The last time you purchased an article of clothing, was it with the intention of wearing it forever or was it with the intention of wearing it to a specific event or occasion, only to put it at the back of your closet and never think of it again?
The fast fashion industry is a major force in the world today, with overconsumption of clothing being the goal for a myriad of fashion retailers. With such a rapid trend cycle, consumers are constantly pressured into buying the next best thing.
Author Orsola de Castro explores the factors fueling the extremely rapid cycle of fashion while driving home the importance of upcycling and secondhand shopping in her new book, “Loved Clothes Last: How the Joy of Rewearing and Repairing Your Clothes Can Be a Revolutionary Act.
Released in early 2021, De Castro guides readers through building a sustainable closet of their own, while not feeling limited or pressured in curating their new wardrobe. She highlights how the problem of not knowing what to wear can actually be resolved when less options are present. She explains that an overflowing wardrobe can actually be more of a problem during the selection process, creating more stress on oneself and subsequently the environment.
De Castro also dives into ways to reinvent items one already owns. By using avocado pits to dye a white sweatshirt pink, you have instantly transformed a preloved item into a new garment, fitting both personal needs and following the trends. By swapping wardrobes with a friend, you have essentially expanded your range of clothing options without actually spending money or contributing to the cancerous industry. Going thrifting with a friend is not only a fun outing and a way to curate a unique style, but it also perpetuates sustainable shopping habits.
“Loved Clothes Last” illustrates how to begin one’s journey to building a sustainable wardrobe. With an in-depth guide to sustainability and production of different fabrics, De Castro introduces readers to the world of ethical fashion.
Captivating readers both new to and familiar with the world of fast fashion, the novel is an effective guide to creating a space for ethical fashion in a world driven by the immediacy and necessity of trending items.
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