If you have a fear of q's, you can also think of it as value over volume.

It's a phrase we regularly hear that can apply to all aspects of life, particularly in areas where we are prone to over-consume. But why should we value quality over quantity, especially when it comes to fashion?  

Fashion and its influence on society have been around for centuries. Back when Marie Antoinette demanded "let them eat cake", people were in awe of the extravagant fashion of the royals. These outfits, though, would take time to make and were often one of a kind.
 

Fast forward a few hundred years and a few societal changes later, and fashion is an even bigger spectacle on an even grander stage.

More designers, more creatives and more consumers than ever before generate more demand. This has left humanity piecing together how they can offer the constantly changing fashion trends to a large audience in the shortest time possible. 

The result? Mass production and overconsumption. 

 ABC News shed light on where our unused clothing ends up, specifically, that of a man-made mountain of clothing that exists on the water's edge of Accra in Ghana. Over 15 million pieces of clothing are sent from Australia, America, the UK and parts of Europe to the secondhand clothing exchange market in Accra. This unwanted fashion is inspected and then sold. However, if the clothes are damaged or stained, they're discarded by the water's edge and added to the 20ft high clothing mountain. In some cases, piles of clothing are burned, releasing harmful methane, creating an unbearable atmosphere. In addition, garments that don't end up in landfills make their way into the ocean during monsoon season, posing a risk to aquatic life. 

Information and imagery via ABC News

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Poorly made items produced on a mass scale deteriorate and lose shape far quicker than garments made with high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship. So while choosing to purchase a high-quality garment may initially seem like a high cost, it actually works out cheaper in the long run. Similarly, while buying that startlingly cheap blazer may seem like a bargain, its shelf life is far shorter, with a substantial environmental cost attached to it. 

Quality over quantity supports the notion that slow fashion is the best option for moving forward and for our planet. Consumers are encouraged to purchase items they see themselves wearing for years to come. This is instead of impulse buying low price items that will ultimately be thrown away once damaged. 

At Mia Fratino we encourage conscious consumption and have ensured that our production process is sustainably and ethically considered. As a result, our knits are designed to withstand the test of time and outlast the ever-changing trends of the fashion industry.