Stevie MacKenzie-Smith, the author of Discoteque Confusion, is an ambitious and likable writer who is very passionate about style and the fashion community she finds herself. Since its inception five years ago, her blog has found recognition with a number of mainstream media outlets.
At only 27, Alex Fury is the fashion director at SHOWstudio.com and a contributor to a number of fashion magazines, newspapers, and websites. Alex has been a guest lecturer at Central St Martins and the Design Museum and is a trend consultant for a variety of companies, including the BBC.
Biography
Fast fashion provides affordable, trendy clothing by quickly reproducing catwalk styles for the masses. Chains like Forever21, H&M, and Zara lead fast fashion’s excess.
Though economically beneficial for companies and consumers, it creates environmental issues. H&M faced backlash for throwing out unsold clothes. The EPA estimates 12 million tons of textiles entered landfills in 2008. The clothes won’t decompose in oxygen-deprived landfills.
High-end designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen also collaborate with retailers for profits and wider recognition.
But some collections seem haphazard, leading to accusations of selling out. However, these ventures build future customer bases.
Consignment stores offer an alternative to buying new fast fashion. Secondhand stores like Buffalo Exchange allow recycled fashion at lower prices, letting shoppers resell rather than toss clothes.
Shopping less overall also helps, though the economic impact concerns some. The fast fashion deluge won’t disappear soon, but consignment and restraint provide greener options.
Follow Madeleine on Twitter @dconfusion
