Love Always, Shannon: Embracing Slow Fashion
Living in Nelson, I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible local makers! One of those is Shannon, who makes beautiful, light weight earrings made from recycled leather. Here Shannon shares why Slow Fashion and Ethical Practices are so important to her:
My house burnt down when I was sixteen. We lost everything: our home, photos, personal letters, mementos, furniture, clothes. The life we had built and collected and cherished. The only thing left standing was the brick fireplace.
All we could do was start over. And everything was new. I remember people saying it must be fun to get a whole new wardrobe. I would smile and agree, but it wasn't true. My new clothes had no memories, no history. They didn't smell like campfires or have holes from sneaking out of windows late at night. They weren't hand-me-downs from my favourite older cousins.
That was when I realized how important clothing was to me. That you can wrap yourself up in memories. And any old piece of clothing will do: my Grandmother's cottage sweater with the tissue up the sleeve, my step-father's leather vest with toothpicks in the pocket, my cousin Jody's Hawaiian shirt from his huge collection of Hawaiian shirts.
But the thing about hand-me-downs is that they need to last long enough to make it down the line. They need to be durable.
Enter "slow fashion," an approach to fashion that focuses on better-quality clothing that will last longer, and values fair treatment of people and the planet along the way.
Here are three great reasons to get on board:
1. Mindful Consumption: Instead of buying cheap, mass-produced clothes that barely last a season, slow fashion offers investment pieces that are well-made and timeless. Think fewer, but better.
2. Ethical and Sustainable: Slow fashion promotes ethical sourcing, fair wages for workers and reduces the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. It's a win-win for people and the planet.
3. Personal Style Evolution: When you embrace slow fashion, you're not just following trends—you're defining your own style. It encourages individuality and a deeper connection with what you wear.
Fast forward 34 years and I now own Love Always Shannon, a slow fashion leather jewelry company. I love creating quality pieces that can be handed-down. And I love getting to grow and learn alongside other folks, like Jodie, who make mindful items and shape a more sustainable future, one stylish outfit at a time!
By the by, your house doesn't have to burn down to get inspired. Whether you're de-cluttering your closet, exploring vintage finds or supporting local artisans, every step towards slow fashion counts.
Love always, Shannon
