Slow Fashion Consultancy | katefletcher.com
For over a decade businesses, education establishments, arts organisations and the research community, primarily in the fashion and textile sector have been commissioning consultancy services from me. The services I offer work at the forefront of the social, ecological and economic agenda; designing ways to foster change towards sustainability. To discuss a project or learn more about the services I offer, please email me. What clients say about my consultancy services: ‘Your work on a sustainability concept for my brand was wonderful, fantastic… it nailed all the primary points’ Sydney Brown Shoes, USA & Germany. ‘Going by the feedback from participants, your session was a real highlight and you had a very inspiring effect on the audience.’ ‘I cannot thank you enough for this report. ‘Thank you for the fantastic work you are providing.
About | Slow Fashioned
One constant thing about fashion is change. Seasonally, trends change the preferred color, silhouette, fabric and more — artificially dictating the obsolescence of a garment. Over the past few decades, fashion trends have been changing at a greater rate due to advances in production technology, shortening the time from concept to store. The term “Slow Fashion” was coined by Kate Fletcher in 2007 (Centre for Sustainable Fashion, UK). Slow Fashion attempts to slow the rate of change down to a more sustainable pace. When we slow down we realize that we don’t need to buy new trends every 6 weeks as the fast-fashion retailers are pushing them out, we need to step back and reassess what is really important to us. *Check out our Resources page for more about Slow Fashion including articles, books, tips, videos and more. Slow Fashioned is not your typical online magazine. Our mission is to: The Slow Fashioned Pledge is a dedication to slowing down. Sign the pledge now.
The Slow Fashion Movement: 10 Brands That Are Doing it Right
December is an important month for the fashion and retail industry--and not just because of the ka-ching of the cash register duing holiday sales. You may not know it, but December is also 'Made in America' month. Started in 1985 under Ronald Reagan, Made in America month aims to encourage consumers to purchase items produced locally in the United States. The term 'slow fashion,' coined in 2008 by sustainable design consultant Kate Fletcher, describes an approach to clothing and fashion that is decidedly at odds with the fast (and even faster) fashion cycle. "Slow fashion encompasses sustainable fashion, but it takes a broader view than just supporting organic T-Shirts," said Elizabeth Cline, author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. "It's about the consumer becoming aware of the whole process--from design through production through use and through the potential to reuse," Hazel Clark, research chair of fashion at Parsons said.
'Slow fashion' is a must-have ... and not just for this season | Business | The Observer
The credit crunch has put paid to high times on the high street, but retailers are reporting the rise of 'slow fashion' as consumers think harder about what they buy. Fast fashion, its antithesis, has had the clothing industry in its thrall for much of this decade, with customers seduced by cheap versions of styles that had graced the catwalks of Milan and Paris weeks previously. But with disposable incomes on the wane, even clothes at disposable prices are losing their appeal; the new must-haves are 'made to last' or, better still, 'made in Britain.' Internet fashion retailer Adili is at the forefront of the 'slow fashion' movement. 'Slow fashion is not just about responding to trends,' says Adili chief executive Adam Smith. Former Topshop brand director Jane Shepherdson, who now runs Whistles, says the industry tends to move in cycles: 'The high street is vast, and has to be fast; it may slow down a bit, but customers are used to newness. Many retailers can't do fast fashion anyway.
Where is Sustainable Fashion Headed in 2014?
In the face of both triumph and tragedy, fashion’s masked and intricate supply chain is becoming more transparent. So where is the industry headed in 2014? I never ever dreamed I would find myself working in the fashion industry. Fashion was always an interest of mine, surely an influence from my Parisian mother and catty American high school upbringing, but I always saw the industry as vain–only meant for those that have too much time and money on their hands to care about anything else other than what they wore. Unless you are a staunch nudist you consume fashion. But to churn out fast and cheap in a complicated global supply chain, means processes need to be slimmed, quality diminished and externalities bleeding out at all steps. I recently heard ethical fashion pioneer, Elizabeth Cline, speak on her first eye opening experience, when she realized there was something amiss in the industry. The word sustainability is thrown around a lot, and really turns some people off.
slow fashion forward
New fashion consumers realize the powerful role they play in the industry. By focusing on the big picture, new consumers are aware of the ecological and social effects of fashion production that are supported by consumption. Each decision you make as a consumer matters and can help shape a sustainable future for fashion. Less is more. ● Think twice. ● Make a swap! ● Cherish the story. ● Lease a designer dress or handbag. New consumers are encouraged to build a wardrobe of well-made, beautiful and versatile pieces. ● Quality matters. ● Support craftsmanship and seek out unique, handmade pieces ● Take care. Slow fashion uses local resources, skills and materials to make, restyle and repair garments whenever possible. ● Get your hands dirty! ● Learn something new. ● Ask your clothing retailer for a special repair service for clothing you purchased from them ● Make a visit to your local tailor to have clothes repaired or altered instead of simply tossing them away. ● Get creative!
