As I leafed through Growing Independent Fashion Brands, a book I had eagerly awaited, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the brands featured. Many of them have been a source of inspiration since I began my own fashion journey. Watching these brands grow, often from humble beginnings to established entities, has given me both comfort and guidance. This book encapsulates that experience, offering reflections on fashion’s changing landscape that resonate with my own values.
One line I underlined early on stood out: "We produce everything...with people that we know, and with full respect for the work ethic." This really struck a chord with me. In a world where fast fashion dominates, the idea of working with people you trust, knowing their stories, and respecting their craft is something I deeply relate to. For me, it goes beyond a transactional relationship — it's about creating something meaningful and ethical. The familiar relationships with the makers of my clothes are what make this process so intimate and fulfilling.
Another quote that had me pause was about mental health, something that’s not discussed enough in the fashion industry. "We talk a lot about green materials, recycling and so on, but not much about how sustainable our work ethic is for ourselves." As an entrepreneur, especially a woman, this really resonated with me. We’re constantly talking about sustainability, but how often do we ask if our work habits are sustainable for us? This book reminded me to not only think about what materials I'm using but also how I can sustain myself through this journey. It's a balancing act between running a business and ensuring I don’t burn out.
One of the more refreshing concepts from the book was the idea of creating editions instead of seasonal collections. This approach challenges the conventional fashion calendar, where there’s always a rush to meet the next season’s demands. Moving at a slower pace allows me to focus more on the craftsmanship, the story behind each piece, and a more thoughtful relationship with the customer. It brings up an important question: why do we want to be an independent brand to begin with? For me, it's about taking control of the pace, the vision, and the values. There’s a freedom in choosing not to rush, to build slowly and deliberately.
Building slowly is intertwined with the broader issue of how fashion itself operates. One of the key points in the book is understanding scale and setting realistic goals. The author’s reflections on this subject hit home: "...taking a slower, calculated approach" isn’t just wise—it’s necessary. I’ve often found myself caught up in the fast-paced, results-driven world of fashion, where scaling quickly seems to be the goal. But this book reassured me that it’s okay to grow at my own pace. Scaling slowly allows room for creativity and for maintaining the close-knit relationships I value so much.
This deliberate pace also connects with the larger conversation about the future of fashion. "...to show that even in fashion (a bloated industry so superficial and greedy) there exist incredible people who are collectively practising future-thinking." In a world where fashion is often synonymous with excess, this future-thinking approach gives me hope. The idea that fashion can still be creative, thoughtful, and responsible feels like a call to action for all of us who want to break away from the traditional mold. The pressure to scale rapidly and the overwhelming excess in mainstream fashion can often feel like the antithesis of the independent path. But this book reaffirmed that there’s space for those of us who choose to take our time and prioritize substance over speed, quality over quantity.
It’s comforting to know that by growing slowly, we can still contribute to a more just and diverse vision for fashion, one that honors both the craft and the people behind it. This slow, future-thinking approach makes me proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining what fashion can and should be.
If you’re interested in learning more about Growing Independent Fashion Brands, you can check it out on their website here. It’s a beautifully curated reflection of the possibilities within independent fashion and the people who are reshaping the industry.
Thank you for being part of this story — together, we’re weaving something meaningful.
