As we review the SS20 shows from Copenhagen Fashion Week, as inspiring as the achingly cool, city chic collections are, we can’t help but be a little more inspired by the overwhelming message coming from the Scandinavian fashion world; sustainability.

We’ve always been big fans of the Scandi brands. They’re cool, they’re accessible, and they’re leaders in their field. Think contemporary classics from By Malene Birger, effortless style by Designers Remix, and minimalist chic from Gestuz. They’ve just got it...

But our admiration for the Scandi fashion scene has just upped a few notches as they collectively make conscious changes and lead the way in making this industry more sustainable. From individual brands focusing on the footprint their collections are making, to the industry boards cancelling unnecessary fashion summits, there is a strong push to ensure the Scandi fashion scene is as ethical as it is stylish. And we approve!

Schedule to take place in late August, Stockholm Fashion Week was set to showcase many of the incredible Swedish brands we all know and love. But the Swedish Fashion Council cancelled the shows with a view to exploring alternative, more sustainable ways of showcasing their collections. “The Swedish fashion industry is extensive and growing, so it is crucial to support brands in their development of next-generation fashion experiences. By doing this we can adapt to new demands, reach sustainability goals and be able to set new standards for fashion.”, says CEO of the Swedish Fashion Council, Jennie Rosen.

But it’s not only across the fashion councils that attitudes are changing. The brands are creating their own ways of making their collections more sustainable. From sourcing fabrics that have been (or can be) recycled, using pre-owned garments to create whole new collections, and implementing strategy’s that ensure their runway collections are not wasteful ‘one piece wonders’ that never see the shop floor, there is now an overwhelming movement to make this industry far more efficient. And you are a part of it...

By shopping designer brands as pre-owned, you are standing beside the industry leaders and making the consumer journey an ethical and sustainable one too. It will take conscious choices from everyone to make a difference and reduce the overall fashion footprint, but the small changes are happening. We can feel a huge change coming. As long as the work is done and the right choices are made by all involved, we will see a difference. The journey is a long one, but it’s one that has to happen. And let’s face it, we’ll get to wear some cracking pieces of fashion along the way!

Here’s a few tips on what you can do to help support the movement, and have your positive impact on the current crisis gripping the fashion world;

RE-THINK
Instead of buying more items for less, re-think how you shop. Spend a little more but do it less often. Spending more on your items isn’t just about the labels. It’s about the fabrics, the cut, the craftsmanship and the people making your clothes. All these factors added together make for clothing that will stand the test of time, and longevity breeds sustainability. Plus, take care of your clothes and when the time comes to move them on, selling them on as pre-owned designer will allow somebody else to give them a new home and make you a little cash to spend on your next piece.

REUSE
Can you style your items in a different way? Can you give them a nip and tuck here or there to make them more suitable for what you need? You’d be surprised what a good seamstress can do with a defunct garment - it’s like watching a magician at work! Or if that’s not an option, sell them on for someone else to reuse.

RECYCLE
Did you know that less than 1% of garments produced globally are recycled? It’s a catastrophic fact and one that we should all strive to change. If your garments are no longer useable or have seen much better days, send them to a recycling facility who can remodel them.

REDUCE
Taking action on all of the above will reduce the impact you have on the planet. It’s the small things that add up. And by shopping pre-owned or second hand, you alone are reducing the impact the fashion industry is having, a garment at a time.

If you have designer pieces you would like to sell, or want to start shopping pre-owned, contact us to help. Let’s do it together!