The Resurgence of Made-to-Order Fashion in a Fast Fashion World

Before the mid-20th century, made-to-order was the primary practice. Beautiful garments were commissioned allowing consumers to have a wardrobe that was tailored specifically for them. It truly was a dream world where every piece of clothing was a work of art, handcrafted with precision and passion, tailored to your unique desires. Over time, the made to order approach in the fashion industry has seen a significant decline in the realm of women's clothing, particularly with the advent of fast fashion. However, menswear, and specifically the world of tailored suits, has remained steadfast in made to order craftsmanship. Even amidst the fast fashion boom, menswear tailors have held onto their traditional methods, valuing the importance of a well-fitted suit made to individual measurements. Although the fashion industry has shifted from this primary form of production to adjust to consumer demands, the comeback of made to order  is spearheading a resurgence of bespoke fashion into the mainstream. This revival not only celebrates individuality but also champions sustainable practices, offering a glimmer of hope for the fashion future. It is beautiful to think about the possibility of fewer overflowing warehouses and excessive waste. 

In today's consumer-driven world fast fashion has left a mark on our shopping habits. We're irresistibly drawn to the racks of affordable clothing, left to wonder how these enticing pieces can be offered at such budget-friendly prices. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly glamorous world of fast fashion, a dark and pressing concern looms large—the profound impact it inflicts on our environment.

Mass production, the hallmark of fast fashion, exacts a staggering cost on our planet, especially regarding water. Consider this: It takes 10,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of cotton or approximately 3,000 liters of water for one cotton shirt. This water, tainted with toxic dyes and chemicals, is carelessly disposed of into our natural bodies of water, including our oceans, perpetuating environmental degradation.But water isn't the only casualty. Fast fashion's relentless pursuit of trend-driven garments often results in the mass production of hundreds of clothing items in various sizes and colors that ultimately go unsold. This unsustainable practice exacerbates the problem of textile waste. Many of these unsold garments end up as discarded, unwanted, and unnecessary additions to landfills. Discarded clothing often finds itself in landfills, with a shocking 57% of garments meeting this dismal fate, eventually leading to incineration. This process spells environmental disaster and poses public health hazards for nearby communities due to the release of toxic substances and noxious gasses during incineration.

Made to order, is not a faster model, but a more sustainable one. Unlike mass-produced clothing, which is pre-made and readily available, made to order items are crafted specifically for each customer. This bespoke process involves careful measurements, fabric selection, and skilled artisanal work. This makes the production timeline longer, as each piece is meticulously and thoughtfully created. While the wait might be a bit longer, the result is a garment that not only fits like a dream but also aligns with the values of conscious consumerism, making it well worth the anticipation.

Additionally, made to order fashion may indeed come with a slightly higher price tag, but it's important to recognize the reasons behind this cost difference. When you invest in made to order clothing, you're not just purchasing a piece of fabric; you're acquiring a meticulously crafted garment. This method prioritizes quality over quantity and ensures that every item is created with attention to detail and craftsmanship. In stark contrast, fast fashion relies on low-cost production and often exploits cheap labor, resulting in garments that may seem affordable but come at a high cost to both the environment and workers' well-being. So, while made to order fashion may require a bit more from your wallet, it's a conscious choice that supports ethical practices and delivers a high-quality, unique piece that stands the test of time.

The brand Fanm Mon embodies the change to made to order. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for them; it's their way of life. Their made to order model puts you at the heart of their designs, ensuring every piece is tailored just for you. Recycling and repurposing materials breathe new life into unused fabrics, and they're all about sharing the love by passing on excess fabric to like-minded producers. With Fanm Mon, fashion isn't just about looking fabulous; it's about feeling good about your choices and contributing to a more conscious and eco-friendly future. Here, couture and thoughtfulness go hand in hand. Through their made to order model, Fanm Mon brings back the exclusivity of tailored clothing, creating unique and truly personal pieces. They're on a mission to make fashion truly yours.

Corazon Playero's made to order approach is a true embodiment of fashion with a purpose. Established by Isabel Andrade in the sun-kissed haven of Cabo San Lucas in 2018, this brand has ingeniously turned palm beach hats into wearable art that celebrates individuality and empowerment. In a significant stride forward in 2020, Corazon Playero formed an all-female artisan team, fusing artistry and empowerment into every meticulously handcrafted hat, each symbolizing hope, and progress. These hats are a labor of love, requiring 8 hours of dedicated craftsmanship where palm fibers are woven into functional elegance and adorned with unique designs. The result? Timeless pieces of wearable art that not only look incredible but also stand as symbols of conscious creation. When you place an order with Corazon Playero, it's important to note that it takes 4-6 weeks for your hat to arrive. This waiting period is a testament to the time, care, and love poured into each piece, a reminder that great art takes time to craft and deliver.

Hess's made to order approach is a harmonious blend of curated aesthetics and sustainability. Founded by Francieli Hess, who transitioned from a career as a fashion editor and business consultant in Brazil to India in 2019, the brand reflects her commitment to ethical fashion. Hess is a testament to slow fashion, weaving sustainability into every step, from responsible sourcing to the final product. With a keen emphasis on design and impeccable fit, Hess's collections are a celebration of feminine power. The brand's unique appeal lies in its collaborative ethos, working hand-in-hand with small family-run businesses and local organizations that empower craft communities in India, ensuring that each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and conscious creation

HerStory is not just a marketplace; it's a movement. Our mission is to champion the artisans, designers, and brands who prioritize craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality. What sets us apart from traditional marketplaces is our unwavering commitment to curating a collection of brands that prioritize craftsmanship and conscious consumption. In a world where mass production and fast fashion often lead to waste and uniformity, we believe in offering something different. Made-to-order brands align perfectly with our values, as they focus on creating unique, tailor-made pieces that celebrate personal style and minimize environmental impact. By partnering with these brands, we empower consumers to embrace conscious consumption, invest in high-quality, long-lasting pieces, and support artisans who pour their passion into every creation. HerStory is not just about fashion; it's about storytelling through clothing, and we're here to pave the way for a more sustainable, individualized, and meaningful fashion experience.