Book Recommendations On Fast Fashion
Last week on the blog we posted the sad news that MADE UK, a fashion accessories brand that crafted handcrafted goods with artisans in Kenya, announced that they are closing after 13 years. We asked you guys on Instagram what you think we can do to stop more companies like this from closing and you guys gave some great responses! From embracing cultural and mind set changes regarding our relationship with fashion to educating people on the basics behind green fashion and the fast fashion industry. Based on that we have put together a list of our top recommended reads on the fast fashion industry in case you wanted a book to snuggle up to over the autumn!
Naked Fashion: The new sustainable fashion revolution by Safia Minney
Written by People Tree founder and CEO, Safia Minney, Naked Fashion is a must read. Written by someone who has successful introduces conscious fashion into the main stream. Naked fashion gives an overview of our purchases can positively impact communities. What is great about this book is that it highlights the effects of positive change that a change in consumer attitudes can bring rather than homing in on the negative (which is still important). If you are looking for some inspiration, then Naked Fashion is definitely a good place to start.
Overdressed: The shockingly high cost of cheap fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline
Just from the introduction of this book, Elizabeth Cline has already admitted to something that many of us do – the wardrobe inventory. The case of buying clothes or accessories because they are at a great price only to rarely, or in some cases never, wear them and delegating them to the back of our wardrobes, where we forget about them until our next spring clean. Like many of us, when Cline cleaned out her wardrobe she discovered 61 tops, 60 T-shirts, 15 cardigans and hooded sweatshirts, 21 skirts and 20 pairs of shoes, most of which she never wore. This was the wake-up call that spurred Cline to take a deeper look into the effects of the fast fashion industry, where she highlights the ways in which such disposable clothing is damaging the environment, economy and even the consumer. Travelling to various regions around the world like China and Bangladesh, Cline unveils the truth behind fast fashion and adds detail to what we all may have already suspected.
This is a good guide for a sustainable lifestyle by Marieke Eyskoot
We are currently reading through this book and loving it! A lot of the statistics that Marieke drops throughout the book really help put things into perspective of how your buying choices have such an influence on the environment and the people behind the clothes that may not have a voice. One of my favourite things about the book so far are all the up close and personal interviews with people behind the scenes in fashion and lifestyle brands trying to make a change. It gives buying from conscious a personal touch as you understand a bit more about the people behind the company and the clothing.
Stitched up: The anti-capitalist book of fashion by Tansy E. Hoskins
This one is a bit heavier that the others as Hoskins explains the interconnection between fashion and socio-economic structures like racism, sexism, global poverty and environmental degradation. Whilst this book may be heavier that most sustainable lifestyle or fashion guides, it shines a very bright light on the reality of the fashion industry and why things must change.
Deluxe: How luxury lost its lustre by Dana Thomas
We are always told to buy more for designer items, right? After all they are handcrafted by artisans in Italy or Paris or whichever location is known for years of experiences in crafting these goods just for us. To give use that feeling of luxury when we wear the item and a surge of happiness when buy them, but do you really know the difference between a Zara or a Louis Vuitton handbag. Investigative journalist, Dana Thomas, reveals the truth behind what luxury means today and helps us answer the question of whether buying luxury is really any different from fast fashion.
We are what we wear: Unravelling fast fashion and the collapse of Rana Plaza by Lucy Siegle
Sometimes when talking about the fast fashion industry it is easy to primarily focus on the environment and sometimes forget the people that are behind the clothing that we wear. A lot of the time these are factory workers in poor condition workshops, on less than minimum wage who may be exposed to the toxic fumes involved in fashion production. ‘We are what we wear: Unravelling fast fashion and the collapse of Rana Plaza’ takes us on a journey into the consequences that the fast fashion has on humans, animals and the environment.
Green is the new black: How to change the world with style by Tamsin Blanchard
An oldie but a goodie. There is no use telling you how bad the fashion industry can be without providing some sort of solution for change. Although this book came out 11 years ago, the sentiments are still applicable today. Blanchard provides practical and useful tips on how to live in a sustainable and eco friendly way.
