She Strengthens

Rethinking Luxury: The Shift from Fast Fashion to Timeless Style

As I reflect on my past, I’m reminded of my early days working in an upscale shoe store. Surrounded by high-end leather products, I’d watch in awe as affluent women effortlessly swiped their gold cards, exuding elegance and sophistication. Their confidence was infectious, and I found myself drawn to their world, if only from the periphery.

One particular customer stood out – a young woman who’d memorized her father’s credit card number, using it to splurge on near-four-digit shoe hauls. Her level of access was unprecedented, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. As I grew older, however, I began to take pride in not being like her – in not being someone who splurged on clothes. Instead, I directed my money towards experiences: vacations, good restaurants, and recreational classes. It was a badge of honor, proof that I was mature and thoughtful.

The Illusion of Frugality

But beneath the surface, I harbored a hint of internalized misogyny. I believed that women who spent hundreds of dollars on luxury items were shallow and vain. I convinced myself that I was better, that I was above such frivolity. It wasn’t until I conducted a closet purge and began investing in quality, timeless pieces that I realized the error of my ways.

The True Cost of Fast Fashion

Watching the documentary The True Cost was a wake-up call. I saw firsthand the devastating impact of fast fashion on the environment and humanity. The low prices we pay for trendy clothes come at a steep cost, one that we often choose to ignore. But ignorance is no longer an option.

Investing in Timeless Style

Recently, I treated myself to a pair of Italian leather shoes from M.Gemi, a brand committed to making luxury accessible to everyone. At first, I felt guilty about the price tag, but as I reflected on the craftsmanship and durability of the shoes, I realized that they were an investment. They’ll last for years, maybe even decades, if I care for them properly.

Shifting Perspectives

Making the transition to a more thoughtful approach to fashion requires a shift in mindset. I had to confront my own biases and judgments about people who invest in luxury items. Do I think my grandmother was vain for having dozens of beautiful, heirloom pieces? Of course not. I’m grateful to have them today, and I appreciate the craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare in modern fashion.

Balancing Quality and Responsibility

As I continue on this journey, I’m aware that it’s easy to get sucked into the luxury-for-luxury sake trap. I don’t want to buy something simply because of its brand or label. I want to invest in pieces that will stand the test of time, that will become family heirlooms. And I want to do it responsibly, without contributing to the fast fashion cycle of waste and exploitation.

The Power of Conscious Consumption

Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to make positive, thoughtful choices about our wardrobes. By buying fewer, higher-quality items in a more deliberate way, we can minimize waste and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion. I want to leave behind a legacy of timeless style, not a trail of discarded clothes.