So true! But I bought a sequin dress that you recommended in a Style roundup about 15 years ago and I wear it every Christmas and whenever I have to go to a black tie or awards do. It is still fabulous and is now so old and vintage and has been worn so many times I reckon it almost justifies the carbon footprint given I haven't bought any other sequins since... xxx
Sorry - posted too soon - by fashion journalism, whether in relatively budget-conscious publications that are big on environmental issues, or in more aspirational and ‘serious’ ones where the fashion is generally at a higher price point, which plasters sparkly party wear all over its coverage without the merest mention of the environmental impact.
And don’t get me started on people who will happily debate the relative green credentials of oat and almond milk yet think nothing of popping into Zara for the odd sequined party frock.
I think most of the fashion industry is utterly tone deaf on sustainability. Unfortunately the whole premise of the fashion media is to buy more - partly because of the advertisers but also because the marketing and content campaigns of brands are just too intoxicating
It's so good to read your writing on this subject, Tiffanie. In the past, at Christmas gatherings, I've been gleefully handed garish plasticy Christmas jumpers and expected to 'get in the spirit' and laugh about it. All I can see is more crap destined for the landfill, and even though it wasn't my choice, I feel like a part of it. It's so so sad, and I see no likelihood of it slowing down. I really do support your writing on this subject, and would love to talk to you about it further. Tom (hopefully you'll remember me as podcast producer.)
So for 2024 I crushed my “no new clothes year” ( ok technically I still have 15 days to go) and rocked my holiday party in a 50 year old coat, (legacy gift from my favorite auntie), a 10 year old jumpsuit and 2 year old shoes. No sequins. I actually feel changed and cleansed from the year long experience. Not planning on buying much in 2025 either ;) love this content.
I wouldn't mind using biodegradable sequins on one of my handmade or a remade secondhand shirt... but they are impossible to source for the non-professional sewist.
I've also considered reusing plastic sequins from a secondhand garment but that seems to defeat the purpose of not wearing plastic.
For now, I'm sticking to glittery glass seed and bugle beads with silk thread.
I have two sequin dresses, both were bought secondhand, and one of them is 1980s vintage. The sequences are actually sewn onto a stretch cotton base. 💕 excellent article. There is absolutely no reason to buy new party wear when there are so many secondhand shops where you can buy it.
I know too many brand owners who happily tells their followers/custyomers sequins are in this Christmas and then proceed to encourage everyone to buy sequin stock. It's sickening, and I am so glad you keep beating the drum!
So true! But I bought a sequin dress that you recommended in a Style roundup about 15 years ago and I wear it every Christmas and whenever I have to go to a black tie or awards do. It is still fabulous and is now so old and vintage and has been worn so many times I reckon it almost justifies the carbon footprint given I haven't bought any other sequins since... xxx
The most sustainable thing you can do is wear what you've already got!
Sorry - posted too soon - by fashion journalism, whether in relatively budget-conscious publications that are big on environmental issues, or in more aspirational and ‘serious’ ones where the fashion is generally at a higher price point, which plasters sparkly party wear all over its coverage without the merest mention of the environmental impact.
And don’t get me started on people who will happily debate the relative green credentials of oat and almond milk yet think nothing of popping into Zara for the odd sequined party frock.
I think most of the fashion industry is utterly tone deaf on sustainability. Unfortunately the whole premise of the fashion media is to buy more - partly because of the advertisers but also because the marketing and content campaigns of brands are just too intoxicating
Great piece by Alyson Walsh today https://thatsnotmyage.com/expert-style-tips/say-no-to-sequins-find-other-ways-to-shine-this-holiday-season/?unapproved=180263&moderation-hash=a1c943c3e5cf23d6577395a0c94031c3#comment-180263
It's so good to read your writing on this subject, Tiffanie. In the past, at Christmas gatherings, I've been gleefully handed garish plasticy Christmas jumpers and expected to 'get in the spirit' and laugh about it. All I can see is more crap destined for the landfill, and even though it wasn't my choice, I feel like a part of it. It's so so sad, and I see no likelihood of it slowing down. I really do support your writing on this subject, and would love to talk to you about it further. Tom (hopefully you'll remember me as podcast producer.)
Hi Tom! Good to hear from you. Let's do a podcast on it
Yep, would love to! Let's chat further via DM :)
So for 2024 I crushed my “no new clothes year” ( ok technically I still have 15 days to go) and rocked my holiday party in a 50 year old coat, (legacy gift from my favorite auntie), a 10 year old jumpsuit and 2 year old shoes. No sequins. I actually feel changed and cleansed from the year long experience. Not planning on buying much in 2025 either ;) love this content.
So good. Once you know, you know...
I wouldn't mind using biodegradable sequins on one of my handmade or a remade secondhand shirt... but they are impossible to source for the non-professional sewist.
I've also considered reusing plastic sequins from a secondhand garment but that seems to defeat the purpose of not wearing plastic.
For now, I'm sticking to glittery glass seed and bugle beads with silk thread.
Are they 100% glass? That is a great option
Yes. Japanese made ….
THANK YOU for writing this!!
I have two sequin dresses, both were bought secondhand, and one of them is 1980s vintage. The sequences are actually sewn onto a stretch cotton base. 💕 excellent article. There is absolutely no reason to buy new party wear when there are so many secondhand shops where you can buy it.
Have been waiting for you to write about this.
I know too many brand owners who happily tells their followers/custyomers sequins are in this Christmas and then proceed to encourage everyone to buy sequin stock. It's sickening, and I am so glad you keep beating the drum!
I just don't think people realise it's plastic and the brands are so naughty because obviously they don't broadcast it
We need legislation to change our thinking and behavior. Really big changes, like no smoking in public places, can only come through legislation 😶🌫️
I am getting increasingly enraged by the fashion journalism
It’s spelled “slew” not “slue”.
You're right! Thank you