Used items and recycled garments bring their life experiences to us, and thus have a special value. That’s what Sass Brown wrote in her book about leading sustainable fashion, eco fashion. When you buy vintage, you’ll participate in a quality garment with unique life histories – that’s her message.
Lynsey Dubbeld is trend analist specialized in sustainable fashion and author of ‘Fashion for Tomorrow’.
According to Brown English lead the vintage trend, because they have a strong love for history and craftsmanship. But the popularity of vintage is also unmistakable in the Netherlands. Websites such as DesignerVintage.com flourish and clothes swap parties are well-attended. And already two clothing libraries such as Lena Fashion Library opened their first store.
What used to be associated in the seventies with Birkenstock, mothballs and charity shops, nowadays clothes with a past are increasingly embraced as original, trendy and durable. Vintage – as we like to call second hands of high quality – is fashionable.
How come? In recent decades fashionistas loved flashy logos of designer labels, and streets (and wardrobes) were filled with plenty of affordable collections of fast fashion chains. But the flip side of our buying addiction became increasingly apparent. Close to home: status anxiety, coma and shopping affluenza. But also in countries where our clothes are made: labor exploitation, pollution and a steadily growing waste. Mainstream fashion is under fire now that our purses have become thinner, and overcrowded our wardrobes.
We live in an era where a sober lifestyle and responsible consumption stand in the foreground, says José Teunissen in the collection of essays Beyond green. The current vintage trend does this seamlessly. Unique, classic items of high quality offer a grateful counterbalance of the mass-produced disposable fashion of the fast fashion chains. And second hand is still sustainable. By giving clothing a second life, the use of scarce resources (such as cotton, water and energy) is significantly reduced – and the growth counteracts the global waste.
About 80 billion new garments are produced every year, while second hand represents about 0,5 percent of total world trade in clothing. The vintage trend is a great solution for anyone who appreciates style and sustainability.
Want to learn more about the vintage trend and how you can make yourself and the environment happy? Come to the exclusive vintage salon on Sunday November 29th in Amsterdam!
Carina van der Kloet is founder and personal stylist. She has twenty years experience. She has given numerous master classes and personal styling advice to thousands of people including management, executives, entrepreneurs, expatriates, diplomats working at various (international) organizations.
Carina van der Kloet grew up in French speaking countries in Africa and in the United States. She speaks English, French and Dutch.
"Carina van der Kloet is an inspiring speaker! With striking examples of how clothing works for you, she knows how to create a pleasant and intimate atmosphere. Great to see how you can create impact with few words."Miranda van Mondfrans, director Pro Assistance BV
CARINA
Personal Styling
Wilhelminastraat 39
1054 VV Amsterdam
T 020 – 685 34 15
info@carinapersonalstyling.nl