Mending the Gap: Fashion Revolution’s Quest to Change the Industry’s Polluting Ways

In an era of fast fashion and disposable clothing, a growing movement is emerging to challenge the industry’s devastating impact on the environment. Fashion Revolution, a non-profit social enterprise, is launching its “Mend in Public Day” initiative this weekend, encouraging people worldwide to join free community classes and learn the art of mending and stitching.

The scheme is a direct response to the fashion industry’s alarming contribution to global pollution. With 10% of carbon emissions attributed to the fashion industry, microfibres from synthetic clothing contaminating food chains, and the staggering amount of waste generated by the industry, it’s clear that change is needed.

But Fashion Revolution’s mission goes beyond simply repairing clothes. The organization is also promoting upcycling, the practice of reusing existing garments or discarded materials to create new products. This approach is gaining traction in the fashion world, with luxury designers like Ahluwalia and Marine Serre leading the way.

Smaller independent brands in the UK are also driving the change, using innovative techniques to transform vintage materials into unique and stylish pieces. World Secrets, for example, crafts clogs from antique kilim rugs, while Helen Kirkum deconstructs and remakes secondhand trainers into shiny new versions.

To make upcycling more accessible, a new app, Loom, has been launched. The platform allows users to upload photos of damaged or unworn items and connect with designers who can offer everything from visible mending to dyeing and redesign.

The movement is not just about reducing waste; it’s also about challenging the fast-paced trends cycle that fuels overconsumption. As Fashion Revolution puts it, “repairing our clothes is a revolutionary act.” By choosing to mend and upcycle, individuals are making a statement against the industry’s polluting ways and embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion.

As the fashion industry continues to grapple with its environmental impact, the Mend in Public Day initiative and the rise of upcycling offer a glimmer of hope. By joining forces and promoting sustainable practices, we can change the industry’s ways and create a more environmentally conscious future for fashion.