ISSUE 001: SEPT 2017
Now You
SECONDHAND FASHION
Know
< HEART-CENTERED FASHION > HEALING OURSELVES & THE WORLD THROUGH SECONDHANDÂ CLOTHING
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Message from the Editor
The fast fashion industry is among the top causes of climate change. Yet, this fact is often overlooked. From cultivation to the manufacturing process of fibers, the apparel industry uses more than 14,000 dyes and chemicals fueled by nonrenewable energy. The impacts are detrimental to our ecosystem and damages the health of our land, people, and planet. Upon my studies on the ecological impacts of fashion and learning about the results of my past actions, I was horrified and knew that I needed to share this message. To walk-the-talk, I started dressing fashionably with clothing bought from secondhand and thrift stores. This prepared me for engaging others in having a honest discussion on impacts of our fashion choices. While the typical approach is to buy Fairtrade & Organic products, I want to expand the mindset towards upcycling secondhand clothing with style by showcasing that it is a more fashionable, economic, and sustainable solution that everyone can be a part of. #heartcenteredfashion
Jennifer Kumer editor-in-chief & model
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I am not a model or a fashion designer. I am just someone who enjoys the practice of creative self expression with fashion being a medium. It's fun, liberating, and has connected me with some wonderful, like-minded people. Fashion is a shared & instant language we all “wear” to present our identity whether we know it or not.
Felt Rounded Hat $10 | Yard Sale Funky Orange Striped Jeans $7 | Yard Sale Brown Tasseled Vest $2 | The Bargain Box Necklace | Radiant Bliss Designs
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White Pleaded Dress $4 | Atomic Nebula
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Straw Hat $6 | PJ's Czech Shop Vegan Leather Sandal $54 | Bourgeois Boheme
Always-evolving, we have the opportunity to have fun with fashion and switch it up at a moment’s notice. Not to mention, it’s a great conversation starter! We’ve all experienced how a simple compliment from others can have a powerful impact on our day. It’s in our nature to express and connect with others. Buying second-hand clothing is a passion of mine for numerous reasons, it’s unique, satisfying, affordable, and responsible.
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The Truth Shopping “responsibly” was not in my awareness until a course in university called “Global Solutions” revealed what was behind the curtains of the fashion industry. Our glamorous and seemingly innocent clothing is in fact one of the greatest causes of pollution next to oil. Our desires for new wardrobes create the demand for what we call “fast fashion” today, the fast food equivalent for clothing. The business model is based on exploiting underage sweatshop workers, slaughtering innocent animals, and raping the planet of its natural resources. If we continue with our current system built based on consumer demand, then we are putting fashion for the future generations at risk. 8
Toxic is not fashionable, and I refuse to embrace gas masks as the latest fashion accessory. What will come next? Air purifying helmets and full-body filters? How many “latest fashion trends” will it take for us to realize that we are refusing to take responsibility for what we’ve caused? What would be left in stores when we live in a world without clean air, food, water, and where basic human needs become a luxury? Fashion will no longer be creative if it's function becomes a necessity.
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Vintage Felt Hat $12 | Two Sisters Brown Velvet Vest $6 | Artifact Long Green Skirt $7 | Artifact Vintage Suitcase 3-Piece $20 | PJ's Czech Shop
Embroidered Sleeveless Top | Hand-me-down Earring $2 | The Bargain Box Bracelet $20 | Atomic Nebula Moroccan Skirt $20 | Tienda Ho Necklace | Rich Designs
Use fashion as a statement of love for the planet.
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While these questions might seem unrelated to your life and somewhat cynical, the reality is here and now. Take a look at the news! Earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, species extinctions...these topics of disasters are dominating our small talk.
Sun-Patterned Dress $24 I The White Rabbit Decorative Spring Cardigan $5 | Atomic Nebula Vintage Hat $1.50 | The Bargain Box Necklace, Earring | Radiant Bliss Designs
There are no signs of us slowing down with consumptions. At this rate, it won't be long until we deplete all of our natural resources. Humanity's priority will then become fighting for our species's survival. Leaving no room for practices of  "creative selfexpression" like fashion!
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Checkered Plaid Skirt $3 | Goodwill V-Neck Beige Shirt | Hand-me-down Blue Silk Sash | Hand-me-down Necklace | Radiant Bliss Designs
In less than 20 years, the volume of clothing Americans toss each year has doubled from 7 to 14 million tons (around 80 pounds per person).
Only 15% of consumer used clothing is recycled.
Around 10% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global carbon emissions result from the apparel & textile industry. According to: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Silk Floral Top $8 | CURE Thrift Shop Grey Jeans $6 | The Bargain Box Grey Canvas Shoes $4 | Goodwill Blue Denim Vest | Hand-me-down Earring, Necklace, Bracelet | Radiant Bliss Designs
This planet is definitely When will we realize the direct cause and effect between our everyday choices and the world we live in? It takes the
worth it, and
collective to make a shift. Even something as small as choosing what clothes we buy can get us closer to manifesting a world where we can all live peacefully, responsibly, and fashionably.
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so is fashion.
Black Satin Gown $12 | The Bargain Box Velvet Green Gold Heels $4 | Goodwill Bracelet | Radiant Bliss Designs
I am proud to be a fashionista and an environmental activist. Fashion is my voice and my wardrobe is my story. What story are you telling?
Green Silk Dress $15Â | CURE Thrift Shop Heeled Sandals $6 | Goodwill Earring | Radiant Bliss Designs.
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"Fashion is about authentic self expression and challenging the status quo."
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Green Silk Dress $15 | New York Thrift Store Union Sq. Heeled Sandals $6 | Goodwill Earring | Radiant Bliss Designs.
Bohemian Blouse $3.50 | The Bargain Box
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Bracelet, Necklace, Earring | Radiant Bliss Designs Red Silk Skirt $6 | Yard Sale
Embroidered Wedding Dress $6 | Goodwill Earring, Bracelet | Rich Designs
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End Note: Fashion is a personal statement about where we stand. It should come from a place of love for ourselves and the planet. Buying secondhand is not enough to reverse climate change but it is voting for less production and waste. I hope this lookbook can serve as an inspiration for people to align their daily choices with values they wish to stand for. What do you dress for?
#Be-YOU-tiful Jennifer Kumer editor-in-chief & model
Dress For
Change
SPECIAL THANKS Project Mentor: Stuart Tanner Photographer: Kate Gubareva Camera Assistant: Paul J Morehead Hair Stylist: Zivit Barzilay Editorial Assistant: Jacqueline Kumer Jewlery Sponsor: "Rich Designs" - Libett Rich "Radiant Bliss Designs" - Jenny Sammons Location: Fairfield Iowa USA Maharishi University of Management
FOR MORE INFO ON "The Ecological Impacts of Fashion" PLEASE VISIT > tinyurl.com/heartcenteredfashion