Slow Fashion Challenge 2022 recap

By taking the Slow Fashion Challenge earlier this month (May 1-14, 2022), I connected with many people actively involved and passionate about this topic, and learned about some of the issues and what can be done to at least minimize and ultimately eliminate the perils of fast fashion.

Slow Fashion Challenge 2022

Answering the prompts

There were 14 prompts for the Challenge—one for each day. As one would expect, some were easier to respond to and others required research and education. The "educational" aspect of this Challenge was one of the reasons I signed up to participate.

These samples are responses to a few of the simpler prompts (clockwise from upper left):

• Green Closet: I have a selection of me-made clothes that I wear for my job. This Bristol top was made from leftover knits from previous projects. Aiming for zero waste.
• Vintage: using vintage buttons from a resale shop on my Kangaroo Path Top
• Rework: my Tablecloth Jacket 
• Community: my Boho Wiksten top, a collaboration project with Anonymous.

Bristol Top, Kangaroo Path top, Tablecloth Jacket, Boho Wiksten top.

Being a quiltmaker, the "Scraps/Waste Reduction" prompt was easy—fabric twine, making kitty quilts, and making scrap quilts. As the scraps get smaller, the projects get smaller—EPP hexies for a needle book and my 100 Day Stitch Scroll project.

Fabric twine, kitty quilts from scraps, scrap quilt, small projects from scraps.

The more thought-provoking topics were Size Inclusive, Inclusivity, Greenwashing, and coming up with a Slow Fashion Pledge. I found more information about these topics in the following articles:

Is inclusivity part of the sustainable spectrum? by Samanta Bullock

Can we mend our relationship with repairing clothes? by Lauren Rees

Sustainable Fashion Heavyweights dive under the sheets to champion Transparency 

Topics from the Slow Fashion Challenge 2022.

The Slow Fashion community

The sponsors of the Slow Fashion Challenge were Louise Kane of ReAdorn London, Sharmon Lebby of Blessed Designs, and Amy Daileda of Vivid Element. The sponsors and other participants were very knowledgeable, supportive of each other, and offered lots of photos and information about their practices and thoughts about the issues. 

It takes a village

The problems with fast fashion are global. Recommendations from the community that every person can do to combat the issues:

• Reduce consumption. Buy less.
• Buy better. Buy quality. Buy only what you need and take care of what you buy.
• Choose natural fibers, organic, recycled and upcycled. Buy from ethical and eco conscious brands.
• Support local community artisans, tailors, and makers. Shop small, indie, local, vintage and second hand.
• Engage with brands. Ask questions. Research and learn.

From the perspective of someone in the textile industry, my suggestion would be:

• Be or become a maker! Learn mending, sewing, alterations. Make garments you love and care for them.

"The most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe." 

—Orsola de Castro, Fashion Revolution co-founder
and author of "Loved Clothes Last"