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“The Simple Solution to Fast Fashion”
Josephine Philips discusses the fast fashion crisis and proposes an approach to fixing the modern disposability mindset. I, a sentimentalist, greatly enjoy it.18 November 2024
She addresses some alarming stats, like the 92 million metric tons of clothing waste we produce annually, and how there are mountains of discarded garments visible from space. But what stuck with me most was her argument for valuing the clothes we already own. Philips makes the case that our experiences with clothing—like her grandmother’s 60-year-old dress or her sister’s well-loved jeans—make these items significant. They hold stories, sentimentality, and memories that can shift how we think about fashion.
I adore this idea because it reframes sustainable fashion as something joyful, not restrictive. When we take care of our clothes—repairing a rip, altering a fit, modifying the style, or simply appreciating the craftsmanship—we create a stronger connection to them. It articulated a phenomenon I’ve experienced in my own life, of how much more I value the clothes I’ve left my mark on, whether through visible mending, patches, or painting. Practising sustainability, even in minor ways like fixing clothes, provides a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfilment for me, and it was brilliant to watch Phillips express this idea in a way I believe will resonate with many people.