SFO: Brands & Labels

This is kind of different than my normal what-I-made fare. It's been a long time since I posted an outfit, and to be truthful, that's not something that interests me anymore. However, I did want to post this because I had some thoughts pertaining to Slow Fashion October and the industry I work in. Week Two's theme is SMALL, and regards capsule wardrobes, indie fashion, living with less, etc. 

I don't work in a slow fashion industry. I'm proud of the retailer I work for and the quality we build into clothing, because few can afford true "slow fashion" items, and it's nice to offer true value to our customers and their families. However, I am not under any delusion that the world needs more clothes, and I understand the immense complications of pollution and waste that come along with mass manufacturing.

I wanted to specifically talk about this alongside this outfit because both of these pieces are Kohl's private label brands. But -- they are also really old. The sweater, a short-sleeve cashmere top under the Croft & Barrow brand, was passed to me from my mom, and given the logo design, I can tell it's well over a decade old. The pants I found at the thrift store, and are Sonoma denim, from when Sonoma branded itself as the Sonoma Jean Company. (I'm also wearing Minnetonka moccasins, purchased in my hometown several years ago.) These pieces have lasted, enough to cycle in and out and in again in terms of fashion trends. And I really like that. I like that the product we build is made to last. I like that I got these pieces indirectly, and that they get a new life in my closet. It makes me happy to know that ten or fifteen years from now, a garment I worked on could resurface in a store somewhere and it will still be a staple that could be worn. 

The conversation surrounding slow fashion has given me plenty to ponder lately, and while I would ideally like to move toward my entirely handmade wardrobe, I'm glad to supplement with pieces like this.