The 90s and early 2000s were one long bacchanalian orgy for fashion lovers. Who among us didn't revel in the (more than) occasional shopping spree, toting oversized bags full of stylish goodies back from trendy downtown boutiques or the Banana Republic sales racks to an already full-to-overflowing closet? Cashmere on one's shoulders and the latest pair of jeans on one's behind felt like a Constitutional right.
Of course, for the last three years, the fashion industry and us fashion consumers have been flat on our backs, laid low by the shopping hangover. And let's face it, it's a good thing: given the damaging processes used to cultivate textiles, the energy required to produce and transport clothing, and an average per-American contribution of 68 pounds of textile waste a year to our landfills, the environment is victim number one of our desire to be absoutely fabulous at all times. Fewer sartorial choices first thing in the morning can be a liberating way to start the day. Isn't it time we all learned to live with less?
A recent trio of articles on the New York Times chronicles an emerging sensibility, in which consumers are buying less, and finding themselves happier for it. Fashion designers are also exploring ways to reduce the wastefulness inherent in clothing production.
New York Times, August 13, 2010: Fashion tries on zero waste design
New York Times, August 7, 2010: But will it make you happy?
New York Times, July 21, 2010: Shoppers on a diet tame the urge to buy
What do you think?
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