The Downfall of the Fashion Industry

“Don’t be ridiculous Andrea, everybody wants this.” – Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada.

To each item in the shop I can imagine just how to pair it to exactly display my style. I can see how to show people I am creative, fun, kind, and just a dash of whimsical. I want to display my iconic self and let the way I present myself speak for me. Not only in brand name, but also in quality.

I spend hours scouring the internet for the best items. I cultivate a wardrobe to perfection. Yet, my work is never done. I take the items I found, like these *chef’s kiss* Dolce & Gabbana late 90’s brown leather high heels, to my local cobbler to have them treated. These poor shoes have suffered a life they do not deserve. I rescued them. I saved them. The way someone rescues a puppy from a shelter. I searched for them. I paid for them. I took them to the (shoe) doctor. I am proudly taking them out on walks. I brag about them to my friends and how special they are. And of course, I post them on my instagram, because they are my pride and joy. I saved them…from the landfills, and the mistreatment of being abandoned in a closet to collect dust and mildew.

You see, with today’s fast fashion trends of low quality items and shoes that last one night, we have lost the knowledge of garment care. How many people do you know that have a cobbler, or even know what the word means? How many people get their clothing dry cleaned? Do they know how to hand wash silk? How many people even own silk? Most I can ever find in a fabric store (like Hobby Lobby, not Mood) is crap polyester and plastic satin. Clothes that will literally melt if heated. Gross. I don’t want plastic in my body NOR on it. Yet, with all the worry about plastic we take no notice of clothing?

So back to my point: I rescued these shoes. My beloved Dolce & Gabbana heels. I have taken my poor babies to the shoe doctor who is helping nurse them back to help from the abuse they suffered. They are cracked and dehydrated. Luckily, they are able to be saved. And once again they will glow in their glory. They will stand proud, flexible, and most importantly comfortable. That is the beauty of real leather, and high quality.

Why are these women in the 1960’s – 1990’s (I mean c’mon Sex and the City???) always able to wear heels? How can they stand to wear them everyday all day??? I will tell you the secret: we are not wearing the same shoes they did. They are wearing soft, smooth leather, suede, and a sturdy comfy heel. They aren’t wearing shit shoes that fall apart with little to no ankle support. They aren’t wearing plastic heels that snap after a night out. These shoes are made to last a generation and be passed down for generations to come.

I think it is time we fight back. J. Crew is still using high quality materials, a rarity in fashion now. Most companies have discontinued the use of real wool…only to finally start bringing it back into style. It is about time. And leather? Good luck finding real or decent quality. One of my fave skirts is a brown leather pencil skirt (think Rachel from Friends), it is from the Loft, prior to 2012. The Loft no longer uses real leather. And my fave boots…(don’t call PETA on me), they are lizard skin. They almost never need conditioned which is so easy to care for. They are from the 90’s and still have such a vibe. I love my closet. I love the clothes I have searched for. A little work here and there: they shine new.

So this is a PSA to the fashion industry and I have 2 things to say:

1. We want high quality! We will not be wearing plastic anymore. Even if that means we only shop second hand and get them repaired. (at least me, but I would love for y’all to join me)
2. Luxury brands, stay with inflation, not ahead of it. Please. If you remove the quality you will be seen as the same as those brands you claim to be better than.

In this second point, I am speaking almost directly to Chanel. You used to have 24k gold plated buttons on your blazers. This absolutely made every single item worth the cost. Those coveted gold buttons spoke volumes. You could see the elegance a mile away. Now you have taken the one thing that kept you true to your brand. In 2008, you stopped using gold plating for clothes. Now how do you justify your quality? What makes you any different from other designers that you claim to be so much better than? I love you, but honey get your shit together or you’ll end up only selling bags and shoes.

Ok that was harsh. I’m sorry. But I stand by what I said. Don’t ever water yourself down to match other people. Meaning Chanel: you were the height of fashion for a reason. Don’t forget why you were on top. There is a reason Hermès is still seen as one of the most high end brands available. They aren’t big on clothes as much as bags and shoes, but they use 100% silk and never changed their plan. They stayed true to their word and don’t compromise. Even if they are having a current lawsuit of being too exclusive, the whole stalking thing is a bit concerning.

In my closet I have Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, The Loft, J. Crew, Prada, and Gucci. I might be biased that Italian designers are top. BUT, I am Italian… can you really judge me? Also all the best shoes are crafted in Italy anyway. Go ahead and look.

• Manolo Blahnik – Made in Italy
• Prada – Italian
• Chanel – Shoes and bags Italy
• Dior – Made in Italy
• Valentino – Italian
• Hermès – Made in Italy
• Dolce & Gabbana – Italian
• Jimmy Choo – Made in Italy
• Versace – Italian
• Gucci – Italian
• YSL – Made in Italy

I could go on…but I will stop.

Finally I will end with this: when you are thrifting, searching online, or buying locally remember these rules for fashion to avoid the pitfalls of fast fashion:

1. Made in Italy
2. No Polyester (or less than 5-30% depending on the item)
3. Natural fibers: Silk, Cotton, Leather, Suede, Linen, and wool.
4. A little bit of man made ok, all man made pass. Ex; 2% nylon or spandex, we need stretch in our clothes sometimes.
5. Does it spark joy? Well cliche, but does it?

And always, it is not fast fashion if you keep the clothes for 10 years plastic or not. There is no right or wrong in fashion. You can always mend a pair of jeans or a ripped skirt. And if you keep it for years and years, it doesn’t matter what it is made of. As long as it brings you joy.