Sustainable fashion (and other things) in the time of COVID-19
But first, flashback time:
I grew up in New Zealand and I remember taking part in a Christmas school drama at Otaua Primary School, where I was dressed up as an angel. So, there I stood, in an all-white ensemble with wings when a parent from the audience was like “oh we also have a black angel”. Of course, then it meant nothing to me, but I remember my mom was upset. Growing up, my mom would put my hair in braids with beads and I’d wear clip on earrings and look all cute hehehe.
My mom taught me how to love myself, my skin, the body shape I have and most importantly how to dress myself fashionably.
Fast forward to my teenager days, second-hand clothes was a part of our life and what we could afford. Occasionally, mom and dad would let us buy a brand-new top or dress. Once my parents were fully sufficient, second-hand clothes shops were a thing of the past. While in Uni, I would still go to second-hand shops. When I started working and could afford to buy brand new clothes, I promised myself to never go into a second-hand shop ever again.
And I never did.
I live in Suva so Tappoo is my main go to place for clothing or tree house and I would go to Samson Lee when I wanted to splurge a little more. I have been fortunate to be able to travel between Australia and New Zealand every now and then; ok fine, every single time, I will top up my wardrobe- clothing, shoes, bags or accessories. I would buy clothes from Valley Girl, Temt, Cotton On, Ally Fashion, Dotti, and the list goes on.
Let’s skip to now.
COVID-19 happened and lot of things changed for everyone. Personally, this lockdown and quarantine has had little effect on me, given that I have been alone from late last year. It is a continuing journey for me, to self-reflect and focus on improving myself as a human.
One thing I have been reflecting on, is my shopping habits. Terrible. Clothes I would buy and never wear or wear once and that would be that. If I spring cleaned my wardrobe, I will give clothes away of course. But then I realised this habit of mine is costing the environment. I read an article from the World Bank that stated the garment industry is one of the most polluting in the world.
After months and months of feeling like a hypocrite (to some extent and remember my flashback story), I wanted to get in on sustainable fashion. Sustainable fashion started to weigh in on me and I felt that I should be contributing more towards that and trust me it still is not easy for me.
On Instagram I have been following Fits and Flair Fiji for some time and always had an itch to buy something. Once I even commented sold, but then deleted my comment because I felt that I didn’t need this when I could just buy something brand new.
Anyway, this week I decided to indulge and bought 2 pieces from Fits and Flair Fiji and both of then had original tags on them. Fits and Flair Fiji was super efficient with delivering immediately the next day and I receiving this package was the best feeling ever! Thank you Fits and Flair Fiji!
This scandalous jumpsuit from Boohoo (as I have been referring to), is something that I did not need, but I saw it and wanted it. When this is all over, trust me to step out fully decked!
One thing I have also realised is that more then ever, now is when we must support local, small medium enterprises and businesses. Whether it is clothing, food, cafe or restaurants.
Now the old Fiji Times newspapers you see in the background, is what I set up! After all, I am talking about sustainable right? Also, picture taken via camera timer- in case you were wondering.
By the way, I did relapse into an old habit and yesterday bought a dress from Tappoo and shoes from Novo. Like I didn’t have any already, lmao. But what I am trying to say is, I am making a start somewhere.
We all should. We are all in this together.
