01/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025 theSunday Special V

Wear, repair and repeat

Create your lookbook Building a practical and cohesive ward UREH VDYHV VSDFH DQG VLPSOL¿HV \RXU GDLO\ URXWLQH 7KH ¿UVW VWHS LV ¿OWHULQJ RXW ZKDW to keep, donate or discard. To make the process easier, consider your climate and lifestyle. Think about which clothing items you reach for most often. If you work from home, you’re more likely to wear T-shirts and lounge pants than dress shirts and blazers - so organise accordingly. Once you’ve covered the staples, it’s time to pick out colours and prints that bring out your personal style. A few basics in versatile neutrals like black, white, brown, grey and beige can go a long way. Take note of the other colours you own and love; those can serve as complementary shades. The goal is to have pieces that H̆ RUWOHVVO\ PL[ DQG PDWFK Make do and mend The UN Convention on Climate Change predicts that emissions from textile manufacturing will rise by up to 60% by 2030 - an alarming statistic highlighting the need for sustainable business practices and consumer responsibility.

W HEN was the last time you wore everything in your closet? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably never. With seasonal trends driving overpro duction in the fashion industry, shopping has become faster and cheaper, thanks to fast fashion. The downside? According to the UN Environment Programme, fashion is one of the world’s leading pollutants, contributing to approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. While having options is great, it’s cru cial to recognise that fashion is cyclical. Investing in a few timeless pieces you FDQ FRQ¿GHQWO\ UHZHDU LV IDU EHWWHU WKDQ EX\LQJ D QHZ RXW¿W IRU HYHU\ RFFDVLRQ Here’s how you can transition to slow IDVKLRQ ZLWKRXW VDFUL¿FLQJ VW\OH Join the slow fashion movement with simple and practical steps BY DENNIA LEAH

By highlighting sustainable materials and promoting pre-loved options, customers can make more informed choices without feeling restricted to a single option,”

Devadasan, head of sustainability of ZALORA

Similarly, a Waste & Resources Action Programme report found that extending the life of clothing by an extra nine months can reduce its environmental impact by up to 30%. So, if you have jeans that no ORQJHU ¿W FRQVLGHU WDNLQJ WKHP WR D WDLORU or transforming them into shorts. DIY projects and alterations allow you to get creative with what you already own! Need weather-appropriate clothing for an upcoming trip? Check out local thrift stores or browse online resale platforms like Carousell or Facebook Marketplace to uncover hidden gems. Borrowing, UHQWLQJ DQG VZDSSLQJ DUH DOVR H̆ HFWLYH eco-friendly alternatives to buying new What should you look out for now that you’re ready to embrace slow fashion? For insights, we spoke to Arvind Devadasan, head of sustainability of ZA LORA, a fashion e-commerce platform. He recommends clothing made from recycled materials, such as cotton or responsibly sourced lyocell, for greener fabric alternatives. “The carbon footprint from these ma terials would usually be much lower and WKH\ KDYH D YHUL¿DEOH VXVWDLQDEOH VXSSO\ FKDLQ WKURXJK FHUWL¿FDWLRQ ´ 'HYDGDVDQ explains. “This is important because there are many processes involved in making a garment and it’s one of the few ways to ensure the sustainability claims stand true WKURXJKRXW WKH SURFHVV ´ If you’re looking for durability, invest ing in high-quality pieces from luxury designers or artisanal brands may be your items while reducing waste. Buy less or buy better

best bet. These products are crafted with superior materials like cashmere, leather and silk, ensuring longevity. The best part? You don’t need to buy them brand new at full price. “Luxury fashion has a longer pres ence in the secondhand market because the products are built to last or at least perceived to be. They also retain some value over time, which is not the case for IDVW IDVKLRQ ´ 'HYDGDVDQ VD\V ZALORA is among the few platforms LQ WKH UHJLRQ R̆ HULQJ FHUWL¿HG DXWKHQWLF premium pre-loved goods, a category that’s growing steadily on the platform. This reflects a broader consumer shift toward environmentally friendly shopping habits. “By highlighting sustainable materi als and promoting pre-loved options, customers can make more informed choices without feeling restricted to a VLQJOH RSWLRQ ´ 'HYDGDVDQ DGGV ³7KLV approach not only educates consumers on the benefits of sustainable fashion but also encourages them to consider the HQYLURQPHQWDO LPSDFW RI WKHLU SXUFKDVHV ´ Conscious fashion is no longer optional One thing is clear: Being mindful about fashion is no longer just an option; it’s essential. Making small changes, such as downsizing, repairing instead of dis carding and being a savvy shopper, can FROOHFWLYHO\ KDYH D VLJQL¿FDQW LPSDFW Apart from that, you don’t have to follow trends to be stylish. By embracing slow fashion, you’re not just making a VWDWHPHQW \RX¶UH PDNLQJ D GL̆ HUHQFH

Waste & Resources Action Programme report found that extending the life of clothing by an extra nine months can reduce its environmental impact by up to 30%.