Garment Narratives
Enclothed Appreciation — the items we wear and should hold dear.
Where do our wardrobes come from? Where do the garments we select truly begin their lives? What does that say about the choices we make? What does this entire industry culminate in through our consumption, the values we represent, the environments we alter and the history that we wear everyday! Ok, woah, maybe too many heavy hitting questions at once. But really, what we know and understand about the true roots of our garments has incredible and lasting effects on the future of fashion.
Emily Cooper Photographed by Taylor Bennett for TFB Magazine
When we take the time to get to know more about the historical timeline of our garments, the material compositions, the making origins and even the many cultures and hands that have touched our garments, only then can we grow a deeper appreciation for them. In an era where conscious consumerism is gaining much needed prominence, understanding the origins and history of our garments has become a pivotal catalyst of responsible fashion. Beyond aesthetics, delving into the background of what we wear holds significant importance. Each piece carries a narrative – from the raw materials used to the skilled hands that crafted it. This connection is what transforms clothing from mere commodities into tangible artefacts, sparking a sense of appreciation for the artistry and labour invested in every garment.
Yophi Ignacia (Left) and Alyxandra Westwood (Right) Pictured at Fashion for Good — Photographed by Elzo Bonam (@elzo.arsenio)
Fashion for Good, a sustainable fashion museum and innovation platform in the heart of Amsterdam has recently explored this concept with their exhibition ‘Knowing Cotton Otherwise’ which aimed to collect the unknown and untold stories behind cotton's global history. One of its curators and educators Alyxandra Westwood agrees with this sentiment of our garments holding stories, stating
“A garment is always a carrier of multiple layers of information and can often be seen as a mode of communication in which no words are needed. A single piece of clothing even has the power to communicate also even hidden messages, signing who we are and what we stand for. It is important to be aware of these qualities of clothes going back centuries, as it helps us to also form personal relationships with these items in order to become more aware of our clothing choices and the impact we have on the world.”
Her perspective emphasises an importance on knowing and holding appreciation for the histories of our garments as well as knowing our own individual values and utilising these as a tool to inform our consumption choices — these choices have real world implications and impact.
Alyxandra Westwood Museum curator at Fashion for Good — Photographed by Elzo Bonam (@elzo.arsenio)
But how does this all affect the future of fashion? Well fashion is in a constant state of flux; what consumers choose to make important, the industry will react to. Tech is more efficiently implemented than ever, yet the global supply chain system still rules with hyper fast fashion being more popular than ever so how we appreciate the past and our garments life cycles will redefine what sustainability means in the future. We can create true, lasting changes with how the industry operates in reaction to consumer needs – an educated buyer (that's you) is one who is ready to put their money where their mind is.
The desire to know the origins and history of our garments is not just a trend but a conscious choice towards a more responsible and mindful approach to fashion. It transcends fickle trends, becoming a transformative journey that empowers consumers to shape a future where fashion is not just about what we wear but also about the stories we choose to embrace.
Knowing the history of our clothing and its psychological impact on us today allows us to apply a deeper meaning to these possessions and is therefore an integral function in being able to move about the world with a true sense of self. Amsterdam based writer, editor, consultant and Fashion Psychology expert Pak Chiu follows this mentality, sharing his views around the Psychology of what we wear
“It’s common how we use objects to symbolise who we are and where we want to be. From the psychology of possessions and the extended self, we understand the human tendencies to ascribe objects, including clothes, with public and private meanings”.
So, practically speaking, how can we work towards this in our own wardrobes and future consumption? Start by understanding that each piece you possess carries a narrative – from the raw materials used to the hands that crafted it all the way back to the historical significance of its style and construction. This connection transforms clothing from mere commodities into tangible personal artefacts, sparking a sense of appreciation for the artistry and labour invested in every garment. Following this we urge you to research brands thoroughly, develop a personal connection to the brands that align with your values and that you really want to invest your money in, decode all the labels hidden meanings to best caretaker your items for longevity and engage in community discussions around the development of fashion and styles that truly interest you. This all contributes to a richer understanding and deeper personal connection to the garments you choose to wear – because what you wear truly is a choice, so make it matter.
*This piece was originally written for TFB Magazine in 2024.
