National Fashion Day - a Conscious Fashion angle
This journal musing tackles some truths about the clothes in our wardrobes, having fun with fashion, and providing some fascinating information about the fashion industry for National Fashion Day - Saturday 9 July
Do you see your clothes as cherished old friends as you open up your wardrobe or do you get that sinking feeling - oh no, not you again?!
Whether you have annual clear outs, rotate your wardrobe seasonally - keep in mind that the most sustainable item of clothing is already hanging up in your wardrobe! Worldwide Fashion Day is not about encouraging us to buy more stuff for that buzz of a new purchase, it's also about having fun with fashion, wearing and appreciating all the clothes we already have, experimenting with accessories, wearing outfits to places we wouldn't normally wear - as nothing is really for 'best' anymore is it?
Here's a thought: are your clothes still appropriate for your current lifestyle? Do your clothes still fit you the same way they did when you first purchased them? So, as the quote suggests, keep not only the clothes you like, but also the ones you can and will wear
I shall be marking Worldwide Fashion Day by having a clothes swap afternoon with friends - offloading hoarded items of clothing, things that no longer fit me, clothes that were part of my lifestyle years ago and generally, garms that no longer spark joy - time to move those threads along for someone else to appreciate. I passed by my local charity shop on Wednesday and had a quick browse. I noticed about 5 items of my old clothing that I had donated earlier this year making their first appearance on the rail of new discovery. As the old adage goes (it dates back to the 1700s), one person's trash is another person's treasure!
Fashion Industry facts you may or may not know
Who was the first modern Fashion designer?
Englishman, Charles Frederick Worth is believed to be the first fashion designer of the world, from 1826 to 1895
His two 'firsts' - he was the first to use live models in 1853 which then in turn invented the fashion show. He was also the first to sew branded labels into his clothing
Louis Vuitton burns unsold products
Louis Vuitton is one of the world's oldest and most successful luxury brands. It works on a strict business model and any products that go unsold are incinerated every year. This is a practice adopted by many luxury brands as it ensures exclusivity, prevents theft, and avoids having to discount any items
80% of garments workers are women aged between 18-24
Even though fast fashion brands have provided millions of women with employment opportunities, women are frequently exploited whilst working in clothing factories. They face poor working rights and pay. Source labourbehindthelabel.org
Who are the leading countries for the fashion industry worldwide?
The top spot goes to France, followed by Italy, USA then UK according to statista.com. The index value is based on market strength, industry influence and prestige among other factors
In the 1600's pregnancy was considered fashionable
It was such a fashionable trend that women stuffed cushions under their clothes to create a baby bump look. The Maternity wear market was valued at around USD 12billion in 2021 source: globalnewswire.com
Did you know the average woman experiences around 31 size changes during adult life alone?
Sizing discrepancies exist right across the board in today's fashion. It's no wonder we struggle to really know what size we are and it's unsurprising that shoppers continue to push for more expansive offerings and size inclusivity
The first practical and widely used sewing machine was invented by Barthélemy Thimonnier, a French tailor, in 1829
But! London cabinet maker, Thomas Saint successfully patented a crude sewing machine in 1790. he also built plans for his machine, which were not discovered until the 1800s
So cheers to Fashion day, Friday and the weekend generally 🥂 wear the dress, style it your way, hype the colour, walk the sassy walk and feel the J.O.A.F* Joy of Acquiring Fabulousness! 🥳 - Kay Dress in black & white gingham with length customisation
Lisa x
