The Basics to Quit Fast Fashion. Say Yes to Slow Fashion.

Here at Daines Atelier we are proud to call ourselves a slow fashion brand. We have created this blog post to inspire you to quit fast fashion. Slow fashion is the complete opposite to fast fashion. It advocates a slower process in manufacturing which respects craftsmanship, people, the environment and our morals.

The term was created by Katie Fletcher in 2007.

“Slow fashion is not a seasonal trend that comes and goes like animal print, but a sustainable fashion movement that is gaining momentum.”

Katie Fletcher (quote taken from just be stylish)

Slow Fashion is part of the “slow movement.” it’s a culture revolution which fights against the need for thing such as fast fashion, food and consumerism. It’s focused on doing everything at just the right speed, focusing on quality over quantity.

Here’s some tips on How to Quit Fast Fashion

1. Realise Value isn’t in the price.

Is good value really in the price of the garment? Or is good value knowing you’ve invested in a high-quality item which will last for life? An estimated £140 million worth of clothing goes to landfill every year. That’s just in the UK. (Statistic taken from Wrap.org.uk) 

So it really is pretty obvious that we need to be investing smartly for our wardrobe with value you in quality, not price.

2.Who are you buying from?

Do you really know who you’re buying from? Are you supporting someone’s vision, or is it a man in a suit classed as the CEO? If you fall in love with slow fashion you also fall in love with the maker and craftsmanship behind the brand.

3. Follow Accounts who will inspire you to make the change.

We recently wrote a post on different Instagram accounts and podcasts you should listen to if you’re just starting out your slow fashion journey. Educating yourself is key to understanding the importance of slow fashion.

4. “The most sustainable items of clothing are the ones already in your wardrobe.”

I can’t stress this enough. Don’t feel like because everything in your wardrobe is fast fashion that you need to throw it out and reinvest your closet. 

They’re already in your wardrobe so wear them to their potential. Style them different, use them for layering, alter them, remake them. Do everything in your power to keep them alive in your wardrobe for as long as possible.

5. Purchase with the intention of a Capsule Wardrobe.

We are constantly seeing more new trends. It’s so easy to fall into a trap of constantly purchasing the next big thing. But it’s also important to have a wardrobe which you can wear for more than one season! 

I find Pinterest is a great tool for building up ideas for a capsule wardrobe. But everyone is authentic and has their own style. So wear what is YOU.

6. Support Artisan Businesses who will be transparent.

There’s one guarantee with shopping small, you will always know what happened at every single stage of your garments.

Small businesses are more willing to showcase their process and to think through every single stage to ensure it’s as sustainable as possible. We talk about our processes in our last blog post.

I recommend reading ‘The Conscious Closet’ by Elizabeth Cline if you’re truly wanting to change your Fast Fashion habit.

The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth Cline is a must if you’re looking for actionable ways to quit Fast Fashion. The book breaks down: the negative impacts of the industry, how to build your wardrobe with quality in mind, how to shop second hand and how to fix your own clothing.

it is highlighted that one of the main issues with Fast Fashion, is it’s mass overproduction. “2.2 billion pounds of overstock and unsold clothing end up in landfills every year.” states Elizabeth in her book.

This clothing is only coming from fast fashion brands who are over-producing in order to brainwash you into an addiction to buying more and more, and more.

“more than 70% of the average wardrobe is unworn.“ and most of this is likely to be impulsive purchases from Fast Fashion Brands. Imagine the difference which could be made if you were conscious of every purchase made towards your wardrobe.

The Indie Guide is focused around ‘slow’ artisan creators. Committed to raising awareness of the slow movement.

But, who are the Indie Guide?

The Indie Guide is a publication founded by myself (Evie Daines), Samantha Hamlin (From Blog with Lola) and Yousef Al Nasser (Photographer now guide designer)

We created the guide with the intention of promoting indie creators to indie retailers. Realising how difficult it can be to be an individual creating art and then needing to sell and stock it. Bridging the gap between Stockist and creators to allow ease in them finding one and another.

The First Indie Guide Publication was a success. selling over 100 physical copies, viewed virtually online with over 5,000 views and creating a community full of incredible individuals.

Which is why we are delighted to announce that an interest list is now open for the second edition of the indie guide (February 2021) for creatives and stockists to express their interest and want to take part in the guide.

Slow Fashion in the Last Indie Guide.

When we collaborated with The Indie Guide we saw loads of incredible Slow Fashion Companies. Let’s talk about them.

Daines Atelier

We were featured in the previous issue of The Indie Guide. It was incredible to be commended alongside so many great businesses.

Featuring our “Quarantee” , yes that’s spelt right, collection. We showcased our latest range of Batwing Jumpers and Teddy Bear Coats.

Everything at Dained Atelier is made from reclaimed vintage textiles and remnants.

Kles

The brand creates leather accessories like handbags and wallets. It also produces jewellery.

I love the neutral colour palette of Kles. It has such a sophisticated style and such beauty in every piece. It shouts craftsmanship.

Happy Meadow Designs

A designer specialising in sustainable baby and children clothing. They use sustainably sourced cottons and patterns.

There is so much love that goes into every garment. And for sure a careful consideration into every piece. I love the cuteness!

Wild Rahni

A clothing brand for the wild and free. They create unique pieces from recycled fabrics.

I am obsessed with Wild Rahnis kimonos, they’re so beautifully made and always feature the most gorgeous patterns.

Frankie.

Frankie. Upcycles vintage tapestries with a story to create beautiful one of a kin pieces.

I love the beauty in all of Frankie. Pieces. You’ll never find an identical item twice, it surely is a treasure.

Fruit Salad

Fruit Salad are a fun loving streetwear brand from Bristol. Everything is produced in limited qualities locally.

I have always been such a fan of fruit salad. In awe love the colour palette, materials everything. We recently did a live chat with Emma from Fruit Salad where we discussed sustainable fashion and our garments.

Reclaimed Roundabout

Reclaimed Roundabout is a Mother-Daughter Brand in Brighton who design clothing from unwanted denim.

They have such a variety of different garments and accessories. I especially love their unisex designs.

Meghan H Makes

A crochet brand who make the bright and colourful clothing- which is made to measure.

I am obsessed with all of Meghans work- especially the Battenburg Jumper! She is also queen of Tik tok and makes some hilarious videos.

Yay London

Graphics Designer Mai turned her focus to screen printing. She likes to express positive messages through her screen printing.

I love all of Mai’s designs. It brings me a lot of positivity when I see one of her pieces.

Anna Falcke- Wristees

Handmade accessories in vibrant and bright colours. Made in the most exquisite colours and materials.

I actually purchased my Mum one of Anna Falckes snoods, she absolutely loves how cosy it is for a winter day.

E.Ballon Design

E.Ballon saves textiles which is likely to be going to landfill. She hand weaves her materials to create the most gorgeous handbags and accessories.

The textures and material choice for E.Ballon Design is truly beautiful. The monochrome colours will perfectly team up with any outfit.

Will you say yes to slow fashion?

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