Faith, Fast Fashion and Freedom

All in all, fashion can be used as a tool for good. Jesus Himself is and will always be the most powerful example of everything—including fashion. Why? Because His style is timeless.

The digital age of London Fashion week has begun—a new tradition that has unfolded ever since the world was shaken by the unprecedented times of Covid-19. Now you can view styles parading the catwalk in every vivid colour imaginable from the comfort of your home. From spikes and faux furs to plaids and prints—it’s a fierce competition in this game called fashion.

Fashion in itself is amazingly sprinkled throughout God’s Word and can be represented as a strong symbol.

Flipping through the pages of Esther, you can see how Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in “royal robes of blue and white…and a garment of fine linen and purple (vs. 8:15).” In Isaiah it speaks about a rich red wine colour like that of the blood of Christ saying, “why is Your apparel red, and Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press?”

In Judges, it speaks about the adornment of jewellery and, “the weight of gold earrings that he requested, being 1,700 shekels of gold, along with crescent ornaments and pendants…which were on the kings of Midian (vs. 8:26).”

But fashion today can also be hugely misrepresented. Instead of being used as a tool for good, it can also be used as a form of manipulation.

There’s a buzzword going on today called “fast fashion”—but what does this mean, exactly? Basically you can get what you want, right now, and fast. Walk into any popular clothing shop that offers buzzing great deals and cheap buys and you’re instantly locked into bagging a tempting bargain fast. Brands begin competing against each other for market shares and introduce more lines per year at lower costs. And then you may end up buying something you really didn’t need in the first place that ends up in a pile somewhere else after just a few washes. And this fashion isn’t sustainable or ethically made, either. There are major consequences—with precious people labouring in sweatshops to create them.

A tragic and serious fact too, is that many people creating the fashion that’s being cheaply sold today are still being exploited. A staggering estimate of at least 10,000 victims in modern slavery exist today in the UK according to The Home Office. This statistic is a reality that we must fight to change. Modern day slavery is very real and it’s not just about having an ethical wardrobe or buying organic materials: it’s about seeking to conquer the act of modern day slavery and reducing child and slave labour around the world.

You may be asking this hard-hitting question: “how could I ever make a difference?”

Well, there are a few examples that I found helpful below through research that are great ideas to get you brainstorming and on the path towards eliminating modern day slavery. Please check it out below:

1. Be ethical. Start by adding ethical clothing to your wardrobe. I’ve written a section on my blog dedicated to sustainability, where you can get info about how to join the green movement even today, by making small steps to invest. Whether it’s investing in clean organic companies or in slow fashion, there is something you can do today to help. Check it out HERE.
2. Start with small steps. Seek brands that create their clothing authentically. Even more importantly, there are movements that seek to end modern day slavery right now. Organisations like the End It Movement (https://enditmovement.com/) lead a bold and valuable example in the fight for freedom. Exodus Cry (http://exoduscry.com/) is another organisation I love that fights for freedom in modern day slavery. They’ve created a film that awakens our eyes to seek out how we can help those in desperate need, with a focus on holistic restoration and in seeking a world free from the chains of slavery.
3. Pray about it. Prayer is an essential step in this ongoing warfare. Stretch yourself further by supporting ministries that are already doing something now by upholding them in prayer:

“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. Pray for your brothers and sisters…(vs. Ephesians 6:18).”

All in all, fashion can be used as a tool for good. Jesus Himself is and will always be the most powerful example of everything—including fashion. Why? Because His style is timeless.

“Who is this who comes from Edom, with garments of glowing colours from Bozrah, this One Who is majestic in His apparel, marching in the greatness of His strength? It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save (vs. Hebrews 2:7).”

Please think twice before reaching for that cute bargain that is super accessible. Reach out instead to spread the word by inviting others to join in the movement to end modern day slavery. With prayer and support, we are just one step closer to seeing the true change we need, and shining a light for the fight of freedom.