South Korea: Lee So-yeon, a fashion activist, advocates for sustainable clothing practices after a personal transformation from fast fashion consumerism. Her initiatives, including clothing swaps and a new book, encourage valuing pre-owned garments while addressing environmental and social issues within the fashion industry.
In an era where environmental concerns are increasingly gaining traction, the south Korean fashion activist Lee So-yeon has emerged as a prominent figure in the push towards sustainable fashion. Lee, a former shopaholic, recounts her transformation that began with a seemingly innocuous purchase: a $1.50 winter coat from H&M. This moment sparked a profound realisation about the implications of fast fashion on human lives and the planet.
Lee’s journey towards abandonment of fast fashion practices began around six years ago when she reflected on the disturbingly low prices of clothing and the consequences of hyperconsumerism. She stated, “I used to buy one new outfit each [working] day of the week,” revealing how she purchased high street items for less than a dollar. However, upon deep investigation into the production methods used by fashion retailers, she discovered that these low costs come at a price. The workers, largely women employed in manufacturing, receive little compensation, while the model leads to devastating environmental effects.
Since her realisation, Lee has embraced a sustainable wardrobe composed of second-hand clothing and cherished items passed down from friends and family, including a vintage leather jacket once owned by her mother. “Ultimately, the most eco-friendly clothes are the ones already in your wardrobe,” she emphasised, advocating for a shift in perception towards the value of pre-owned fashion.
Lee’s commitment to sustainable fashion has extended beyond her personal choices. She now facilitates clothing swaps among her community and has authored a book aimed at encouraging consumers to value garments for their stories rather than merely chasing fleeting trends. She represents a growing movement of individuals advocating for second-hand clothing, emphasising the potential reduction in over-consumption particularly among women.
Supporting this movement is the Lucky Sweater app, a platform designed for users to trade clothing, primarily focusing on sustainable brands. Founding member Tanya Dastyar expressed to AFP that societal norms have conditioned individuals to equate beauty and trendiness with the acquisition of new outfits. However, Dastyar believes one can still exhibit style without indulging in fast fashion, stating, “You can still be fashionable and feel good and look great and not have to do that.”
The burgeoning popularity of such platforms suggests a readiness among many to reassess their relationship with fashion and consumerism. “I don’t have to follow trends and I can just dress in a way that feels comfortable to me,” Dastyar explained, implying a shift towards personal comfort over societal expectations.
Lee’s story is further accentuated by her reflections on the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy, a catastrophic collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh, which highlighted the severe human toll associated with the fashion industry. Over 1,130 workers, predominantly young women, perished while producing clothing for consumers akin to Lee, which she described as a watershed moment in her understanding of the industry’s impact.
Compounding these concerns is the reality that the global fashion industry accounts for up to 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, with the majority of modern garments crafted from non-biodegradable synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. This raises critical questions about waste management, particularly in regions such as South Korea, which ranks as the fifth-largest exporter of used clothing globally. Despite its significant role in the used clothing market, there exists a prevailing stigma against pre-owned garments, with many consumers perceiving them as unwanted items. Kim Dong-hyun, who operates a used clothing export factory, noted, “People often don’t look favourably on someone wearing used clothes.”
The operation of such factories reveals the complexities involved in the second-hand clothing trade, where garments are often discarded without care, as Kim observed the presence of unfit materials in collection bins. He asserted that many view clothing donation sites merely as waste disposal, indicating a need for broader awareness and education on the benefits of upcycled fashion.
As the movement for sustainable fashion continues to evolve, Lee So-yeon and others like her are at the forefront, fostering a renewed appreciation for second-hand clothing and advocating for zero-waste initiatives—all while highlighting the narrative and emotional importance imbued in each garment.
Source: Noah Wire Services
