Whether you’re mildly into fashion or a fully-fledged, self-proclaimed outfit icon, you know that the fashion world has changed a lot in recent times (and we’re not just talking about this year’s obsession with making everyday items accessories).
We’re entering the sustainable era of fashion, a time where a lot more people are experiencing a ‘woke’ revolution. The revelation? Just how impactful fashion production has been on our planet (and not in a cute way).
Two statistics have come to dominate the world of fashion. One is that clothing unit sales have more than doubled since the year 2000 to more than 200 billion units per year. The other is that the number of times an item of clothing is worn has decreased by 36%. Furthermore, according to Vogue, last year the fashion industry accounted for roughly 8-10% of the world’s carbon dioxide output.
Fashion’s impact on the world is just one reason that buying vintage clothing is a style choice that benefits us all. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn your wardrobe into a sustainable-approved space, and the best part is, you can do it locally!
Meet Vintage with Love
After a three-year hiatus and with September being World Literacy month Vintage with Love – a non-profit that incorporates fashion and charity into one stylish venture – is inviting Capetonians to donate their gently worn, to support children with literacy.
Debbie Smuts from Vintage with Love shares:
“It is fantastic to finally be back after so long, especially for this cause. Our ethos has always been about using vintage fashion as a vehicle to affect meaningful change and this event is our opportunity to do just that.”
Where Literacy and Fashion Meet:
According to the latest statistics from the Department of Higher Education and Training, 4.4 million adults and 29% of children are illiterate in South Africa. Literacy is the foundational pillar of social and ecological justice and Vintage with Love is committed to using fashion to further both those causes.
Smits adds, “According to Associate Professor Nic Spaull, on South Africa’s current trajectory, it’ll take 80 years before all 10-year-olds can read for meaning. We all have those items and accessories we no longer wear yet they could make such a difference to someone’s life and that is why this sale is so close to our hearts. We’ve raised over R7 million to champion literacy through our Vintage sales.”
Getting the Best for Less:
As one of the biggest occasions in local fashion, the Vintage with Love is the perfect place to find some of your favourite gently worn clothes, brands and accessories. What’s more, high-end gently worn or used items are fast becoming hot investment picks because they hold their value so well.
Proceeds from the sale will be donated to charities across the country to improve literacy, beautiful garments, and the chance to change the world, there’s little reason not to have your next thrift shift at Vintage with Love’s sale.
Vintage Love’s finds:
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Details:
The sale will take place until 2 October in Cape Town at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal V&A Waterfront. Here’s more information, as well as the links to the charities if you’d like to learn more.
See you there!
ALSO SEE:
TWYG’s Sustainable Fashion Awards are almost here – meet the judges and the prize
Feature Image: @vintagewithlovesa/Instagram
