause verwandelt. Das Produkt entsprach der Beschreibung, und die Verlegung verlief reibungslos. Die Lieferung erfolgte pünktlich, und die Verpackung sorgte dafür, dass das Produkt problemlos ankam. Der Kundenservice war kompetent und unterstützte mich bei der Auswahl des richtigen Bodenbelags. Sehr empfehlenswert aufgrund der Qualität und des Service.
    parkett hell
    https://dielendealer.de/parkett/hell/


Leave a comment