Why I left fast fashion

Five years ago, I made a life-altering decision to step away from the world of designing websites and emails for fast fashion.

The catalyst for this transformation came during a maternity cover at one of the Arcadia brands.

As a manager, I gained a broader perspective into the industry's workings, and it wasn't long before the harsh realities started to unfold.

A world in turmoil

It was during my contract working for Arcadia that the UK began dropping bombs on Syria, and something in me just… clicked.

What I was dedicating my time and skills to felt not only inconsequential, but was also inadvertently contributing to a world that seemed to be spiralling into chaos.

It was a moment of awakening and a stark realisation for me. All those hours I was pumping into work were for… what, exactly?

Entangled in a system that was doing more harm than good, I was contributing to the unnecessary sales of more, more more.

The True Cost Documentary:

Around the same time, I stumbled upon the eye-opening documentary, 'The True Cost.'

I’ve heard many fast-fashion converts agree that this documentary was life-changing.

Directed by Andrew Morgan, ‘The True Cost’ peels back the layers of the fashion industry, exposing the environmental, social, and ethical implications of fast fashion.

The revelations in the film served as a confirmation of everything I had started to sense during my stint at Arcadia.

The human toll:

The documentary shed light on the often-ignored human toll of the fashion industry. It delved into the exploitative practices, unsafe working conditions, and shockingly low wages prevalent in garment factories worldwide.

Witnessing the human suffering caused by the relentless pursuit of low-cost fashion left an indelible mark on my conscience.

Environmental impact:

The environmental impact of fast fashion is another aspect that the industry tends to sweep under the rug.

From water pollution to massive carbon footprints, the unsustainable production and disposal practices were laid bare in 'The True Cost.'

As a designer, I couldn't turn a blind eye to the fact that my work was contributing to this environmental degradation.

Consumer culture and overconsumption:

Fast fashion thrives on a culture of overconsumption, constantly churning out new designs to keep consumers hooked.

This relentless cycle not only puts immense pressure on designers (and of course the production chain), but also fosters a throwaway mentality among consumers.

I realised that I was a cog in a machine that was fuelling this unsustainable and wasteful culture.

A personal awakening:

Quitting my role in fast fashion wasn't just a professional decision; it was a personal awakening.

The collision of global events, insights into industry practices, and the revelations from 'The True Cost' prompted me to do some deep work.

I wanted my skills to contribute positively to the world, not perpetuate a cycle of exploitation and environmental degradation.

Working towards better

In stepping away from designing for fast fashion five years ago, I reclaimed my power and purpose, both as a designer and a conscientious human being.

The decision was fuelled by a desire to align my professional pursuits with values of sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility.

And you know what? I still love fashion. As Andrew Morgan eloquently puts it in ‘The Trust Cost’: “the clothes we wear communicate who we are”.

For me this rings so true. Fashion not only let’s us express ourselves creatively, but it lets us stand for something bigger.

Me? I stand for creativity, both in my style and the mindsets of the brands I invest in. For a circular economy, with 90% of the clothes I buy being second hand (thank you Vinted!). And for longevity: learning the key difference between style vs fashion has been a game changer for me.

While the journey has been challenging, the sense of purpose and fulfilment I've found in contributing to a better world far outweighs the allure of fast fashion's fleeting trends, and the pats on the back from its heavyweights.

It's a choice I made for the planet, for humanity, and for a more sustainable future.

Do you have a similar story?

Let’s connect!