Elizabeth L. Cline (2102) writes about the wasteful practice of over buying, especially because of the lower cost and availability of mass produced clothing. Massive media advertising campaigns keep us constantly watching trends and also fiercely bargain hunting. It's cool if it's a deal - especially if it's a DEAL! I remember taking Home Ec 8 and wondering why anyone would waste time drawing chalk lines and practising stitches and knots, first. I wanted to make that short, skin tight mini right now. Disappointed with the cost and the home- made look of anything I made, I soon turned to second hand and learned how to adapt and adjust. I also discovered that with thrift clothing, I could find stuff that fit and was of better quality than I could find at the cheaper stores. Bit Cline points out that thrift stores are now struggling with the sheer volume of recycled donations, particularly those that are of cheap material and unpopular design. Back then, though, one could still find treasures and designer items, very affordably, however, who had the time to look on a regular basis? Also, who had the money? Now it is evident that people do devote more time to the hunt and do buy much more and more often. People can buy lots because there is lots and because it's cheap. It's an inexpensive hobby. However, Cline asks," What are these enormous volumes of clothing doing to us, our society, our environment, and our economic well-being?" I can remember our family of four hanging their coats on hooks and not needing a whole closet in the hall. Today's built in closets could house all of our clothes, shoes and coats and still have room left for linens.
As much as I love fashion, I've worked a bit in the industry and found the wages and working conditions poor. Knowing how much it costs designers to pay for their education, to produce their lines, to show them at Fashion Weeks, and to market their work, the demand for mass production and reduced prices affect them significantly. And, we ask, where are our Canadian designers and where are the clothes produced in Canada?
Cline's well researched work encourages us to be more conscientious about purchasing quality from our local designers and avoiding the need for instant, cheap 'trend' purchases. We can keep current by updating what we have and buying well made, classic pieces. Do we really something new "64 times a year"?
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