The Titian Thread
The month in fashion, condensed.
Hi ,
A slightly delayed newsletter wrapping up May in the world of sustainable fashion. This week, I travelled back to London after spending a few months back home in Australia, and after 22 hours in the air, I couldn't quite string a sentence together for a few days.
Yesterday, the advocacy group Remake launched its 90 Day No New Clothes challenge for 2022. By taking the pledge, you commit to buying nothing new until September 1st. Whether you have a bit of a shopping habit or you just want to see how long you can last without buying new clothing, to aim is to remind us that we're not built to buy.
This idea is one that I've been more conscious of in my writing (swapping out words like "consumers" and "shoppers" for "citizens" and "people") as well as in my personal life, when I find myself on the 25th page of some online store's Conscious Edit because I'm bored/hungry/want to spend money for no particular reason.
Every time I've done the challenge (I think this year will be my third time) it's been a much-needed reset for the way I engage with my wardrobe. I wore more of the pieces I usually ignore, was a bit more creative with how I put outfits together and spent less time deliberating over whether I needed [insert shiny new object here].
As someone who thinks about clothes a lot (it is my job, after all) the challenge has always given me back time, headspace and of course, money, that I think we could all do with a bit more of these days.
I've added a link below to sign up for Remake's No New Clothes pledge. Fancy joining me?
As always, I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me via the reply button at the bottom of the newsletter.
Until next month,
Meg X
Stories I didn’t write
Hunger Pills, Underpaid Workers, and £1 Bikinis: Every Single Time Missguided Messed Up by Lydia Venn for the Tab.
Patch Me if You Can: How to Mend Clothes – Creatively by Lucianne Tonti for the Guardian.
Can I Buy Fast Fashion and Not Feel Guilty? by Vanessa Friedman for the New York Times.
‘Help! I Have a Shopping Problem’ by Charlotte Cowles for the Cut.
Greenwashing in Fashion is a Major Problem. Here’s How to Spot the Signs by Alexandra Fullerton for Glamour.
What Defines Cultural Appropriation? by Bel Jacobs for the BBC.
Metaverse Fashion Raises Ethical Questions: What You Need to Know by Diana Bunge for Good On You.
From SHEIN to Boohoo, Fast Fashion Profiting off Pride Is Peak Pinkwashing by JD Shadel for Good On You
Gardeners Use Plant Dyes To Combat Toxic Chemicals Used By Fashion Industry by Helena Horton for the Guardian.
The To-Do List
Every year, the advocacy organisation Remake launches the No New Clothes challenge, where you can swear off buying new clothes for 90 days. Whether you only shop second hand or go cold-turkey on clothes altogether, it's a great way to remind yourself that you aren't defined or controlled by what you own.
This week, UK fast-fashion brand Misguided was bought up by Frasers Group for £20 million after going into administration. Labour Behind the Label estimates that Misguided's unpaid bills are stacking up to over £20 million, and it's hitting their suppliers and garment workers hardest. Sign the petition below to encourage Misguided to settle their debts to garment workers.
Curious about next-gen materials? I learnt a lot from this Recloseted Radio interview with Nicole Rawlings, the co-founder and CEO of Material Innovation Initiative. There are some really interesting insights into the future of materials and the need for investment to scale the sector. The interview starts at the 6 minute mark!