Slow fashion, a term describing the opposite of fast fashion, is now part of the global "slow movement" which advocates against rapid industrial expansion in terms of human, animal and nature. Slow fashion generally adheres to a philosophy that encourages quality, uniqueness and long lasting art and craft. Artists involved in the slow fashion movement include Russian painter Vasque Arsenyev, Belgian artist Albert Bierstadt, British street musician Banksy, Japanese artistichirui Sechiura and more. Other contemporary artists who have been mentioned include Canadian photographer Michael provocation, Pop artist Banksy and French singer-songwriter Gillian La Forge.
Slow fashion is also associated with environmentalism. In relation to sustainability, it has been argued that consumers have become more demanding of eco-friendly clothing brands and that eco-friendly brands are now seen as a niche market. As such, this type of clothing is often promoted by organizations promoting sustainability. The 10 advantages listed below highlight the importance of sustainability to slow fashion.
Sustainability is vital in ensuring long-term growth and development of human society. It promotes social justice and the well being of human communities and the planet. The concepts of sustainable fashion relate to traditional materials, labour practices and gender equality. A lot of emphasis is laid on reducing the impact of clothing manufacture on the environment. Some brands, such as Burberry, have made efforts to reduce the use of leather in their clothing by incorporating fabric that breathes to reduce the need for more leather.
Clothing that is considered slow is also based on ethical and fair trade principles. The Slow Fashion Association is an organization that promotes the adoption of these principles in the clothing industry. Some of the benefits that can be realized through this include reducing poverty, improving health and nutrition and fighting deforestation. Slow fashion is the preferred option when it comes to organic clothing. The Slow Food Movement believes that organic farming helps the environment by reducing the consumption of non-food grains and fuels such as petrol and natural gas.
Zero waste policies have become important in both traditional and contemporary clothing manufacturing. Many clothing manufacturers are now opting for zero waste policies for various reasons. This policy enables them to benefit from the resources found in the natural environment, such as water, energy, land and raw materials. The concept of zero waste in recent years has been popularized by high profile celebrities, who have adopted the 'going green' lifestyle and encouraged others to adopt similar lifestyles.
Concerns over environmental degradation and climate change are often referred to when discussing sustainable fashion. The slowing of economic activities worldwide, coupled with the depletion of natural resources, has resulted in a rise in material consumption and a corresponding rise in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Prominent personalities who have adopted the concept of sustainable fashion include Prince Philip, who is patron saint of the environment; and Al Gore, who has launched the 'Green Growth' initiative.
It should be noted that the concept of slow fashion is not a new one. It has been around since the seventeenth century, when European fashion items were slow to change. Fashion items were designed to last, so that they could be worn by people for a long time. These long-lasting fashion items included long-lasting fabric such as wool, which was used for everything from cloaks to suits. This long-lasting culture helped to create a sense of social harmony and eco-friendliness in Europe.
For clothing buyers, it is essential to purchase durable and long-lasting clothes. Clothes that wear well are also more comfortable to wear, which helps to reduce stress. This reduction in stress results in better health. Since people today spend a lot of time in their cars driving to and from work, they need to keep their clothes well-maintained in order to avoid body odors from developing. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the closet in order to keep clothes in good condition.