Definition: Sustainability
- Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Bruntland Report
World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987
- Sustainable design is a new and uncomfortable space for many designers to occupy, indoctrinated as we are with the importance of differentiation and exclusivity.
From Valerie Casey, (Executive Creative Director, frog design), The Designer’s Dilemma
During the lecture the supply and demand slide caught my attention. Diagrams which showed a continuous circle with no end were imediatly identified as a problem/ issue to me.
We have a responsibility to consider that “cheap fashion” comes at a cost far and beyond what we pay at the tills. We can only blame the retailers in so far as they’ve managed to lull us into a false sense of security and assurance that we can have dirt-cheap, lightning speed and guilt-free fashions. If the person who made our next shirt did so without being able to feed their family that evening what does that say about us?’
Matilda Lee, Eco Chic, page 16
This statement shows and supports the issue of cheap fast fashion garments. Buying and wearing the latest trends has become so accessible and affordable because online and high street brands have to resources and technology to make cheap copies of of catwalk, designer couture pieces.
This made me think about my consumption level. I’m currently a student so I’m always watching how much I spend (most of the time) and because money as an issue I’ll hold my hands up and admit I’ve brought off fast fashion websites such as Pretty Little Things and Miss Guided. However, I do buy expensive luxury items especially shoes, accessories and jewellery from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. If money wasn’t an issue and I had a stable income I’d buy one off pieces which I could wear every year, rather than buying a pair of leggings I’ll just bin when they get a hole in them.
