Stay Gold

Back when Studio Intent was a physical store we offered services to customers interested in minimizing their closets or increasing the versatility of what they already owned - basically helping out with "closet cleanses" and providing a fresh perspective on new ways to wear old favourites.  This involved going through the customer's wardrobe, which always started with them apologizing profusely for owning clothing from non-traceable brands.  These apologies were usually followed with promises to replace all of those pieces with ethical clothing - a wonderful sentiment to support ethical designers but not so great for decreased consumption!  

When making the switch to ethical consumption, decreasing the amount of clothing we buy is as important as knowing how that clothing is made and what it's made of.  Continuing to wear and care for the clothing you already own and love despite not knowing the conditions of its production should therefore not be an exercise in guilt.  While it's true that many people trying to change their shopping habits are uncomfortable about their past purchases, the ethical fashion movement should be empowering for our future and not a condemnation of our past.  

So please, keep wearing those items in your closet that you love, and replace them only when needed and not simply because they're not ethically made.  If they've been your favourites for years let them stay that way - let them stay gold. 

Photos: Nicole Wee