What is Fast-Fashion?
You know that really cool top you bought from Zara a couple weeks back? That's fast-fashion.
Fast-fashion is the hyper-production of garments in the fashion industry. This includes the industries and factories which work to create the very clothes you're wearing. Yet, many people don't give a second thought about all the processing and labour garments endure before you swipe your card to purchase them. You'd be surprised at how many hands have touched that product well before you purchase it. It's imperative to inquire about how your garments were made, with what and by whom.
Many corporate industries such as H&M and Zara thrive on locating their factories in the global south, particularly Bangladesh, so they can curve the costs of production. In fact, in Bangladesh the garment industry makes up for 80% of their export GDP. But due to abhorrent labour laws, these workers are being paid mere cents an hour. They work in unsafe environments, have low job-security and are vulnerable to harassment and sexual assault. Ethics is all about what we "ought to do"and having equal respect for human value. Does that Zara top still look good to you?
It's estimated that one pair of jeans uses 1800 gallons of water to produce. Multiply that by how many shirts you have in your closet-- that's a lot of water! Not including your pants, skirts, dresses, scarves, hats, jeans, shoes, bags... you get the point. Not only are there environmental consequences due to the production of materials, there are also tremendous environmental consequences to the exportation of these products. In fact, H&M has come out with a statement expressing its promise to improving these particular initiatives.
You may be thinking, "How can I, a solitary consumer, change the global market?". Well I've got the answer: with the money in your pocket. Spend money on things that came from fair hands. In the age of information, it's quite simple to find out the work laws for almost every brand. For the brands that take advantage of low-cost labour and unfair factory policies in the global south-- bye-bye! For the brands that care, say-- hello!
You can still look super cute and not feel bad about it. Thrifting provides us with a collection of unique looks and it's incredibly inexpensive. The VEX shop ensures a curated source of handmade, thrifted and repurposed garments. Our handmade items are made with materials from local shops and businesses in Toronto. Our thrifted pieces are from a collection of shops around Toronto. The repurposed pieces are those which are made from the reprocessing thrifted material.
Just by reading this, you're making a stir. I like that.
You can also donate.
xo @thevexshop