From Fast to Slow Fashion : Where Do We Go From Here?

So, what is Slow Fashion and why is it the answer? Kate Fletcher, the woman behind the term “Slow Fashion” says, “Slow Fashion is about designing, producing, consuming and living better. Slow fashion is not time-based but quality-based (which has some time components). Slow is a different approach in which designers, buyers, retailers and consumers are more aware of the impacts of products on workers, communities and ecosystems” (Green Living). 

Slow Fashion is built upon an awareness of the effects Fast Fashion has on the environment and on people’s lives. In Fast Fashion, clothing is produced quickly and with one goal in mind: making money. In this single-minded pursuit of profit, other factors, like climate change and damage to ecosystems and human lives, are ignored. Shoppers purchase clothing that is mass produced and distributed to shopping centers around the world. 

The clothing made with Slow Fashion’s values tells a different story. The pieces are unique and often rooted in the culture of the region in which they’re created. The use of techniques unique to certain societies helps to preserve the beauty of those cultures. Moreover, Slow Fashion partnerships between companies and artists honor human rights and encourage a sustainable model for the clothing industry and the earth (Green Living). Instead of using chemicals and man-made fibers that deplete natural resources, Slow Fashion uses natural fibers (The Slow Fashion Movement). It takes time to make pieces that are high in quality, but it’s worth the wait. The positive impact of buying Slow Fashion is endless.

Slow Fashion gives us, consumers, the chance to put our money where our personal values lay. By paying a higher price for these pieces made with time and care, we have a beautiful opportunity to take active steps towards obtaining basic human rights. We support fair wages and fair working hours. Ultimately, we get a chance to raise the quality of life for so many people, rather than contributing to the problems caused by Fast Fashion.

“Slow Fashion producers recognize that they are all interconnected to the larger environmental and social system and make decisions accordingly” (The Slow Fashion Movement). Huaywasi understands this truth. The project’s mission is to positively impact artisans' lives through education and empowerment. Huaywasi follows the guidelines of Slow Fashion by creating respectable relationships with artisans, creating sustainable clothing and accessories, decreasing waste of raw materials, and being mindful of the interconnectedness which exists between social and environmental systems. Our clothing choices may seem inconsequential, but they hold power, and Huaywasi is using that power to change lives.

Fair wages. Education. Art. Huaywasi combines all of these elements. Seven women use their talents and skills to create one of a kind artistry in Peru. Through Huaywasi, these gifted women have an opportunity to continue developing their talents, and in doing so, provide for themselves and their families. Slow Fashion is rooted in culture, global awareness, quality, responsibility and human rights, and all we have to do is make the choice to put our money where our heart is.

Wondering where to start? Check out beautiful new Fall/Winter Huaywasi products, like this up-cycled leather bucket bag by Daría! 

Author: Sherie James