The slow fashion topic has been around with us now for a couple of years. Every brand is aware of it. Every brand knows its for the better of our future. But many choose to ignore it.
In general, slow fashion focuses on the problem of overconsumption as well as overproduction. It values high-quality designs which take a careful process of creating timeless garments.
Many of us would describe high end brands as slow fashion followers, and that is somewhat true. Luxury brands do not overproduce as highly as fast fashion does. However, due to the increase of runway looks each season for fashion weeks and the need for commercial lines, it slowly becoming an overwhelming overproduction of garments.
To call a collection a collection you need minimum of 12 looks. In 2023, fashion designers create a lineup ranging from 35 to 62 looks. There are exceptions which go way beyond the 62 mark and believe that the sky has no limits.
Before COVID, nothing seemed to stop this cycle of overproduction until a global pandemic hit causing us to all sit back and stop. We all had to adjust to the new normal of isolation and not working as intensely. Majority of fashion brands decided to not produce collection every fashion week, instead they were presented online not a physical shows, which come together with carbon print. Fashion houses decided have their own schedule of when the collection is ready. Many released a collection once or twice which compared to now, fashion houses can release four prêt-à-porter collection (including women’s&men’s), resort collections, and two haute couture.
COVID made fashion step back and rethink how they may want to consume and produce fashion. Right after COVID it seems we all went back to our old ways. Nothing seemed to change. Only smaller creatives seem to wrap their heads around this idea of slow fashion.
Yes, it’s fun to see many various looks on the runway.
Nevertheless, as I see it quality speaks louder than quantity.
Lagos Space Programme founded by Adeju Thompson is known as the latest International Woolmark Prize Winner. During Menswear Fashion Week S/S 2024, Lagos Space Programme had a presentation of the collection “Cloth As A Queer Archive.”
The label puts emphasises on craftsmanship and slow fashion that pushes for ethical, sustainable practices within garment production.
For further information on the label and the collection, on instagram we’ve spoken one on one with Adeju Thompson and asked him questions.
Photo credits to the Lagos Space Programme Team
