Fashion Is Becoming More Sustainable

Kaya Mcinnes speaks to Stephen from Paignton, UK and Anthony from Holland, Michigan, USA, for the ‘100 Voices Home and Away’ project.

Sustainable fashion is on the rise. Photo by Francois Le Nguyen on Unsplash

Home- Stephen, Paignton, UK

Stephen operates Loft Archive (@loft_archive) an independent Depop store with curated vintage and streetwear. Loft Archive has over 3000 followers, 1832 sold items and a five-star, professional, sustainable business.

Stephen said: “I started this page during uni when I needed extra money and kept going from there – to build it further – since I enjoyed doing it.”

“Young peoples’ ideology on vintage clothing and how long it lasts really pushes them to buy more sustainable clothing.

More youth culture nowadays is centred on vintage clothing/style which is acquired through sustainable methods like charity shopping or second hand apps.”

 “More second hand clothing apps like Depop and Vinted are pushed more on advertisements/TV.”

Away- Anthony, Michigan, USA

Anthony owns and operates MittenVintage – an online website and flea market which brings together “40 vendors in one location.” Anthony’s Instagram page (@mittenvintage) has over 7000 followers and the flea market professionally promotes sustainability.

Anthony said: “Fashion is becoming more sustainable in America due to the overwhelming influence social media has on it.

 Thrifting is more popular than ever before which pushes more and more people to pursue more sustainable clothing.

 I started getting into vintage when I was in high school as vintage style encompasses all others just at an affordable price.

With the flea market I wanted to help other small businesses like myself since the pandemic hit a lot of us hard. The flea market was a good way of pushing others in the vintage community. It also helps the community go towards sustainable fashion.”