Role Model for the Fashion Industry

By Dinorah Martell

Sustainable Fashion has become a hot topic in the fashion industry. Thrifting is not just for people looking for cheaper options, but has become something that even the richest celebrities partake in. Nowadays, we see celebrities like Emma Chamberlain being sponsored by Threadup, an online consignment and thrift store--an indicator of how the fashion industry has become more conscious. But the biggest challenge the fashion industry has yet to address is accessibility. It begs the question, is the fashion industry really opening up to everyone?

Influencers like Devon Lee Carlson advocate for thrifting as a way to reduce our carbon footprint. However, as the promotion for thrifting increases, so do its prices. Those who rely on thrifting to acquire essential pieces are suffering today because of the influx of new buyers. The laws of economics are at work when we see that the increase in demand is reciprocated by an increase in price. Therefore, thrifting is no longer the way to consume sustainably because it is no longer accessible to everyone. 

Even when you want to reduce your carbon footprint by shopping for ethically-sourced clothes, you still have to face the huge price tag. Stores like Reformation, a poster brand for sustainable clothing, are selling dresses at almost $200 a piece. On a positive note, the high prices indicate high profits for companies which will encourage them to produce more sustainable pieces of clothing. Nevertheless, it is not efficient if the goal is to reduce our carbon impact on the environment, since only a small percentage of the world can afford to become a green shopper. It does not take much to realize that companies like Reformation or the Girlfriend Collective are in it for the profits and not the environment. 

Therefore, it is important that we applaud designers like Marie Serre who are setting the example for what real sustainable clothing is about. She is a French avant-garde designer who is best known for her crazy upcycled pieces. She has turned forks into jewelry and beach towels into elegant skirts. There are many designers like her today, but what makes her stand out is that she is actively working to make her pieces more affordable. In an interview, she said that it is crazy that she cannot even afford her own pieces. Therefore, she is looking for ways to reduce prices by encouraging donations and buying in bulk. She recognizes that it will take time to make her company more cost-efficient, but somebody has to start by setting the example. 

Serre is all about accessibility, as exhibited by her recent virtual fashion show. Serre wanted everyone to experience how beautiful sustainable fashion is. Thus, she streamed the fashion show on the internet, free for everyone to join. This designer is what the fashion industry needs to look up to today, quality pieces that are not overpriced, nor harmful to the environment.