Dissertation

I have been working heavily on my dissertation this past week, which is now almost finished.  It has been such a long process putting it all together, over many months.  I have really enjoyed meeting people who have given their time to me to interview and it is quite liberating to think I am nearly finished.

The subject of my dissertation has been how the 'slow' movement has made an impact on the consumption of fashion in Britain.  It is amazing to find so many designers, independent stores and high street stores that are involved in cleaning up the fashion industry.  There is still a long way to go, but initiatives that are out there are making an impact.

My surprise has been how few consumers know about the ethical and environmental issues within the fashion industry.  Maybe less of a surprise is how few consumers know where to get these products and their assumptions of them, either that they are too expensive or are not as fashionable.

A brilliant book, which goes through all of these issues in an easy to read way is 'To Die For' by Lucy Siegle.

Here are a few links to fashion brands:
People Tree
Howies
Makepiece

and with many high street stores taking up ethical and sustainable practices with the use of organic cotton and fairtrade principles, see Marks and Spencer Plan A for a good example, it is becoming easier and easier to buy with a clear conscience.