In just a year, we felt compelled to write an article about vintage shopping, driven by our realization of the earliest Earth Overshoot Day in history on July 29th, 2019. As members of the “fashion world,” we experienced feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a sense of being blocked. Promoting cruel products and advocating for capitalism no longer aligned with our values, evoking a great internal tension. Since then, significant changes have shaped our perspective and guided our actions.
Awakening to a Changing World
Amidst the backdrop of the first worldwide pandemic in our lifetime, fashion took a backseat in our thoughts as the events of 2020 intensifie. We felt a profound shift within us, and the sense of positivity seemed to dissipate. Our focus shifted towards the value we could bring to the digital sphere we occupy. Every second became dedicated to expressing genuine love and support for those facing racism and police brutality overseas. Confronted with our deepest anxieties, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and shadow work, leading us back to our essence. Suddenly, we knew the answers to the big questions: Who are we, and what is our purpose? We rediscovered ourselves as creative individuals with pure hearts, resilient mindsets, and a wealth of experience. Clarity enveloped us, allowing us to embrace failure without fear, fueled by curiosity, and driven to make the world a better place. We recognized that the term “pathetic” was merely a learned blockage that we needed to overcome, a sentiment applicable to all.
Navigating Personal Challenges
Throughout our journey, we encountered various obstacles that shaped our self-perception. In our school years, we learned that our artistic expression as painters deviated from conventional norms, hindering our success. As teenagers, our passion for music and self-taught musical skills clashed with our inability to read notes, presenting challenges when collaborating with more skilled bandmates. In our twenties, insecurities prevented us from pursuing success as DJs, inhibiting our confidence to perform in unfamiliar cities. However, amidst these lessons, one aspect of our lives consistently evoked confidence – our sense of style. Embracing our unique identities and breaking away from societal norms, we discovered the power of upcycling old clothes, channeling our inner punk rock selves from our early teenage years. This revelation led us to believe that returning to sustainable fashion was precisely what the world needed. Influential figures in the fashion industry, such as Marine Serre and Louis Vuitton, have already recognized the significance of vintage archive clothing, following in the footsteps of visionaries like Martin Margiela. Celebrities are increasingly valuing vintage pieces over mass-produced streetwear brands. However, the growing demand has made it more challenging to find affordable, well-preserved designer clothing. The rise of resellers has been likened to wildflowers, and even in prominent events like Berlin Fashion Week 2021, sustainability has taken center stage. Unfortunately, the dominance of capitalism tends to limit the possibilities for individuals with modest incomes.
Confronting Past Mistakes and Taking Responsibility
The closure of African markets for discarded European clothing due to toxic over-saturation serves as a collective wake-up call to acknowledge and rectify past mistakes. The pandemic-induced decluttering of wardrobes has left us unsure of what to do with our excess belongings. As a result, awareness and responsibility are crucial at this time. We recognize the need to become aware of our past mistakes and take responsibility for them. Now more than ever, as people look to declutter their wardrobes, we must be conscious of the environmental impact of our actions.
Here we stand, ready to make a difference. Allow us to share with you what we have been doing over the past year and how we are actively working towards our goals. Together, we can embrace vintage shopping, adopt sustainable fashion practices, and contribute to a better world. Join us on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and responsible consumption. Let us inspire and empower one another to make conscious choices that leave a positive and lasting impact. Together, we can shape a future where fashion and sustainability coexist harmoniously.
