My column this week has a double story, but it started with a thought about my grandmother. My grandmother bought quality clothing, which was expensive, but she wore it for at least ten years, maybe even more. When she passed away a few years ago, I took al lot of her clothes, bed linen etcetera from her house to prevent it from going in the bin or to the goodwill store. The clothes are stacked in my studio, and sometimes I re-use something. I realised this week that a lot of people buy clothing in bulk, almost like a daily consumption. The speed of fashion and global fashion awareness stimulates the industry to produce lots of cheap and badly made clothes of inferior materials. I know that real quality clothing is not affordable for everyone, but I also think that people might rather consume quick but not so ‘healthy” fashion snacks.
Time has proven that clothing from earlier decades that is made with love and care stands the test of time. Well-made and preserved clothes could last for years and years. Although the importance of vintage has long been proven, a lot of the items made today will not make it to become the new vintage. What to do about this, and how to raise awareness? People could save up to buy one nice quality piece, instead of ten fast and cheap pieces. Or would that leave a lot of people out of work? There are always so many sides to every story.
But now for the second part of my column. It would be great if people started realising just how precious and valuable our materials are, because with an ever-growing market and population certain materials might run out. Holiday season is coming, and you will probably gift your loved ones something special. What if you made it yourself, like a nice pillow or doll, made of materials or old clothing with a special meaning? Like your old baby blanket, or your father’s favourite blouse. As the title of my column says: “Put your heart into it,” and some thought, and create something really special. Made with love by: You!