En mode responsable
In collaboration with Catherine Côté Stylist.
Will the crisis we are currently experiencing ultimately have a positive impact on the importance of buying locally?
With the closure of shopping centers, boutiques, confinement and social distancing, we are seeing among consumers a surge of solidarity towards local purchasing and Quebec designers, and this is excellent news!
We know, unfortunately, the fashion industry is one of the most polluting for our planet. Despite the efforts that are increasingly being made by manufacturers, the fact remains that the environmental impacts of fast fashion are still too damaging.
However, more and more consumers are aware of this issue and want to buy locally. Do you also want to do your part to encourage local purchasing?
Choose independent businesses in your area rather than chains or big box stores. Smaller, independent boutiques often offer a more diverse range of products and personalized service. They are operated by passionate people who want to satisfy their customers and the profits do not end up in a head office in the United States, they remain in your region and stimulate the local economy.
Buy products and clothing made in Quebec or Canada. “Made in Quebec” fashion has evolved a lot over several years and we have excellent designers who, beyond simply creating here, also have their products made here. These companies create jobs here and also reduce the ecological footprint compared to products imported from China or other Asian countries. By purchasing Quebec clothing made here, you also ensure that the safety and working conditions of workers are respected. So read labels and pay attention to where your clothes are made. Of course, you have to be willing to pay the price, but honestly, often the difference isn't that big, so it's worth it!
One of my favorites ❤️ An essential all-purpose dress for your summer wardrobe. Robe Freesia in Tencel®
Towards an eco-responsible wardrobe
Beyond encouraging local purchasing, the trend is towards an eco-responsible wardrobe, that is to say buying less, but buying better! Some tips to get there
1. Buy from ethical fashion companies, that is to say transparent companies which advocate manufacturing that is less destructive to people and the environment;
2. Favor natural fibers, such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, silk, cashmere. In addition to being comfortable, they have the advantage of not using oil for their production, therefore being less harmful to the environment.
3. Favor organic or recycled materials. Organic materials are natural fibers grown according to the principles of organic farming which most of the time involves better conditions for workers. Recycled materials, for their part, consist of recovering used textiles, breaking up the threads and fibers in order to make new fabrics, thus avoiding the production of unnecessary material and the management of bulky waste. Recycled fabrics can also come from the mechanical or chemical transformation of waste, such as recycled polyester, which comes from the transformation of plastic bottles. This method demonstrates greater environmental advantages since it allows materials to be recreated almost indefinitely: the fabrics can be recycled many times without losing quality!
Upcycling is another interesting option which consists of giving a second life to a garment. So, the material is not undone to make another one, but rather reused to make a completely new product.
4. Favor quality over quantity. Focus on better quality clothes that will last longer rather than buying clothes that will end up in the trash after five washes. Buy from companies that rely on a Slow Fashion philosophy, whose practices lead to making fewer collections per year and of better quality rather than fast fashion companies which offer several new collections per year and which encourage massive consumption.
Focus on quality and durability by choosing trendy pieces like the "bike short", to wear chic or sporty version.
5. Take care of your clothes. The maintenance of your clothes has an impact on their lifespan. So pamper your clothes by washing them in cold water, on delicate, and above all avoid the dryer which is very damaging to the fibers, even for jeans that we think are durable. You will see your clothes will look good on you!
6. Buy second-hand clothes. Finally, a movement that is gaining more and more popularity is buying used clothing. Several possible options such as thrift stores, clothing exchange clubs or even girls' nights where we exchange our clothes. All are excellent ways to reduce our consumption and make great finds at low cost!
For other interesting solutions: For a responsible wardrobe, Léonie Daignault-Leclerc, $30, published by La Presse
If you liked this article and want to learn more about stylist Catherine Côté, visit her website at www.catherinecotestyliste.com or follow her on her various social networks (Facebook, Instagram).