Exploitation in Fashion

I love fashion, but I would be remiss not to be intentional and purposeful in how I spend my money in this industry going forward.

It appears there are two main choices for the masses: support fast fashion brands like Zara, F21, H&M, etc. or buy “Designer” brands like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, etc. Clearly the main difference between the two choices is COST.

Fast fashion is built on exploiting POC and unfair labor practices. On the other hand, although designer brands could very well be paying their artisans fairly, they are not actively supporting BIPOC in their respective establishments.

It took active campaiging to get most brands to include models of color on their runways, but we shouldn’t stop there. These fashion and beauty corporations should be as diverse as their customer base at EVERY LEVEL.

2020 has exposed systemic oppression that is insidious in fashion.

Not proud that this top is from Zimmermann

Brands like Zimmermann, Reformation, Anthropologie, Eugenia Kim, and Eloquii, are a few brands I have heavily supported in the past who have been exposed for explicitly racist practices that sustain a toxic culture of oppression and exclude BIPOC from success in their organizations.

It’s time to support small businesses, especially those owned by BIPOC.

suit by Matériel Tbsili

“There are a ton of talented designers whose designs are being co-opted by big fast fashion brands like Zara, Topshop, H&M, and fashion nova. I encourage people to watch “The True Cost.” You will never support fast fashion again. the industry is built on the exploitation of POC worldwide. ”

Moving forward, I am going to support small independent designers and boutiques who actively promote diversity and inclusion.

I am also only supporting fashion and beauty brands with fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and strong diversity on all levels of the corporate hierarchy. I want to focus on the craft and quality over hype and ‘brand-mania.’

Most importantly, my love of all things vintage will be my fashion focus. It is more sustainable and better for the planet if we all wore second-hand clothes!