Blogpost 1 – Fixing instead of Buying
The lecture which stayed in my mind the most incisive was “Society” by Katelyn Toth-Fejel. She mentioned a lot of interesting aspects and facts about society and its connection to fashion. How we are all shaped by culture, religion family and geological circumstances. According to this, it influences how we express ourselves especially the way we dress. Fashion influences people, people influence society, society influences fashion.
Toth-Fejel mentioned an example of a sewing shop in Dalston where people can buy essentials to fix clothes like buttons or yarn. For her research she asked locals whether they would fix their clothes if the store wasn’t there. Obviously, the answer was no, because ordering online would be too much effort to just fix a button.
I was pretty surprised by that throw-away mentality just because something takes more effort or is a little bit inconvenient. I wondered whether I could throw away a meaningful piece, like an old leather jacket I found hunting through charity shops, with which I lived through so many meaningful nights just because the zipper broke? I’d definitely say no.
In my opinion it’s not only the most convenient opportunity you must have to repair something. It’s more like what kind of relationship you have towards your clothes. If you are always looking for the newest trend piece and never develop an emotional connection with the ones in your closet, fixing something will never be a choice for you.
Some other aspects associated with this issue is sustainability and money. Fixing something will always include less money than purchasing new clothes. Not to mention the environmental harm you can prevent. Not only your purse will say thank you, with shopping local you can contribute to live in a more flourishing area. Local stores are crucial for a good community. There, conversations can be held, stories can be told and culture has a way to remain.
For example, the village I live in only has a few shops left, including a bakery and a tailor’s shop. By supporting those shops instead of buying online or at big supermarkets nearby I can help supporting the community I live in. I can profit from that as well by learning the history of different craftsmanship and handmade products.
What I bear in mind now is that the shape of our environment influences how we live and express ourselves in a huge way. Sustainability and community can grow when we try to fix things instead of keeping our current throw-away mentality.