Ethical fashion: a cause to defend
Why fashion is not a lost cause?
It has become commonplace, not a day (or almost) goes by without seeing articles denouncing the failings of the Fashion sector & in particular Fast Fashion. Indeed, it is true that, in certain cases, and through certain irresponsible acts, fashion pollutes the environment or exploits the human capital of developing countries. However, awareness has become so important in recent years that the trend is gradually changing, and many players are in the process of setting up a real small revolution to make this sector, which is so much dreamed of, a responsible & sustainable sector. This is what we call today, "ethical fashion". At JULES & JENN , we firmly believe in this movement, and we work, every day, at our level, in favor of responsible & sustainable fashion . And it's true, you can love fashion and make the world a better place! There are solutions to make your contribution, and we give them to you!
Before the solutions, a little initial observation!
What is most often criticized about fashion today is not so much the fact that it changes, but rather the fact that it changes extremely quickly, forcing customers to renew their wardrobes in order to make more profits. The large groups dominating the sector certainly have an economic monopoly on a certain type of fashion. But fashion, as a social and artistic phenomenon, goes far beyond this framework. It also exists outside of textile multinationals, in many other different forms.
Okay, that being said... let's be realistic! It is and always will be impossible to completely boycott these major industrialists at their peak. However, it is urgent to act and fight against the excesses that their actions generate on an environmental and human level.
Fashion isn't just about fast fashion! So let's wake up, stop being distracted by today's consumer society, and take charge of our consciences! Let's look beyond the end of our noses because there are plenty of other types of fashion: artisans and independent designers, small (or large) responsible brands, ethical fashion... Not to mention sewing and knitting that we can do ourselves!
Choose Slow Fashion... Boycott Fast Fashion!
A movement has gained momentum, that of slow fashion , and at JULES & JENN we are participating in it on our scale by offering quality timeless pieces at the right price! A fashion in opposition to the excesses of fast fashion, which advocates sustainability rather than “disposability”!
We can absolutely continue to love clothes by using other options. And above all, by changing our mindset. Yes, there is no miracle solution that allows us to love fashion in an ecological and ethical way without having to question our behaviors. It is above all a work on ourselves! And if we want ethical and ecological fashion, we must agree to pay the true price of a garment! Good quality clothing & fashion accessories that respect the environment and humans are inevitably more expensive to buy than those of fast fashion.
Fortunately, there are plenty of deals out there, whatever your budget! It's entirely possible to treat yourself while drastically reducing your ecological footprint without breaking the bank. It's a mindset well summed up by English designer Vivienne Westwood: " Buy less, choose better, make things last ."
How to choose the right thing to buy?
1. Pay attention to materials . The composition of a garment or accessory is always indicated on the label. Obviously, it is best to favor the least polluting materials and, if possible, local production.
2. Choose QUALITY. Always! It's a worthwhile investment because it will last over time, no need to change it every season! Follow the famous adage: "Time is money!"
3. Take into account washing conditions . Avoid clothes that require “dry cleaning,” for example, because this is an operation that uses products that are very harmful to the environment and health.
4. Find the right brands . Ethical and eco-friendly brands aren't very numerous yet, but they're multiplying rapidly! Just like JULES & JENN .
5. Encourage crafts and small businesses . Craftspeople and independent designers offer original, yet timeless, designs that you won't see on everyone! And you'll be encouraging entrepreneurship, the local economy, and real talent!
6. Look at the labels . There are a number of them: here is a short, non-exhaustive list
When you buy quality, at the right price, it changes absolutely everything!
I can see you coming: " Yes, but ethical and responsible fashion is old-fashioned! There's nothing trendy about it, and it's absolutely not aesthetic! "
JULES & JENN answer you: "Really?!... And our timeless pieces for example?!" Okay... It's not always easy to find brands or pieces that meet all the ethical, ecological and aesthetic criteria... So let's just do our best!
You see, fashion is far from being a lost cause if together we apply good practices and buy consciously!
Come on, let's get started in 2017? It's never too late, quite the contrary...!
