https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:11:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096213 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:50:24 +0000 Style Fan 2096213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, avicennia, YLF is a very special place.&nbsp; Rachy, I have been thinking about the work issue a lot during the last few days.&nbsp; I need to get my thoughts together.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I have also been sick (not serious) since September.&nbsp; I have almost no energy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096149 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:01:47 +0000 StyleDetective 2096149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in again to say that I think part of the reason people don't want to pay more for clothes that will last is that, well, it's very easy to pay more and find that the clothes wear out just as quickly as much cheaper ones. In my wardrobe cost isn't much of a predictor of lasting power, except for the vintage pieces I have which were made in the 40s and 50s.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I would shell out more for a retailer who, say, gave advice about durability, would guarantee the piece for a particular period of time, could provide detailed information about how to maximise the garment's lifespan, offered in-house mending, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>Perhaps people would move beyond consume-and-discard if retailers would start to do the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096135 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 03:50:52 +0000 avicennia 2096135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m struck by all the thoughtful and articulate comments. Kudos Kari on starting an interesting thread! And what a special place, the YLF forum! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096119 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:53:37 +0000 rachylou 2096119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s an interesting point, kkards... because, yes, we know we suck at predicting the future... that is, delaying immediate gratification for future gains. They always talk about the candy experiment with kids, but there’s a myriad of ways this tendency plays out that never come to mind. And this gain of longer lasting goods is about avoiding various future costs... a little mind bendy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096107 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 22:22:45 +0000 kkards 2096107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing is, stuff built to last generally costs more. And most consumers have shown an adverse reaction to paying more. What we say, and what we do are not always aligned </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096105 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 22:16:56 +0000 Kari 2096105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Style Fan and Rachy, those are intriguing experiments. </p> <p>Yes, Suntiger: “The thing is though, there's this huge churn of merchandise, and all the gimmics. New stuff every couple weeks, low prices, credit cards, loyalty points, but retail is still failing. Maybe we just want nice quality/durability, pieces comfortable and appropriate for our lives, at prices (even if higher than fast fashion) that allow us to still pay our bills and buy the things we truly need.“</p> <p>And RE: quality/durability, for stuff to be constructed to last rather than planned obsolescence. (I’m remembering when I scandalized a mobile phone rep because I didn’t want to sign up for a plan where I’d be able to get a new phone each time a new model came out.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2096016 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 14:48:15 +0000 Anonymous 2096016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing it seems to be more of a middle class thing, as the very poorest seem to thrift or buy clothes at Walmart- at least around here. Most of the stuff at thrift ends up being last years fast fashion :/<br /> The thing is though, there's this huge churn of merchandise, and all the gimmics. New stuff every couple weeks, low prices, credit cards, loyalty points, but retail is still failing. Maybe we just want nice quality/durability, pieces comfortable and appropriate for our lives, at prices (even if higher than fast fashion) that allow us to still pay our bills and buy the things we truly need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2095918 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:39:16 +0000 rachylou 2095918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’d be curious to know your thoughts, Style Fan. An Off Topic thread? I didn’t stay at that restaurant that I worked at for other reasons - the business itself was extremely successful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2095891 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 23:00:34 +0000 Style Fan 2095891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG, the short answer is no.&nbsp; I don't know how long the model lasted but people knew this was the situation.&nbsp; I don't want to go on about this on Kari's thread and I honestly don't have all the information but I do have a lot of thoughts about it.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29/page/2#post-2095780 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:38:10 +0000 Helena 2095780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stylefan, did it impact the quality/extent of people's work - for good or bad?</p> <p>Sorry Kari to veer off; very interested, especially in light of people like Andrew Yang pitching universal basic income and similar concepts ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095779 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:35:09 +0000 rachylou 2095779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Fan, I’ve actually worked in a restaurant like that. I have a lot of respect for that. They also did profit sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095713 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:05:57 +0000 Style Fan 2095713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion.&nbsp; As others have pointed out shopping for good quality clothing in thrift stores, or even thinking about such things, means having the luxury of time.&nbsp; And having time usually means having money or other privileges.</p> <p>Rachy, I worked in an agency in the early 90s where everyone was paid exactly the same.&nbsp; The director, counsellors, crisis workers, admin staff, you name it.&nbsp; We all got paid the same for our work.&nbsp; It was an all women's organization.&nbsp; Interesting concept.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095614 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:25:15 +0000 Kari 2095614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding to the above comments. </p> <p>And, yes: “It's become about the "haul" and having new things. It is very complicated and even "intentional" / eco buyers still buy. A lot.”</p> <p>(Plan to remind myself of this when I see new and shiny and exciting things.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095610 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:10:59 +0000 Isabel 2095610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating and also something that I think about.&nbsp; I think that Instagram and influencers have democratized fast fashion. It's become about the "haul" and having new things.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is very complicated and&nbsp; even "intentional" / eco buyers still buy. A lot. And they still have to convince us to buy , even if it's Everlane, in order for them to make a living blogging or "influencing".&nbsp; &nbsp;And part of buying means moving and distributing product.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095589 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:49:24 +0000 Jenn 2095589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OF COURSE it's a class issue! Also a race issue. Maybe not in the way Refinery 29 thinks, though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking at it globally, the whole system is perpetuating economic injustice. I read an article where the owner of H&amp;M (I'm pretty sure it was him) was making the argument that they provide jobs to people who otherwise wouldn't have any economic opportunity, but that guy is worth 18 BILLION dollars. He's really arguing that he couldn't afford to pay double what he's paying and sell, let's say 10% less? It probably wouldn't even be that much less. Labor is about 4% of a garment's cost.&nbsp;</p> <p>And would an 8% increase in cost for fast fashion clothes price out many consumers? If that $10 top cost $10.80 instead? Maybe people would buy a little less, only get one instead of taking advantage of the 2/$20 offer. Environmentally, that would also be a good thing, but I don't think it means anyone would be going naked on the consumer end.</p> <p>I know this is an oversimplification, but seriously, I have more than enough to live a middle class lifestyle in LA and $18 billion dollars is still like 90,000 years of my family's income, more than a thousand lifetimes. <b>Rachylou&nbsp;</b>isn't wrong when she says something's going to break. This is the opposite of sustainable.</p> <p>On another note, <b>torontogirl's</b>&nbsp;comment reminded me of how Impossible Burgers were foodie darlings and the answer to our meat production problems...until they debuted at Burger King. &nbsp;Then, suddenly, they started being portrayed as over-processed junk food. </p> <p>The thing is, any answer to the sustainability crisis is going to have to be widespread, and you have to start somewhere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095587 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:44:32 +0000 Kari 2095587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“ In the meantime, the only thing that we can do is think long and hard about what sustainability personally means to us, and do what we can to ease our own conscious.”</p> <p>Definitely. And for me, also addressing my personal pitfalls that contribute to this problem (I.e. buying/replacing when I don’t need to, holding on to unworn items that are in good shape but don’t work for me rather than sourcing a place to donate.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095583 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:33:31 +0000 Angie 2095583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SUCH GOOD THOUGHTS. Thanks, <b>Kari.<br /></b><br />I nodded along with many of you. Thanks for sharing.&nbsp;<br /><b><br />Achieving sustainability is VERY, VERY COMPLICATED. </b>There are only complex compromises that will hurt someone, somewhere - and no win-win solutions for all at the moment. FWIW, I think that achieving effective sustainability requires political direction and change.</p> <p>In the meantime, the only thing that we can do is think long and hard about what sustainability personally means to us, and do what we can to ease our own conscious.<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095582 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:30:52 +0000 Christina F. 2095582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Chiming in from semi-lurking to say that carbon credits for travel are a&nbsp; good idea, if one can afford them (I'm saying this someone working for an environmental nonprofit). You have to research and make sure you're buying good ones, as they're not all made equal. Leo is pretty conspicuous and tedious in his environmental moralizing, though. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The airline industry as a whole is voluntarily taking steps to reduce its own emissions, FWIW. There's a lot of travel shaming going on right now, so that's good to know about, especially for those who can't afford credits. <br /></div><div><br />Back to fashion. I've been poor at times, and the items I could afford were often of poor quality. Pairs of jeans that cost $20 wear out. it would have been nice to save up for sturdier jeans, but sometimes I was worried about how to pay my bills; I had limited summer income as a grad student. So I'd get another $20 pair of jeans and hope for the best. It is absolutely a luxury to consume fewer high quality items that last. The fashion industry needs to change, though, much like the airline industry is trying to do, for any real progress to be made. People are trained to look for lower prices, so I don't know what the solution.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Kari makes an excellent point about thrifting--time is a cost, too. Usually, we pay in time what we don't pay in money, or vice versa. (We see this in action when people line up for free stuff!) Thrift stores don't even have proper dressing rooms much of the time, making it difficult for a woman with kids in tow to go try on clothes, even if she has time.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095562 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:44:35 +0000 Kari 2095562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep in mind that thrifting involves significantly more time than picking something easily available up at, say, Walmart out on the rack. If you’re working multiple jobs, a single parent, disabled, etc. (many low income folks are) there are barriers to having time to spend thrifting when for a similar price point you can find something new and easily available.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>I’ll also add a reminder that based on my experience as a plus sized woman, it is very very hard to find larger sizes that fit in secondhand stores.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So the comparison there isn’t a fair one. The financial cost of purchase may be the same, but the cost of time and energy is very different.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095551 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:09:04 +0000 Helena 2095551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along to all the thoughts about this complex issue - thanks Kari for raising it, and part of why I love this forum is that we are able to have these really intelligent, nuanced conversations.</p> <p>I remember years ago reading an article in Marketing magazine; they were talking about how, as soon as the 'lower classes' (i.e. upper-middle and below) start doing something the 'upper classes' do, the upper classes change the game so that they continue to differentiate themselves (btw - I'm not implying people consciously do this - it's sort of a system that society has fallen into). So - when brands become accessible to the masses, for example, then all of a sudden logos are tacky, etc.</p> <p>Anyways, the article was saying (and this must have been 15 years ago), that since 'stuff' was generally so accessible, morality was the new upper class consumption item. High end car commercials started having spiritual themes to them, blah, blah, blah. Organic and non-GMO food is mentioned above and falls into the same bucket. So anything marketed with a moral undertone to it, I try to think really critically about.</p> <p>It's tricky because there are genuine problems to be addressed, but this is why it's so important to do what we reasonably can, without judging ourselves (or others). So yes, I'll minimize meat consumption to help the environment; no, I'm not impressed with Leo DiCaprio buying carbon credits to fund his trips to Ibiza. Yes, I'll try to shop more sustainably; not, I won't be lectured by [<i>insert rich person name here</i>] on how I should be buying super-high-quality pieces made in Canada (that don't help anyone is a sweat shop either, side note) that will last 20 years (but cost thousands that I could save for retirement).</p> <p>Anyways, that's just my 2 cents; probably just repeating other's points! Great discussion topic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095549 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 13:57:05 +0000 Minnie 2095549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I have 110 sustainable, organic cotton t-shirts and each one gets worn only a couple of times (or not at all), it's not ethical or sustainable.<br />I think the problem with fast fashion is that the turn-over is so fast. Some of the stores come out with a new collection every 2 weeks.<br />I am not sure, but I would have thought that it's more an age issue rather than a social class issue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095547 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 13:47:38 +0000 Bijou 2095547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I agree with you that this is a luxury, but it is available to most people via&nbsp;thrift and consignment stores and more companies embracing more sustainable and ethical practices at hopefully lower price points that Off-White. I am hopeful that we are in a period of change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095545 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 13:10:12 +0000 nemosmom 2095545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>So much great food for thought here, in both the article and comments. I agree with others that price is not always an indicator of value, but there does seem to be a division where sustainability-marketed brands are.&nbsp; I would LOVE to support organic/free trade/ethically made/fair wage/etc, BUT I cannot pay $250 for a "sustainable" tshirt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similarly to what Styledetective said above about brands claiming to be sustainability focused, yet engaging in unsustainable practices,<i> </i>I ordered clothes for my kids in December from a brand who was promoting clothing made from recycled polyester - which I thought was a good place to put my dollar.&nbsp; BUT, when the order arrived, every individual item I bought was packaged in a single use plastic bag, with plastic tags AND stickers on the clothing. Two pairs of pants came on a big plastic hanger.&nbsp; Um...what??<br /></div><div> <br /></div><div>I feel like there should be more conversation around consumption and churn, but that gets tricky, too per Rachy's comment. If you reduce demand, eventually you reduce supply, but what about the people who rely on making the stuff in order to support their family??<br /></div><br />It's all sooo complicated. :(</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095534 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 11:46:13 +0000 kkards 2095534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>And after all of these questions, are we left with one unavoidable one: is fast fashion a class issue?”<br /></i><br />yes of course it is. and no of course its not.....</p> <p>i'm pondering this, and not sure how best to convey where my head is currently at. but i'll start by saying, that in my experience, the fast fashion chains are located in middle to upper end malls, they are not located in the strip centers or neighborhoods near the Family Dollar/Dollar Generals, not even generally in the strip centers with Walmarts. so clearly they see their customer as middle class or above. so really a middle class issue...but on the other hand, mass producing like the fast fashion chains, instead small batches like fashion houses or smaller brands, give ecomomies of scale that will lower the price, but may have no impact on the sustainablity. or in fact may be more sustainable in that there would be less fabric waste since producers could use techonlogy to laser cut with more&nbsp;precision.&nbsp;<br />as i type this long rambling answer, i'm thinking that for me is a reframing of the question..<b>.is &nbsp;access to lower prices on clothing and footwear leading us to buy more than previous generations, and more than we need?&nbsp;</b>i think the answer to this is clearly yes, and i'm pretty sure this is not limited to clothing....<br />are ethically produced clothes a class issue? probably not, but is buying less a class issue, i believe so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095517 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 09:30:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 2095517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some of the links in the article are leading to pretty old info like the Oxfam/Marks and Spencer link is about the state of British wardrobes in 2016. I think many of us in this forum are trying to modify poorer fashion habits we may have had at some stage. I like what Style Detective says in the comment above, I have used the modified version of that Ethical Fashion Guide that she has that TEAR Fund NZ did. And I have reduced my purchasing from stores who did poorly on that. Unfortunately some smaller NZ designers are too small to be on there. I am also buying NZ made a lot, or Australian made since they are our nearest neighbour and the carbon footprint of getting it from Australia to NZ is less than from China.<br /> But the biggest thing I am doing is buying less and wearing what I have! The most sustainable thing for me to wear is whatever is currently in my wardrobe, I feel.<br /> And very much trying not to be snobbish about clothing and what others choose to wear. The pressure to be in style is a curse to many, especially younger people maybe with Instagram etc?<br /> So far almost a month of no new clothing, yay for the SYC challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095513 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 09:21:23 +0000 Sal 2095513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find the word "right" a tricky one Kari - because to me with every right there is a responsibility.&nbsp; However I think right might be viewed differently in the US than it is in NZ (although we do have a Bill of Rights).</p> <ul> <li>If I have the right to drive a car - I have the responsibility to maintain it to a roadworthy standard and to learn how to drive it safely.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>If I have the right to have good access to free education then I have the responsibility to get myself or children to school, support the teachers and ensure homework is done.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>If I live in a democracy and have the right to vote - I have a responsibility to vote, and to research my vote to the best of my ability.</li> </ul> <br />But with the right to fast fashion - I am not sure where the responsibility lies with the consumer?&nbsp; To look after it - to make sure it is produced carefully and "ethically"?&nbsp; There is a responsibility with the producer and retailer - but they are not the ones with the right here.</p> <p>Sure if we took all access to cheap mass produced clothing there would be massive readjustment for many especially retail assistants, courier companies, mall owners and for people used to having a choice of many clothes.&nbsp; But I still don't see that as a right?</p> <p>I am just thinking about it - I don't have an answer.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095510 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 09:00:40 +0000 StyleDetective 2095510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a lot about this too. I feel guilty if I don't buy ethical - but then I also feel a guilty because I'm consciously choosing to spend more on clothes, thereby saving less (something that goes against my upbringing). I make decent money, and if I find it a financial stretch, I honestly don't know how anyone on a modest income does.</p> <p>It also troubles me when people think that 'ethical fashion' just means 'sustainable' or 'environmentally friendly' fashion. I've seen retailers brag about using organic bamboo or recycled plastic bottles turned into yoga leggings or what have you, while at the same time engaging in exploitative labour practices. Conversely I have seen brands claim to be ethical because they are vegan and thus cruelty free - when they are actually selling accessories made of non-biodegradable plastics which are terrible for the planet.</p> <p>One of the things that guides my purchasing decisions is the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://baptistworldaid.org.au/resources/2019-ethical-fashion-guide/">Baptist World Aid Australia ethical fashion guide</a>&nbsp;which looks primarily at how workers are treated, and it's surprising too see some cheap, fast fashion brands like Zara score much better than fancier, more expensive places.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think where I am going with this is that there are brands that genuinely strive to do the best they can - but also, there's a lot of hype and greenwashing around ethical fashion atm, and it's easy to spend a lot of money on a brand which still has ethical issues. It's tricky.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095508 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:56:11 +0000 Adriana 2095508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to be honest. I am thinking about this maybe since last year because the subject is talked about in this forum.<br /> I think a lot of people don't recognize the problem with fast fashion yet.<br /> In my country the government announced measures to lower the co2 emissions. Like lowering maximum speed, reduction of livestock, maybe some extra tax on flighttickets. Subsidies for electrical cars. Not a word about consumption. (And lots of protesters on the streets already)<br /> And yes there is a discussion in connection with flying and old cars. Who can afford to be ethical? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095504 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 07:30:52 +0000 rachylou 2095504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think about this: if - and when - we stop making junk, lots of people will lose their means of putting food on the table. The food will be there, but the right to take some will be gone. That is our system. You do some little thing, make some little thing, and then you get permission to go into a grocery store and come away with some food. Stop buying and making useless things... that’s a huge crisis without a complete change in our entire system of valuation and wealth distribution. I think the ultra rich are in deep trouble, tbh. Something is gonna break. If they don’t stop hoarding value, there will be pitchforks at their gates. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-fast-fashion-a-class-issue-refinery29#post-2095498 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 06:38:22 +0000 Kari 2095498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too, Shevia and Suz, and I like that this article examines it from that angle too.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>“But is it fair to expect this? Is ethical shopping not also a form of trendy elitism on some level? On the other hand, fast fashion created a need and a habit that hadn't existed before - does that make it a right?”</div> </p>