Slow fashion is a movement and approach to fashion that values sustainability, ethical manufacturing practices, and encourages mindful consumption. It is the intentional opposite of fast fashion, which values constantly releasing hundreds of new styles, rapid manufacturing, and encourages overconsumption.
While working for a fast fashion brand many years ago, I witnessed the constant influx of clothing sent to stores. The only way for brands to sell such high inventories is by encouraging consumers to over-consume and making it easier to do so by offering sales continuously.
Having worked in fast fashion, I did not want to contribute to it nor promote the same values to consumers.
I intentionally developed my brand to follow a slow fashion approach and consciously chose to:
- Be mindful of the impact that fabric manufacturing has on the environment and use only sustainable and biodegradable fabrics such as linen and cotton.
- Partner with an ethical clothing manufacturing factory that provides workers safe working conditions and pays fair wages. It increases our manufacturing costs as we pay for fair labor, yet it is the right thing to do.
- Release limited new designs every year, ensuring each design is timeless and versatile to be worn for any occasion all year round. Also, we produce limited quantities per design because it is a sustainable practice, valuing quality over quantity.
- Create clothing that is made to last so you can wear it for a long time. You can read about how we make our dresses here.
Gabriela Michele is a slow fashion brand that embraces thoughtful design, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing.
