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| Images from left to right: Selfi, Tashkaya, Selfi and Good Clothing |
With the endless queue of foreign retailers lining up to take over our malls, I often get caught up in it all. Brands we previously only shopped at on overseas holidays or only saw on international fashion bloggers are now finally available to us.
But before you rush down to your closest Zara, read why you should perhaps be spending your money on local designers first.
South africa has no shortage of young designers - and damn talented ones. I prefer shopping boutique labels here than I do the ones in NYC if I am completely honest. Most people assume foreign means better, when in reality, a locally designed and made piece is just as good.
Here are my reasons to buy SA fashion:
1) A simple matter of exclusivity. A retailer has hundreds, if not thousands of the same item stocked across the country. Your local designer has only made 2 per size. That means a lot less people showing up in the same outfit, having something that other's don't and helps build a stylish wardrobe that is totally unique - instead of looking like a Cotton On mannequin.
2) You're supporting local designers. Having some pride in your city or country and wearing it on your sleeve, quite literally, in the form of fashion. You don't need to be sporting a Bafana jersey to support your country - a locally made shift dress will do just fine.
3) You're boosting the economy. That shift dress is not only paying a designer, but also the CMT, pattern maker, the fabric wholesaler and more. Your money and support is creating jobs.
4) You become a trendsetter. Sometimes you'll get it wrong, but when you get it right, others will want to copy your look and shop where you shop. You begin a butterfly effect. A desirable brand is born.
5) Your clothes have a story. How boring is it to reply "oh, its new stock at Woolies", when asked where you got that fabulous knit? Wouldn't it be wonderful to describe this amazing little boutique you discovered on Bree street that day you went gallery hopping and wine tasting with your girlfriends? I've said before that clothes are my favorite souvenir and nothing beats pulling on something that lights up a memory in your mind and makes you smile.
6) Customer service is generally better. The designer is often present. You can actually get to know people face to face. When was the last time anyone at a Truworths store even gave a smile?
7) Local economy is boosted all round. Local fashion designers use local web designers, copywriters and other local artists to help them build their business. Statistically, local business gives back to charity more as well. We're all winning.
8) Our designers are so, so flipping talented. I feel like licking their store windows sometimes. We have some of the best in the world. We really do.
9) You matter and you get to vote with your wallet. Your desires and style matter a lot more to small businesses wanting your money, than it does to a large corporation. You can potentially get what you want, not what some 19 year old fashion buyer thinks you should be wearing.
10) Lastly, you are accountable for what you support, even if indirectly. Most retailers are having those clothes made in the East and many are not particularly transparent on the conditions in which the textiles and garments are made. Check out Fashion Revolution if you want to know more about this issue. When you buy locally, you can track the supply chain of the garment from its inception. We have some pretty tough labour laws in this country, and we love to moan about them - but they ensure fair practice and that no one gets taken advantage of. Yes, we do pay more because of this, but it comes with a clear conscience.
So, there you have it. Get out of the malls, and onto the streets and go find something wonderfully unique in your local boutiques. And seeing as it is raining buckets, if you don't want to go outside - you can find plenty of local designers on www.spree.co.za
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