De-Fashion: Embracing Quality, Culture, and Earth-Centric Style

Defashion is more than recycling... it is about thinking about source and end-of life for textiles.

Anyone who knows me knows... I love clothes. I love shoes- truly.

But I’ve been asking myself lately: do I love fashion?

I always thought I did. The colours, the creativity, the way clothes can express personality. Yet, on reflection, what I really cherish is quality, good design, and connection to place-especially through local materials.

The fashion industry as it stands often feels disconnected from these values. Too often, it promotes cheap, fast, and exploitative production methods that harm people and the planet alike. This dissonance has led me to consider the concept of “de-fashion.”

“De-fashion” is a powerful idea that challenges us to step away from the harmful cycles of mainstream fashion. Instead, it calls us to embrace a style rooted in respect for our earth, our cultures, and ourselves. It’s about elevating Indigenous and local values into how we create, wear, and live with clothes- celebrating craftsmanship and meaningful connection rather than consumption. It is more than recycling, it is thinking about 'source, life-cycle and end-of life'.

This grosses me out!

Did you know that global textile waste reaches around 92 million tonnes every year.

This massive volume highlights the urgent need to rethink how we produce, consume, and dispose of clothing to reduce environmental harm. So, each calendar New year- I start off with a resolution- don't buy any new clothes (or shoes- I did have 120+ pairs at one stage- pre-kids), and see what happens... but a month in (around my birthday or clothing sales) I usually say to myself oh that'd be nice - next minute I fail and say- ok,next year! But, with our mahi at Rautāpatu I have had the privilege of seeing what our consumption patterns are doing to people and our planet. I am inspired by so many individuals and groups taking action on keeping products in use as long as possible- up-cycling and repairing, thinking about source, and waste and looking at how we used to create beautiful crafts from NZ wool and natural fibres. Now, you won't catch me knitting- but I totally appreciate it!

More recently, I was inspired by a recent article on Resilience.org titled 'Why I've given up on fashion and why we need to build a new earth-centric culture' The author shares heartfelt reflections on abandoning conventional fashion to foster a culture that honours ecological and cultural wisdom. It’s a read I highly recommend if you’re curious about how our clothing choices intersect with deeper values and our responsibility to the world we live in.

So, let’s start a conversation about how we can reimagine fashion—with intention, respect, and care. I invite you to explore this idea with your friends and whanau.

Together, we can elevate a new way of dressing that honours the earth and the talents of artists and craftspeople in our communities keeping local traditions alive. Food for thought on hump-day! BK