Narrating Personal Interest

Where did my interest in sustainable fashion and protecting our environment come about?

© by Green Fashion Society

“This photo above showcases my favourite, recently purchased pre-loved finds from a few vintage stores around Paris!"

Welcome to my first blog post on Green Fashion Society! My whole life I have been obsessed with fashion and the way I express myself which has automatically pushed me to research and expand my knowledge of the whole industry. With family working as models and stylists in the high fashion industry, my love and interest in fashion, fashion production, consumption, and distribution is constantly growing. My awareness about the negative impacts of the fashion industry on our environment came about 3 years ago when I had seen an influencer, I follow on Instagram call out popular fashion brands for breaching environmental safety standards. At this point in time, I was 17 and I did not know much about the fashion industry and how detrimental it can be to our environment.

I was purchasing from popular fast fashion brands such as H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo, and didn’t see any harm from purchasing from these brands. After reading more into the impact, I had felt guilt for being a reason for global warming and environmental harm. Fast forward, to now, I only purchase second hand pieces from online or in-store op shops, and I have never turned back. I have found my most amazing and beloved items in vintage stores, and they help express my love for fashion and style guilt free! Trust me when I say the vintage designer scene is better than firsthand! I believe that there is a bad stigma associated with op shopping, as people believe that you’ll never find anything new or up to your standards. I believe that this is the wrong attitudes coming particularly from the younger generations as, there is so much out there, you just have to look and be aware of where to look.

I am very interested and baffled by how many people continue to purchase from fast fashion brands even after knowing the many negative impacts. There are many negative impacts of the fast fashion industry, although my interest is focused upon the negative environmental factors and how this is affecting the way we live and our future. I have always cared about the environment and the world we live in, so it naturally attracted me when I had first come across articles relating to how fashion is ruining our environment.