Clothing is something we take for granted! Since ancient times we wear it every day providing protection against the elements and mainly used to create a distinction between different levels in society. We only wore what we needed, produced locally and if broken, we would repair it.
How different is that in nowadays society, where as a results of globalization and worldwide production, our clothes became more and more anonymous. We only distinguish ourselves based on the brand preference for the likes of H&M, ZARA, Nike, Tommy, etc…
The increased welfare combined with our western consumption society has created a clothing industry worth billions of euros, where millions of people, mostly young women, are employed! Every week we can find new clothing offering in the stores, both online and offline to enrich our existence…or not?
In the meantime it is common knowledge that this so-called fast fashion business model has huge negative impact on both human and nature. Moreover as a result of this evolving industry we completely lost the true value of our clothing. Who were involved, where do they live, under what circumstances do they work and how does the industry affect their living habitat are critical questions we need to ask ourselves.
So what can we do to reverse this trend? Do we have to return to ancient times, making our own clothes, and knowing exactly who was involved? Do we need to abandon the low wage production countries in the far east and return all clothing production back to Europe? Is that realistic at all?
Or should take a different look at our clothing altogether and are we prepared to share a part of our welfare by paying a higher price for clothing produced under decent circumstances?
Join the debate and let us know your opinion about this topic.
