WEEK 3: PROBLEMS AND REASONS FOR OVERCONSUMPTION IN FASHION

As I am moving towards starting my shopping sabbatical next month, I realized that not shopping for a while could be related to the idea of less consumption throughout the year.

It might be more about consistency than time bounded passion for a one month activity. Who knows if this school exercise can foster “life-long” considerate shopping habits in me?!

Over a long span of time it has been evident that the success of fashion industry is dependent on end-consumer. Industries thrive because consumers buy and what if one day….

Consumers stop buying?

Stop going to fast-fashion stores?

and…

Stop using websites for e-shopping? Eventually many companies will die out!

“Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production. “

-Adam Smith

But what sets today’s companies apart is their responsiveness to consumer demands. They cater to exactly what customers want, and this is how people continue to shop.

Visual merchanding, store layout, advertisements, ambience and even music is set for crowd in a way that a human eye and ear could never resist. It requires real determination and will power to stop purchasing those items displayed at fashion stores.

“Civilization has run on ahead of the soul of man, and is producing faster than he can think and give thanks.”

-Gilbert K. Chesterton

In the 20th century, as fashion was becoming cheaper and readily available to the masses, it was still rare to see many designs with few fashionable pieces and trends had longer cycles making it easier for people to invest in, however, over time fashion has become cheaper, more easily available and accessible for every class.

Hence, perpetuating over-consumption among people.

With the upcoming activity of Shopping Sabbatical I am excited and curious to learn as well as understand where I have been going wrong and how I can reduce over-consumption in not only fashion but also in other aspects of my life.

Until then, keep embracing slow and sustainable fashion

I will see you in the next one!!! ♡