What is Slow Fashion?

I was in a meetup group this Monday March 21st and the topic was about What is slow fashion?

All the way home I had the word in mind.
 
So, what it is" Slow Fashion"? Good quality? Custom made? One-of-a-kind item? Sustainable? Fair trade and locally made?

For me ''Slow Fashion'' is about thinking of a different approach  when it comes to shopping because we need to recognize that the impacts of our collective choices can affect the environment and the people. It is also about slowing down on consumption; reducing raw materials by decreasing fashion production can allow the earth’s regenerative capabilities to take place.

I believe in good quality not in brand name. I don't believe in mass production, I like designs that are unique and it reflect amply in my work.
At Himane when we are co-creating garments for our customer we are offering a service with emotional significance, as most of the time each item have a story behind it to tell and we always invite the customer to be part of the design process, the needs of creativity, identity and participation can be more than satisfied.

 
As Kate Fletcher stated in 2007: "Slow fashion is about choice, information, cultural diversity and identity. Yet, critically, it is also about balance. It requires a combination of rapid imaginative change and symbolic (fashion) expression as well as durability and long-term engaging, quality products. 
http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/clothing/269245/slow_fashion.html
  
 Below are some pictures  of items I extended their lives between 2005 and 2009 into new style, new view and new purpose. Great for the environment and life extension for the clothes. All items were made in my studio in Brooklyn, the turn around was between 2 to 3 weeks and a little bit more for the wedding gown.
The designs are timeless, innovative and one of-a-kind.

The wedding dress below, the fabrics used were over 40 years old still in good condition and I was able to create that beautiful dress, which was sold for over $3,000.00




Pictures 1, 2, 3 and 4 are made from reycled umbrella and organic Hemp. 






Dresses #5, made from repurpose men shirts.

5-



Those 3 tops below are made also from repurpose men shirts. The first top, the front piece is expendable and you can wear it up to your 5/6 months pregnancy or more.





 The clutch, the eye glasses pouch and the wallet are made using recycled yoga mats.











All the bags below the first two are made of recycled umbrellas, the tote from repurpose jeans and recycled leather and the clutch from recycled umbrella and  leather.








I love what I do, for more than 20 years I have been aspire to make a difference in the world in a creative and innovative way.  But for the past 7 to 8 years I only been doing just that, as small as my little service and impact have been.

Join my group  http://www.meetup.com/Brooklyn-Recycle-Reuse-Repurpose-Upcycle/  were you can learn to repair your clothes or upcycle them into new style or just ask your designer to help you, it’s easier than going shopping.
Ask your favorite stores about repair services that may get them thinking!!!


Please let's hear what you have to say about your idea on Slow Fashion. Share with us!!




Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi Catherine. I love the 'slow fashion' idea. It reminds me very much of the Buddhist way of eating. Always be aware and appreciate how the food you take in came to be there...the planting/growth/cultivating, feeding/raising/slaughter, processing, packaging, shipping, stocking, cooking... how much human energy, time and natural resources.

I'm reminding often, as G.I. Joe would say, knowing is half the battle. :-)

Knowing where the things in your world come from and how they get there will help us all cut back on the resources we use from day to day.

Hope all is well with Himane! Love following you on Twitter and Facebook. Hope to see you soon. Karen
Dear Karen, thank you for your comment and support to the blog. Greatly appreciate.
I am planing to visit next month, will let you know when.
Anonymous said…
Something to be said for clothing that has a story, is made with care, and represents you better than a cookie cutter piece that everyone else is wearing just because it's 'trendy'.
Anonymous said…
Something to be said for clothing that has a story, is made with care, and represents you better than a cookie cutter piece that everyone else is wearing just because it's 'trendy'.

Jessica Pichardo
Owner Linger Cafe & Lounge

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