How Can You Support Emerging Designers Without Shopping Fast Fashion?

Now that sustainability and ethical consumption are no longer just buzzwords or fads, supporting emergent designers has become one of the better ways we can support the fashion industry. Of course, then there is the fast-fashion explosion we can’t ignore. It’s far too tempting to be lured by inexpensive and "trendy" clothing with little thought given towards quality or sustainability, much less ethics.

But don't worry, if you love clothes and want to steer clear of fast fashion, there are several options available for those keen to show support without sacrificing principles.

Here’s how you can be a part of this positive change, as we explore how to support emerging designers – without shopping fast fashion.

1. Micro Financing Small Loans

One of the most high-impact ways to assist emerging designers is by micro financing small loans directly to them. There are millions of great designers who may be the next big thing in creativity and imagination but don’t have the financial freedom to bring their ideas to life. That’s where you can step in. Micro financing (or micro loans) allows emerging designers around the world to invest in high-quality materials, tools, and skilled labour — all crucial elements in establishing a successful (and sustainable) brand. When they’ve made those funds back in profit, your loan will be returned – to spend on clothing or a microloan for another designer!

The beauty of microfinancing is that you don’t have to shell out thousands. Rather, small contributions from a community of supporters can quickly add up over time, providing enough funding for a designer to take their first steps or scale up their operations. You’re not just funding a project, but inspiring designers with demand for ethical + sustainable fashion.

Connections Between Borders

Microfinancing also creates a more personal connection between you and the designer, even if you’re in different countries. You’re not just a consumer, but someone with a vested interest in their success. As a result, you may end up with a deeper level of appreciation for their clothing, because in some way or form – you contributed to their journey 

2. Fashion Shows & Pop-Up Events

Attending fashion shows, pop-up events and even your local markets where emerging designers display collections is a great way to show some love. These events are important for designers trying to make a name for themselves and seeking platforms to display their work to a broader audience. Beyond possibly buying a few new pieces for your wardrobe, simply attending helps new designers add another notch to the brand-building belt of exposure.

Fashion shows and pop-ups are also a great opportunity for you to meet these designers in person, understand their creative process better, and discover what keeps them going run after run. Ultimately, it creates a unique relationship between you and the items you purchase, as they carry the story and passion of the designer. Not to mention, you’re supporting the designer directly by purchasing at these events, paying them a fair price for their work without all those retail sales markups.

Nourishing A Sense Of Community

Supporting these events helps to strengthen a community of sustainable and ethical fashion-conscious individuals in the local area. It's a chance to network, share ideas and collaborate on future projects. You’ll be contributing to a healthier, more vibrant fashion community that dedicates itself to quality and ethical practices over mass production.

3. Promote Their Work On Social Media

Social media has been such a powerful resource for supporting new designers in this digital age. Even if you can’t afford to buy a particular emerging designer’s products, the next best thing you can do is promote their work. Share their designs, write good reviews and mention them in your posts so they reach a larger audience. Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok are particularly effective for showcasing fashion as they allow designers to visually present their collections and engage directly with potential customers.

By promoting on social media, you’re helping them build their brand and reach people who might not have discovered them otherwise. For new designers, this type of support is priceless as it can bring more sales, press attention or collaborations with bigger brands. Furthermore, your endorsement carries weight, encouraging others to take a chance on a new designer.

Never Too Small To Start

You can have a major impact even without an enormous following. Small accounts can still make a difference, particularly if they band together with other supporters. Promote in a way that feels authentic — touch on why you love the work of a specific designer and how it aligns with your values. This sincerity and authenticity will resonate with your followers and inspire them to support them too, whether that’s driving traffic to their site or shopping for one of their products.

4. Purchase Made-to-Order Or Custom Pieces

Fast fashion is based on large-scale manufacturing, whereas many of today's emerging designers focus on creating custom and made-to-order clothing. Purchasing custom pieces promises a unique, high-quality product that also supports a more sustainable model of fashion. 

Made-to-order garments are only produced when there is demand, hence reducing waste and making sure designer resources are used wisely. Plus, how good would it feel knowing that your outfit is one of a kind and made exactly how you want it? The process often includes consultations, a variety of fittings, or discussions about materials and colours. This means that you’re more involved, creating a deeper connection to your clothing. 

Quality Over Quantity

When you opt for made-to-order or custom pieces, you are supporting an industry that focuses on quality and not quantity. At the same time, you’re building recognition for designers and ensuring them a loyal customer base that values the handmade aspect of each piece. These are powerful statements in the era of fast fashion.

5. Advocate For Change 

Finally, supporting emerging talent means not only making the right purchases but also being an advocate for systemic change. After all, you are the consumer and you have the power to influence how fashion is produced and marketed. 

You can start by speaking out about the negative aspects of fast fashion — environmental harm, labour issues and poor working conditions to name a few. Share your thoughts and findings with friends and family members, and on your social media pages.

Additionally, consider supporting policies and initiatives that promote ethical practices in fashion. Start petitions, support legislation for sustainability and get involved with existing initiatives to push the industry in a better direction. Your support will help make fashion more transparent and fair for all aspiring designers – as well as the broader industry.

The Customer Is Always Right

Calling for change also means supporting brands and designers committed to ethical practices. By choosing to support these businesses, you’re investing in high-quality, sustainable pieces but also encouraging the people around you to do the same. No step is too small, and every little bit you do counts. So, don’t underestimate your power as a consumer. 

 

By embracing these strategies, you’re not just making a choice to avoid fast fashion — you’re actively shaping the future of the fashion industry. Even if what you do might seem small, it’s still part of a bigger push for the industry to change in a more conscious and sustainable direction. 

So, make informed choices and support those who are committed to positive change. Let’s work together to make the fashion industry a space that is dedicated to rewarding ethical practices, sustainability and creativity. That way, you can still dress like Coco Chanel and your other favourite style icons in a way that protects the environment and the people involved in creating your killer outfits.