The crowds lining the streets of London may come and go, but the style that fills them remains: elevated yet personal. Thrifted denim jackets and eco-friendly sneakers have weaved their way into the masses, and the word sustainability has become a part of most vocabularies. Back in Lake Forest, students at LFHS are considering this concept as well, but is it to the same extent?
Sustainable fashion means clothing that’s made and bought in ways that reduce harm to the environment and promote fair treatment for workers.
“Sustainability within fashion means creating a fun wardrobe while also being aware of the larger issues in today’s world,” said London local Poppy Chambers.
This fall, London Fashion Week joined the sustainability conversation. The British Fashion Council (BFC) recently announced that it is adopting the sustainability requirements that Copenhagen Fashion Week implements. Using recyclable materials and removing single-use props for fashion shows are two among the multiple initiatives.
“I think London is taking a step in the right direction by following Copenhagen. Fashion can’t be driven by just clothes anymore,” said London shopper Ellie Attwell.
Vintage shops and second-hand markets now stand proud next to designer stores that line the streets of London. But it’s not just these second-hand markets that are promoting sustainability.
“Our Cactful collection, which used a bio-material for our shoes, is just one of several efforts the company has made to be aware of sustainability,” said the store manager of the Onitsuka Tiger location in Covent Garden, London.
But does this global movement translate to the students at LFHS?
Thousands of miles from London, students are considering what sustainability means for their own wardrobes. Many students believe it is simple to find sustainable options.
“When I hear about sustainable fashion, I usually think about the quick and easy process of thrifting clothes,” said junior Eloise Castano.
For many at LFHS, that’s where sustainability comes from: buying secondhand from places such as Depop, Poshmark, or Plato’s Closet.
“As someone who thrifts a lot of their clothing and goes to vintage stores to find new pieces, I’ve found that thrifting is not only just an easier experience, but it’s also a lot more fun to find those unique pieces that have already been loved,” said senior Addington Leahy.
The streets of Lake Forest may not have the lively vintage markets of London or the attention of Fashion Week, but the same concern for the environment and workers remains. Whether it’s thrifting, re-using, or stitching their own clothes, students at LFHS are working to make an impact as well.
