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The good news is that you can take a sustainable approach to fashion and still find your wardrobe cheerful.
We consulted three slow fashion fans—stylist Harry Lambert, body positivity advocate Nyome Nicholas-Williams, and fashion fair activist Venetia La Manna—to find out how to achieve a blissful purge.
"There's something joyful about an item of clothing having another life and that's what's great about Swap Shop," Harry says of the event where ELLE and Absolut co-hosted a panel that brought together people from different walks of fashion to share his views on the joy of second-hand clothing and bringing about positive change in the industry.
'When I was younger, I was an avid fast fashion shopper, because I wasn't that happy.
It was exhausting,” says Venetia.
“Slow fashion for me is joyful because creating relationships with your clothes and creating memories in it is wonderful.”
Here she shares her tips on how to hold on to that joy while doing your bit for the planet.
Her first piece of advice from him?
Fall back in love with what you already have...
Rediscover your own fashion collection
“I rearrange my wardrobe every two months: I go through everything, fold it, and remind myself what I have.
I will also prioritize a few items: things I want to use more or in different ways.
'Inspiration is vital, as it will encourage you to make the most of what you already have.
I love Pinterest.
You can write something like "blue shirt suit" and lo and behold, there will be a ton of ideas.
I'm always looking back at movies and TV shows too.
I've been researching Diane Keaton's outfits, I'm a little obsessed.
'Taking care of your clothes is also very important: read the care labels, wash them sparingly and at low temperatures, remove the wrinkles and repair them.
Taking care of my clothes is therapeutic for me.
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Change your shopping habits
'I try not to buy too much.
With each new item, I think, "Does this make my heart sing?"
You have to look for brands that fit your own body without looking at the other's.
I try to avoid “big fashion” brands, I enjoy buying vintage more.
It is an opportunity to find something that no one else will have.
I don't like wearing a uniform!
find your own style
“Shunting micro-trends is hard, we all want to fit in, but if we can prioritize clothes that we know look good on us and make us feel good, those are the pieces that will stand the test of time.
'The most stylish people are those who wear their clothes with confidence and value every item in their wardrobe.'
add your voice
'When it comes to slow and sustainable fashion, shopping should be at the bottom of the list.
The best thing you can do is think, “Okay, I want to learn about this, I want to spread the word,” and get people thinking about things like garment manufacturers' rights and the environmental impact of our clothes.
'Social media has been instrumental in moving this conversation forward.
Brands spend millions on public image and care deeply about it, so now that we have access to them on social media, let's use that as a way to hold them accountable.
Sign petitions or attend demonstrations.
Find what works for you and how you can get involved.
Via ELLEUK
look also
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