Dress sustainable and look incredible

When the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed last year it highlighted some uncomfortable truths about the global fashion industry.

Cracks had appeared in the building the day before, but workers in a clothing factory inside were ordered back in on the threat of losing a month’s pay.

At 9am the following morning the building pancaked, crushing 1129 people to death and injuring 2500 more. Most of the women killed were sewing clothes destined for big-name chain stores in the West, earning $2 a day.

It’s not just human rights at stake, though. The world’s obsession with buying a constant stream of new clothes at knock-down prices is damaging the environment too.

Worldwide, an estimated 8000 different synthetic chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles, many of which are released into streams and rivers. In fact, textile dyeing and treatment causes about 20 per cent of industrial water pollution – and growing cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive forms of agriculture.

The chemical aldicarb for example – banned in the US after a string of poisonings, but still the second most-used pesticide in cotton growing worldwide – can kill a person with a single drop and rapidly makes its way into ground water.

Taking the power back

Thankfully, though, it’s not all bad news. All over the world people are turning their back on wasteful and damaging practices by giving new life to second-hand clothes and buying new items from labels that are made to last, from sustainable materials, and by people who are paid and treated fairly.

So does that mean wearing worn-out rags, looking drab, and paying more for the privilege?

Hardly. We think you can save cash, dress sustainably and look incredible too – and to prove it, we asked veteran op-shopper Charlene Fitisemanu to throw together some smashing second-hand looks – and hunted down some New Zealand eco-fashion brands we think are worth supporting.

Charlene’s story

Charlene lives in Auckland where she is communications manager for www.ecomailbox.co.nz, a service that helps Kiwis reduce paper waste by providing a digital alternative to circulars. She likes to look her best when meeting clients but also tries to think about her impact on the planet and be careful with money, rarely spending more than $10 on an outfit. For Charlene, op-shopping is a fun way to put together original looks, support the reuse economy and stay within her budget.

Polka dot dress was a hand-me-down
Yellow coat from New Beginnings Mt Roskill $4.00
Outfit cost* $4.00

Blue and pink lace dress was a hand-me-down
Black clutch from Merlin’s Recycled Shop Glen Eden $2.50
Outfit cost* $2.50

Dress from Salvation Army store Sydney $8.00
Black clutch from Merlin’s Recycled shop Glen Eden $2.50
Outfit cost* $10.50

Blue and white striped dress from New Beginnings Henderson: $2.80
Handbag from Red Cross Glen Eden $4.00
Sunglasses borrowed from the photographer
Outfit cost* $6.80

Lilac polka dot one piece $3.00
Coral short sleeve jacket (part of a two piece) from New Beginnings Mt Roskill $2.70
Clutch was a swap with a friend
Outfit cost* $5.70

Trench coat from New Beginnings Mt Roskill $7.00
Black pants from New Beginnings Mt Roskill $3.50
Cream Country Road top (never worn) Red Cross Sandringham $12.00
Outfit cost* $22.50

Green long pleated skirt from a fair near Kumeu $4.00
White singlet bought from an op shop in Cuba $3.00
Clutch was a swap with a friend
Outfit cost* $7.00

*Outfit costs exclude shoes.

What is shwopping?

It’s like shopping without buying new stuff.

To go shwopping, simply take quality clothing that you no longer wear to a shwop event where you’ll receive tokens you can exchange for ‘new’ clothes. Check out www.clothingexchange.co.nz and www.swapfashionauckland.co.nz – or you could simply host a smaller-scale shwop with your friends at home.

Buying new?

Try one of these sustainable Kiwi brands.

Kowtow

Men, Women & Accessories $90-$265

This proudly Fairtrade-certified company makes striking eco fashion pieces. See their website for videos on how they make their clothes.

Eco claims

• Organic fabrics and dyes
• Ethical practices
• Independent certifications: Fairtrade and GOTS cotton
• Made in India

Buy online at www.kowtowclothing.com

We'ar

Men, Women & Accessories $60-$270

We’ar is a soulful brand of women and men’s clothing and accessories with a yoga focus. The We’ar team ensure constant ethical practices for the small Balinese home workshops and communities they work with.

Eco claims

• Organic fabrics and dyes
• Ethical practices
• Made in Bali

Buy online at www.wearyogaclothing.com

Belle & Beau

Women $109-$229

Belle & Beau is all about peaceful palettes, sweet bursts of colour and nautical stripes – and core values of social and environmental sustainability.

Eco claims

• Organic fabrics and dyes
• Ethical practices
• Independent certifications: GOTS-approved fabric and dyes
• Made in New Zealand

Buy online at www.belleandbeau.co.nz

Chalky Digits

Men, Women & Accessories $25-$270

Christchurch label Chalky Digits features designs inspired by New Zealand wildlife and are manufactured locally. Practical, pretty and cheerful.

Eco claims

• Organic fabrics and dyes
• Ethical practices
• Independent certifications: GOTS-approved organic cottons and dyed in a Bluesign accredited factory
• Made in New Zealand

Buy online at www.chalkydigits.co.nz