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Social media has been thrown around the word fast fashion many times and its destructive practices have been exhausted. In fast fashion, the desire to replicate the latest designer trends into low-cost retail items is high. Not only does it devalue the hard work of designers and creators – it contributes to the severity of major environmental and social issues such as environmental waste and slavery.
According to Earth.org, the fashion industry sends about 40 million tons of textiles into the air. The industry takes second place as a contributor to modern slavery. Yes, your clothes are coming to you at low prices, but at whose expense?
Some say the rise of micro-trends — clothes that go in and out quickly — is fast fashion. When influencers improve and introduce specific styles, the fast fashion industry creates trends that consumers grow up with before they have a lasting impact.
A good example of the impact of micro trends is Zooey Deutch’s character in the recent movie “It’s Not OK.” Director Quinn Shepherd intends to portray Deutch’s character Danny Sanders as Touch General Zliving in the midst of an environment that struggles with real issues. Shepherd’s use of minor trends inadvertently undermines Sanders as a protagonist.
Everything about the way Sanders presents herself, from her hairstyle to the color of her nails, represents the timeless styles that viewers see. This character trait highlights her character’s inability to understand real-world issues such as environmental awareness. Viewers were quick to criticize the character, unaware that they could easily fall into the same pattern.
Influencers say, “Nothing is trending, because everything is trending.” Minor trends and fast fashion have created a negative impact by focusing on creativity and individuality. Now, not participating in trends is trendy. Creatives are embracing individual identities and expressing themselves in a unique style, outside of the current micro trends. This latest wave has influenced the desire to buy frugally and sustainably.
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Here at UM, UThrift is a student organization that actively supports sustainable fashion on campus. Once a week, students can donate used clothes in exchange for free clothes.
Third-year criminology and anthropology major and UTrift member Ariana Garcia shared some insights on whether trends are still in style and how fast fashion has contributed to the growth of micro-trends.
“I don’t think anything is trending because people want things that are beautiful, fast, easy and cheap,” Garcia said.
As consumers consider long-term savings, Garcia offers a solution to this quick thinking. But despite the rise in popularity of thrift, many are still missing out by buying used or “junk” clothes.
“It’s not like that,” Garcia said. “I’m someone who likes to shop and I don’t want to leave a carbon footprint. At the end of the day, it’s just clothing. At Goyle, you can find timeless pieces that will last you.
Unlike the countless items that will go out of business next month, Garcia says that by shopping sustainably, you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a bigger statement about your clothing’s unique story.
This push for individuality has proven beneficial for small creators and designers. In an effort to shop sustainably, environmentally conscious consumers are looking to support local businesses by purchasing sustainable pieces.
I feel disappointed tonight @SHEIN_official He stole my Amelia sweater pattern.
They spent hours designing and conceptualizing this design and it takes days to create each knit. It’s sad to see my hard work reduced to a machine-made copy. 💔 pic.twitter.com/vLagM3WiKq— Elyon Adede (@TheElley) July 16, 2021
However, fast fashion has come to take this small victory into sustainable fashion. In recent claims, small designers have come forward with claims that famous fast fashion brands like Sheen are stealing their designs. Fast fashion has moved away from direct copying of designs and small creators are trying to make their designs successful.
Now, you may think that all is lost. Fast fashion has found a way to undermine all sustainable fashion, but the ability to change is an individual responsibility.
Know who and what you’re supporting when you shop. Defeat frugality and become part of the story that a pre-loved garment tells. Fashion is about self-expression, creativity and openness. Don’t let yourself get caught up in trends.
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