Themed Post: Fast Fashion

After the economic and cultural globalization and especially in the last years, the fast fashion trend has been imposed on the big brands. This concept encompasses series production and consists of changing clothes in stores every fortnight or so, with low prices and, therefore, a wider audience. The concepts of copying, speed and trends are central. The Inditex textile group, with brands such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, among others, are a reflection of this trend.

Regarding it's consequences, United Nations authorities and experts have called the sector an "environmental emergency", given it's negative impacts on the environment and health. The fashion industry is the second that uses more water in it's processes in the world and produces 20% of the wastewater generated globally. More than half a million tons of synthetic and plastic fibers released during washing end up in the oceans.

Fast fashion also has social consequences. It's estimated that 1 in 6 people on the planet works in something related to the textile industry, often linked to problems of poverty and labor exploitation.

There are several techniques for reusing garments. One of them is vintage stores, with used or old garments. Many companies also make designs with recyclable materials or use natural fibers.

Fast fashion has become a problematic industry due to it's impact on the environment and the exploitation of it's workers. As clothing prices drop, human and environmental costs rise dramatically.