Slow and Steady Wins the Race - The Benefits of Slow Fashion
That venerable tale of the tortoise and the hare isn't just an amusing story. It's a lesson in making the right choices - in the long run!
Image Source: Creative Commons, labeled for reuse
Our commitment to the environment (and peace of mind) has brought us to embrace the concept of 'slow fashion' - a turn away from globalized mass production in the pursuit of environmental health and quality fashion.
Our grandmothers used to say 'always choose quality over quantity'. Such good advice. Take a look in your wardrobe today and reflect on what pieces are still there - still being worn. Bet you it's the better quality pieces - less faddish - made with more attention to detail and finishing. Fashion trends turned away from our grandmother's mantra and became 'fast-fashion' instead. Often fashion knock-offs made of lower quality fabrics. This has contributed to sweat-shop workers being exploited and to the 'buy cheap - throw it out after one season - buy more' syndrome. Try this challenge - not only to better your wardrobe - but also to better your planet, both socially and environmentally.Buy with conscious thought
Buy natural fabrics or materials made by talented artisans/designers who love what they do and execute their work with care. Slow fashion is ethical, ecological and 'green'. Slow fashion is a commitment to the state of our Earth - the planet we inhabit. Look for garments and accessories that are made with attention to quality production - pieces that will have longevity - pieces that broadcast contemplation, discernment and value. Zawadee has a commitment to 'slow fashion'. We are currently sourcing products from around the world that are socially and environmentally sound - as well as high quality, handcrafted garments or accessories to be proud of. Both fine silver jewelry and organic shawls of fashion accessories are 'slow fashion'. Handcrafted with pride by talented artisans who not only evidence great skills but also a commitment to being ethical and to reducing the environmental impact upon the planet.The Tsandza Collection
First established in 1979, Tsandza Weaving, formerly known as Rosecraft Weaving, is a social enterprise that produces high quality products, handwoven in pure natural fibres by talented artisans in rural Swaziland.
Consumers seeking ethically produced items that make an impact to a bigger purpose when making their purchase will find "forever presents" that not only represent beauty and skill, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for us all
MADE BY HAND
Every step of Tsandza’s production process is done by hand. From the dying, spinning & weaving to the knotting & tasseling. Even our sewing machines for labelling are manual! This means every item we make is unique and exclusive to you. Our impact on our environment is greatly reduced, and it also means we need many hands, ensuring we continue to be a vital source of training and income generation for many rural women. It is quite a complex process requiring patience, skill and a lot of work! View the Tsandza Handweaving video to learn more about how they produce remarkable fashion accessories while respecting the environment.
The Azel Collection
The Tuareg Silversmiths of Azel have been designing and executing superb fine sterling silver jewelry for countless generations. Azel is located in northern Agadez (Niger) - a fairly daunting distance from hospitals and other support. That is why Mohammed Anou, a renowned Tuareg silversmith, grouped his fellow artisans together to form the basis of this remarkable jewelry - The Azel Collection. Mohammed hopes the collective's beautiful jewelry will benefit his beloved town of Azel - and help it's people!Tuareg jewelry is distinctive, dramatic and meaningful.
