It was absolutely amazing to see so many Kiwis jump on the bandwagon to support locals during the nationwide lockdown. Despite this, I couldn’t be more disappointed to see this fall away as we entered Level 2, Newmarket was quickly packed with shoppers holding their fast fashion purchases. So I thought I would share why I don’t have any desire to shop from international fast fashion giants that help almost no one in New Zealand (except for creating jobs in their mega stores).
There are a million reasons not to wear fast fashion, but my core reason isn’t what you think… Fast fashion isn’t special. It’s not unique, and going to thousands of fashion events around the world has led me to never want to see another person wear what I am wearing. It’s the exact same reason why I don’t buy into mass-produced luxury brands like Gucci or Louis Vuitton. It’s just expensive mass-produced crap. Sorry about your Gucci belt you just paid an arm and a leg for – it’s basic. If you rock up to a fashion week wearing nothing but Gucci it’s either for imaginary clout or you are actually brainwashed into consumerism. You will find me rolling my eyes so hard they might just fall out of my head… Mass-produced fashion whether it’s luxury or fast, has no appeal to me because it doesn’t have a wow factor, and I want to have fun. I also know where my clothes were made and by who which is extremely rewarding.
I recently tried on a dress that was in the back of my wardrobe that I bought from H&M, it was almost a decade old. I tried it on and felt terrible. Not because it was from an evil fast fashion monster, but because I felt cheap. The fabric was a horrible polyester, the hem was less than impressive and overall I felt meh. It didn’t fit right and I didn’t feel like me.
My first wardrobe breakup moment was when I was about 15 years old. My brother had friends over spontaneously (a bunch of boys about three years older than me) and I was in pyjamas. Colourful, patterned mismatching pyjamas. The LOOK on their face. I was so embarrassed. That day I vowed never to own anything I would be embarrassed to be seen in. Goodbye grey sweatpants. Goodbye horrendous slippers, goodbye Ugg boots.
The underlying truth of this is clothes can make you feel powerful. Confident. Don’t get me wrong, of course I own comfortable clothes, but I could easily slip on some shoes and go out. From silk pyjamas made on Waiheke Island by Willa & Mae to the loungewear by Kowtow (made ethically overseas), each piece is an experience to wear. And yes, I can go to the supermarket in it without someone thinking I was hungover.
I am so proud of each piece of clothing I wear. I love getting my clothes made right here in New Zealand, helping another small business continue to do what they are passionate about. Are you supporting your local?
