If ever there was a book I wish I had written, it is this one. It’s called ‘How to break up with Fast Fashion’ by journalist Lauren Bravo. I raced through it in less than 48 hours and pretty much yelled out “yes, yes, YES” (think Herbal Essence shampoo ads rather than the nodding Churchill dog though....) on every page.
It doesn’t shy away from all the depressing facts about the hideous impact clothing has on our planet - I’m reminded that textile production produces an estimated 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 per year and that 40,000 fingers are lost by industrial workers in China’s Pearl River Delta region - but it’s the only sustainable fashion book I’ve read recently that tackles it with humour. Real humour and laugh out loud stuff that made me feel there was hope.
“Think about the phrase ‘ethical fashion’. What visuals spring to mind? There are scratchy utility fabrics and flows jersey ‘basics’. There are dropped crotches, tunics, elasticated waistbands, dresses that go out where they should go in…Trousers designed purposely to make one’s arse look like a potato in a a paper bag. There is khaki, and grey and a veritable rainbow of beige, extending from millet to lentil through a spectrum encompassing every type of ancient grain. The great news is we’re wrong - or at least not wholly right. Conscious fashion has come a long way” Lauren Bravo
It’s also been the only book I’ve read that made me feel like I could make a tangible difference. Everything else has honestly left me a bit depressed, overwhelmed and somewhat flat. This book turned all that on it’s head and reinforced my belief that making good choices and understanding you are making a difference has positive impact on your mental health.
It’s full of good ideas and advice, one favourite of mine being “be wary of keeping clothes that only just fit…. Either you wear them and feel miserable all day or you don’t wear them and you feel guilty about it. Life is too short, so bag those up. An outfit should have at least 20% space for pasta”. How can you resist such logic?
If you’re temped enough to buy a copy, you can order one here. Happy reading!