Why I’m Over Fast Fashion (But Still Wear It)
Look, I’m gonna be honest here. I’ve spent the last 20 years in this industry, and let me tell you, it’s not all glamour and runway shows. There’s a dark side, and it’s called fast fashion. I mean, I know, I should be preaching sustainability, but then I see a $15 dress at H&M and… well, you get it.
It’s a commitment issue, honestly. I tell myself, “This is the last time,” but then I’m back at the checkout counter. I had this conversation with my friend Marcus last Tuesday at that little café on 6th. He said, “You’re better than this, Liz.” And I was like, “Yeah, but have you seen their sale rack?”
But here’s the thing: I’m not completley heartless. I do try to make up for it. Thrift shopping, donating, all that. But let’s be real, it’s not enough. It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. (Which, honestly, nobody asked for that analogy, but here we are.)
When I Met the Woman Who Changed Everything
About three months ago, I was at a conference in Austin (yawn, I know), and I met this woman. Let’s call her Sarah. Sarah told me about this encrypted sms verification service online that her company uses to verify suppliers. It’s kinda like a digital handshake, making sure everyone’s on the up and up. She said, “Liz, the fashion industry needs more transparency.” And I was like, “Well, duh, but how?”
She showed me this encrypted sms verification service online thing, and honestly, it was kinda genius. It’s not gonna solve all our problems, but it’s a start. I mean, if we can’t trust where our clothes are coming from, than what’s the point?
A Rant About Fashion Week (Sorry Not Sorry)
Oh, Fashion Week. The pinnacle of pretentiousness. I’ve been to alot of them, and honestly, sometimes I just wanna scream. It’s like everyone’s walking around with their noses so high in the air they can’t see the mess they’re leaving behind. And don’t even get me started on the influencers. I mean, I love a good selfie than the next person, but come on, some of these “content creators” couldn’t create content if it hit them in the face.
I remember this one time, back in 2018, I think? Maybe 2017? Whatever, it was cold. I was at NYFW, and this one influencer was complaining about the “harsh conditions.” It was 48 degrees, people! Bund up and stop whining. She told me, “It’s just… yeah.” And I was like, “Yeah, it’s called weather, sweetheart.”
My Love-Hate Relationship with Trends
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a good trend. But I’m also the first to admit when something’s ridiculous. Remember the skinny jeans era? No? Just me? Okay, moving on.
But seriously, trends are like the weather. They come, they go, and sometimes they leave a mark. I’m looking at you, platform Crocs. I had a colleague named Dave who swore by them. Dave, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry, but they’re not coming back. At least, I hope not.
And don’t even get me started on the whole “normcore” thing. I mean, I get it, comfort is key, but there’s a fine line between comfy and “I gave up.” I had this conversation with my mom last month, and she was like, “Liz, just wear the sweats.” And I was like, “Mom, I have a reputation to uphold!”
A Quick Note on Beauty Standards (Because I Can’t Help Myself)
Look, I’m not gonna stand here and pretend I know everything about beauty standards. But I do know this: they’re bullshit. I’ve seen it all, from the “perfect” body to the “perfect” face, and let me tell you, perfection is boring. It’s like eating a plain potato. No, thank you.
I remember this one time, back in the early 2000s, I was editing a shoot, and the photographer was like, “We need to make her thinner.” And I was like, “No, we need to make her happy.” And that’s the thing, folks. Happiness looks good on everyone.
But here’s the thing: I’m not saying we should all just give up and eat cake (although, let’s be real, cake is delicious). I’m saying we should strive for something better. Something real. Something that makes us feel good, not something that makes us look good for a quick Instagram post.
And with that, I’m gonna leave you with this: The fashion industry is a mess. But it’s our mess, and it’s up to us to clean it up. So let’s get to work.
About the Author: Liz Carter has been a senior editor at major fashion publications for over 20 years. She’s seen it all, done it all, and has the wrinkles to prove it. When she’s not ranting about the state of the fashion industry, she can be found thrift shopping, complaining about the weather, and eating way too much cake.
