The UK’s relationship with fast fashion is slowly shifting. An estimated £140 million worth of used clothes end up in landfill each year – that’s 350,000 tons of clothes. When dresses are being sold for as little as 8p on major online websites, shoppers are beginning to ask the question: how ethical is my relationship with clothing?
Mia Brodie studied Fashion PR and Marketing at the London College of Fashion and spent 15 years working in the industry. She has also worked as a PR and Communications Manager for some of the biggest and best brands in the world. Mia’s mother passed her love of style and clothes onto her daughter, but it wasn’t until recently that Mia began to question her relationship with fashion.
Mia told us: “I have massive concerns about fast fashion. It saddens me to admit that I used to be one of the worst offenders. I was constantly buying new, new, new, all the time. I would barely be seen in the same outfit twice. I had little, well actually no understanding, of the impact my purchase habits were having on the environment and on the garment industry workers.”
Like many of us, Mia thought nothing of buying an outfit and then hardly wearing it again. Mia said, “I started educating myself and learnt that fashion is the world’s biggest polluter, so my consumerism had to change quickly.” She researched companies such as Good On You who offer brand rating on ethical and sustainable fashion.
She added: “I started being a much more conscious consumer and only buying what I needed (rather than thought I wanted). This didn’t change my love or want to be fashionable. I just changed how I went about it.”
In November 2019, Mia combined her love of fashion, her understanding of how fashion can be enjoyed ethically and her desire to spend more time at home. It was at this point Spin Preloved was born. She decided to begin a business that moved away from the throwaway society we are all used to, and towards becoming more sustainable. Mia chose the name Spin as “the focus is on circular fashion and sustainability, hence the tag line Spin Preloved: It’s Fashion In A Spin!” Shopping for preloved clothing means we can still get the buzz of purchasing an outfit but without the guilt that comes from fast fashion.
Spin Preloved is based around offering amazing quality items at incredible prices all while reducing waste. Mia said that “there is often a stigma around ‘second-hand clothing’ and I understand that, but well sourced good quality items are often like new and are a fraction of the RRP, so what is not to love? Preloved fashion is more than just a bargain, you will get something a little different, something wonderfully unique.”
Mia’s most coveted items so far have been an Alexander McQueen black leather biker jacket with pelmet and a pair of stunning Tabitha Simmons black suede, studded ankle boots. “There are divine,” exclaimed Mia, highlighting just how haute couture preloved clothing can be – but with the bonus of affordable price tags attached.
Spin Preloved pride themselves on getting to know their customers well. They have a personal service where they “get to know what their clients love to wear and what suits them, almost like a personal shopper,” explained Mia.
Spin offers quality clothing that is in exceptionally good condition: high street, designer and vintage fashion. They offer everything from coats, dresses, tops, handbags, to boots and trainers. There really is something for everyone in all sizes and budgets.
Mia hand picks all of the items and told us “the vibe is very much my style, something I would wear myself. I hope it conveys my love of fashion and great style!”
Spin also sells items on behalf of their customers too which is a great way to get some cash back from items that are gathering dust in your wardrobe.
Their main platform is Instagram @spin.preloved where they post all available items.
Spin also has an ‘at home-boutique’ in Horley in Surrey where customers can book to have a private browse of the rails, ample time to try on clothes and, should it be required, styling advice too. You can find more details at: www.spinprelovedfashion.com
If you don’t want to give up your love of fashion but feel guilty about fast fashion, why not drop by virtually or in person and check out some of the vintage, high fashion or top high street brands.
Look good in 2021 and feel even better for your ethical purchases.
