A young Gen Zer has identified a common issue that costs consumers more in the long run amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. Maddie Langshaw, 26, previously earned over $100,000 in a full-time role in social media and marketing before launching her slow fashion brand, Audrey Atelier. She believes that fast fashion is a deceptive practice, as it might feel cheap at first, but the relentless cycle of purchasing low-quality items leads to greater expenses, environmental damage, and mental clutter from owning unnecessary items. Maddie emphasizes that while fast fashion encourages constant consumption, it ultimately detracts from the true meaning of clothing, reducing it to mere waste.
Having experienced the downsides of fast fashion as a consumer, she has transformed her shopping habits, prioritizing quality over quantity. Currently, her wardrobe consists of 90 percent second-hand items, and when she does choose to buy new, she conducts thorough research to understand the product's origins. Maddie argues that fast fashion creates an illusion of abundance and disposability, leaving shoppers perpetually unfulfilled. Her observations have linked a shift in consumer habits toward more mindful spending on fashion, with many opting for meaningful purchases over mass-produced items. As consumers embrace this change, they seek high-quality pieces that tell a story, echoing a movement toward intentionality in fashion.
Wardrobe Malfunction Inspires Young Entrepreneur