Episode 201: Is it CLASSIST to talk about fast fashion?

This episode is part two in a recurring series examining and debunking the most common “excuses” and justifications we see for supporting, maybe even protecting(?) fast fashion and fast everything. And this week we are going to explore a classic comeback to conversations about fast fashion: “it’s classist to talk about fast fashion.”

We will explore the following questions:

• What is class? What are the differences between socioeconomic class and social class?
• What is classism? And how does it play out in day to day life?
• Why is income not always a simple indicator of one's financial situation?
• How are fast fashion and classism *actually* linked? You might be surprised!
• How does fast fashion actually exacerbate economic inequality?
• Did fast fashion really democratize fast fashion?
• Why is the fight against fast fashion actually a matter of class solidarity?
• And what can ALL of us do to dismantle the fast fashion system?

On our journey to figuring all of this out, we'll find out if Shein customers are actually rich, and if fast fashion executives actually wear clothing made by their companies. Amanda will share her own experiences dealing with classism within the fashion industry.

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Additional reading:
MIT Living Wage Calculator
"Meet Shein's typical shopper," Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins, Business Insider.
American Attitudes About Poverty and the Poor
"Retail Wages Are A Growing Problem That Will Only Get Worse," Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.
Dynamics of Economic Well-Being: Poverty 2009-2011, Ashley N. Edwards, US Census Bureau.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world

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Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

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​High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.

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St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

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Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

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