Vivienne Westwood has never been one to shy away from controversy. And certainly her comments about not buying clothes before her London Week Fashion show, have raised a few eyebrows.
Of course she's right, we should buy less and buy better, and her support of an anti-consumerism stance could be commended. But you can see why people might think she was a hypocrite. She has essentially made her fame and fortune on the back of people being into consumption and consumerism.
In addition, the don't buy clothes at all stance probably isn't helping anyone. Most slow fashion advocates are quick to distance themselves from anything that might look like we're hitting ourselves over the head with the worthy stick. The majority prefer to look at the positive options presented to us by the huge range fo ethical fashion labels, rather than the negative, do without position. Westwood's comments drag the movement back 10 years and don't help in shaking off the hemp and hippy image of ethical fashion.
Ethical fashion shouldn't be about denying yourself a few little luxuries, it should be about making better choices. Be aware of where your clothes come from and how they're made, put pressure on brands to do better, and buy what you will love for always, not just for today.
To find out how to enjoy fashion without the guilt trip, visit www.mswandas.co.uk