End of the Affair

Bec Davidson - 5 Nov 18

Staring in the shop window I see you and only you. My heart beats faster and my stomach fizzes with excitement. I can barely breathe as I catch sight of your exquisite form. It’s always been this way with me; I see you, I want you.  I disregard the consequences and harm that I’m inflicting. Silently, you’re calling me through the glass, willing me to walk in through the door and caress you.  I must be strong and walk away, as I know one touch will cause long term pain for short term gain.

My pace quickens as I walk away and hot blood courses through my veins at the mere thought of you.  Maybe one last touch would be enough to satisfy my lust, just to feel you slip on my skin, one last time………

Knowledge and age have lessened my impulsiveness when it comes to you. I now see your dark, dangerous and destructive side. You see readers, my long term passion has been for ‘fast’ high street fashion.   

As I approach a milestone birthday and raise my son, I can no longer detach myself from the stark reality that fast fashion is contributing to the destruction of the planet that our children will inherit.  I am notorious for my love of clothes and have spent many a Saturday afternoon in a ‘shopping frenzy’ as I purchased the latest trend.  

But my passion is eroding. After watching Stacy Dooley’s wonderful BBC documentary ‘Fashion’s Dirty Secrets’, I can no longer indulge my affair with ‘fast fashion’ without my conscience being pricked with guilt.

According to the latest figures from the British Fashion Council, the fashion industry contributes more than £28 billion to the UK economy.  MPs are now concerned about how clothes are made and what is being done with them after they are discarded, as some synthetic fibres result in ocean pollution and some chemical dyes contain toxic ingredients.

According to the latest figures from WRAP, over one million tonnes of clothing was purchased in the UK in 2016. In the same year, fabric waste in the supply chain equalled an estimated 800,000 tonnes, whilst consumers discarded 300,000 tonnes of clothing.

I’m not suggesting that I’m about to move back home to Cornwall and start knitting jumpers from the sheep next door, but there are alternatives.  Here are some small, yet significant changes I’m making to the way I shop: 

1. Second hand clothing is the future.  If you happen to be  in London head to the famous Kings Road and check out the charity shops for some amazing, affordable unique finds  – hello Valentino Boots!
2. Second hand internet sites – for that special occasion https://us.vestiairecollective.com/  is amazing. Chanel Bags…. enough said!
3. Organise kids & adults clothes swap parties. They are good for environment and you’re bound to find that perfect christmas dress without spending a dollar!  Prosecco, combined with fashion and friends – definitely a win-win!
4. Create your own natural dyes to revive your favourite white clothing from pre-kid days!
5. Look for the little vintage shops in your local area. I have found some little gems in mine  – hello winter Max Mara wool coat!
6. Buy the ethical fashion brands  –   https://www.thefmlystore.com  – thank you Molly Gunn – my conscience smacks me with good vibes every time I wear your gorgeous, honourable and humane brand.

Hand on heart, I can’t say that I won’t be lured back into temptation and bite from the apple that is ‘fast fashion’, but the more I delve into the murky side of its production, my passion fades as quickly as the trend.

The affair has ended. 

p.s thank you to my friends Zoe and Gem for guiding me towards humane, sustainable fashion x

Bec Davidson

Mum to Zachary; Idealist; belief in humanity; Graduate in Psychology; trainee Psychotherapist (specialising in woman's mental health), aspiring freelance writer with a passion in understanding what modern feminism means for mothers, and finally....... a Prosecco opener extraordinaire!

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