Craftsmanship in a Disposable World: The Luxury of Timeless Value
Perhaps it was my mother’s influence that made me look at fast fashion with some distaste as I grew up. She made all our clothes – spending hours in front of her sewing machine and knitting our jumpers by hand. I definitely would have preferred to have just spent all my days in a pair of jeans (but that’s another story), but my mother took great care to create dresses, skirts and shirts that lasted as we grew and were handed down when possible. She darned woollen socks and fixed tears seamlessly. From that background, I learned to buy classic pieces that would last and always look chic and fresh.
I have, for instance, a classic pair of Levis, over 10 years old, mended with Sashiko stitching, and I’ll keep on wearing it until it’s either falling to pieces or I can no longer fit into it. 😊 I’m sure you have similar pieces that have stood the test of time?
Fast fashion has revolutionised the clothing industry by providing affordable, trendy options at lightning speed. Brands like Zara, H&M, Temu and Shein thrive on a model of high-volume, low-cost production, enabling us to access the latest styles quickly and cheaply. However, this convenience comes with significant costs, including devastating environmental damage, exploitative labour practices, and the breeding of a culture of disposability.
We all know the relentless demand for more—fuelled by social media, digital marketing, and globalisation—has created a "throwaway culture" where clothes are worn briefly and discarded. On average, consumers buy 60% more clothing than two decades ago but keep each piece for half as long. This cycle contributes to fast fashion's massive carbon footprint, water pollution, the release of microplastics from synthetic fabrics, which harm ecosystems, and the dumping of excess clothing in what are considered third-world countries, creating a pollution disaster.
In contrast, finely crafted products represent quality, reduce the need for frequent replacement, support for families and communities, more careful selection of materials and enduring value. These items are characterised by meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and timeless design. They are made to last, often becoming cherished heirlooms and can be fixed when needed. While they come at a higher price, this reflects the skill, effort, and caring practices behind their creation. Many artisanal and luxury brands are now prioritising ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly production methods, such as using natural dyes or recycled materials.
Have you listened to the interview where Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Artistic Director of Hermès, explains why craftsmanship is worth waiting for? Bravo Monsieur Dumas! It is time to stand fast and help people understand craftsmanship takes time, supreme skill, and immense passion. You can watch it here. Randolphgoods
The "slow fashion" and upcycle movements are thankfully gaining traction, encouraging us to look at our possessions differently and prioritise quality over quantity. Initiatives like "Who Made My Clothes" fashionrevolution.org and documentaries such as The True Cost are educating us about the hidden costs of fast fashion to all species and our planet, inspiring more mindful consumption.
Masterfully made products foster a deeper emotional connection, and are valued for their stories and the artistry behind them. They reflect the pride and individuality of their makers, creating a sense of connection between the artisan and you.
Economically, supporting small-scale artisans and luxury brands helps preserve traditional skills, create local jobs, and drive innovation. This is one of Bulila’s principles – we will not pay below-market-value prices to our artisans and squeeze the bejeesus out of their economies, just because someone wants it cheaper and quicker. By demanding higher standards of quality and a transparent supply chain, you can also encourage the fashion industry to adopt ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
The choice between fast fashion and finely crafted products highlights broader issues of value, consumption, and conscious care for our planet, or perhaps the lack thereof. The need for instant gratification runs deep in our current societies, and is driven by technological advances that enable us to tap a few buttons and have products delivered to our doorstep.
You will have noticed that I did not use the word ‘sustainable’ once in this journal entry. This is because I believe our lifestyles and practices are no longer sustainable. In other words, we are over the tipping point. We are now talking about how far over the tipping point we are – is it 2.7 degrees or can we still get it to 1.5 degrees? We are
increasingly seeing the devastation wrought by my generation and those before me on our planet – yes, we’re guilty. Yes, we extracted oil and created plastic and we created the industrial system, enabling humans to eat processed foods that make them ill. Need I go on?
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is fantastic work being done by all generations to right our wrongs. To aim spotlights at our sins, and change our mistakes. I salute every single one of you! Keep doing what you’re doing. This planet is so heart-achingly beautiful and we need to keep it as pristine as we can.
So my heartfelt call to action is this – please just do this for the next week: every time you are about to buy anything – yes, even in the supermarket or if you order online – ask yourself this. Do I really need this? Is this going to add value to my life? You’d be surprised at the answer. As Yvon Chouinard, the Founder of Patagonia said: “The more you know, the less you need.”
