Trash Fashion

Okay...so i'm not sure how to start this post without verbal diarrhea containing 101 personal opinions regarding fast trash fashion boutiques. You know the ones, racks upon racks inexpensive clothes that hit the store before the ink has dried on the latest street trend photos. It's no secret that many most of these rapidly produced ultra trendy garments are of poor fit and worse quality.  Yet the majority of the population continues to flock to these stores like a sheep, recently shorn and in need of a good coat. But instead of a good coat they end up with a shitty one that they'll throw out by next season along with a few sparkly shirts, some cheap tights, and a handful crappy plastic jewelry. We've all been there, emptying our closet into boxes and bags meant for the nearest goodwill. "The belt loops ripped the first time i put them on; i wore this shirt once but it got all twisty after i put it through the wash; i haven't EVEN worn this!; uhg what was i thinking?; etc etc etc." We sigh at the x amount of dollars wasted and try to comfort ourselves with the thought of someone with less dough who will find the article on the next 50% off day at the thrift store. But lets be honest, that top wont last anyone more than a year before it falls to threads. And dont even get me started on the community of talented designers who all have to compete for the tiny market of conscious shoppers while the rest of the fashion savvy refuse to pay for good quality creative design that actually costs what its worth, fits well, and is made to last.

I am aware that there are many people who study fashion with the hope of job security in the form of a product development position in a large corporate chain. And there are even more who's first thought for next weekend's outfit leads them right to the corner of Yonge and Dundas (or the nearest sale rack at the mall). I generally try to bite my tounge and lead by example. But after reading this article in the New York Times the angst has turned into a ball of rage sitting in the pit of my stomache. This is what happens when clothing is produced at such a rapid pace that theres not enough time to sell half of whats made before the next trend takes over. As if these giants arent moving things to the end of the product lifecycle quickly enough, countless stores are skipping the consumer all together and heading straight for the dumpster. All in the name of brand scarcity i suppose. Read the article and form your own oppinion but please think about what your supporting when you spend your hard earned cash on the 'perfect outfit' for your date next friday.

Trashfusion

Check out this call for entries put out by Canadian production company IHP. Trashfushion is a competition for designers from all walks of life " based on the ethos of Recycle - Reuse - Reduce - Refuse. " Designs will be presented on the runway at the Green Expo in Mississauga (May 1st) and Milton (May 15) and winners receive $1000, photos, media, and display at The Rage in Kensington market. Click here for more info.

Love Forever
Jamie

eco leather... oxymoron?

hello there...
i came across a neat website about ethical leather and vegan shoes. mind you, they are located in the UK. still, and interesting take on leather as a natural and renewable resource. i looked around a bit more and found a few interesting sites and articles for anyone who is interested in the eco side of leather. there are, however a host of other issues that arise within this leather debate. animal rights for one. the constant pouring of funds into the billion dollar meat industry that is, let's face it, adding to a lot of the destruction of the planet and let us not forget the excess amounts of chemicals required for the tanning process.
then there's the used, vegan and vintage sides of leather.
anyways.. just some thoughts. can leather actually be 'green'? i don't know.
care to comment? please do....

green shoes
eco leather? yes or no
eco leather, vintage and vegan

jen