©IWM (D 14826)
Lent hasn’t fallen on Valentine’s Day since 1945. Today shiny heart shaped gifts and ash crosses collide, as I start my Six Items Challenge.
I pledged to only wear six items of clothing for the next six weeks in support of Labour Behind the Label, a not-for-profit workers’ cooperative that supports garment workers around the world. Somewhat ironic me thinks, as in 1945 Britain was facing clothes rationing to reduce consumption and save raw materials for the war effort.
Although dubbed a fashion fast to fight fast fashion, this is no war. I am not about boycotting brands, but I do want to buy less and buy better.
Here’s some tips I’m taking from the Imperial War Museum archive to see me through the fashion ration.
© IWM (Art.IWM PST 8564)
Plan Ahead. Sadly I’m past the age of growth spurts (which just shy of 5 ft 7 kills me) but I do need to plan ahead, and allow for spilling something down the front of my white Frederica dress from Reformation – one of my six items.
©IWM (Art.IWM PST 8293)
Which can you do without? The challenge may have started, but I’m not 100% certain about all of my six pieces. I have a few days yet to choose my 6th item, so will it be the emerald green 50s dress I just got in Brussels from Gabriele Vintage or my Gap check waterproof raincoat that doubles as a dress?
I’ll keep you posted.
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©Photographs Reclaimed Woman & courtesy of Imperial War Museum