The one’s that last
The quintessential 'Collingwood style' - Timeless wardrobe staples, vintage denim, gender-neutral garments you can share with your partner and recycled leather goods you'll pass on to your best mate. These are the priorities of the creative, middle-class, Gen. Z. and millennial consumers that we see today on the streets of Melbourne and an evolution of style the planet needs right now.
'The ones that last', a photographic series, represents the evolution of human intent and de-gendered fashion while celebrating Collingwood and all of the miscellaneous goods you can find in its op-shops and up-cycling stores. All garments in the shoot are either sustainable brands or recycled and selected as they suit all bodies. The hero product is a pair of pants purchased in Collingwood that I have personally shared with my boyfriend for years, and plan to keep forever.
The priorities of the fashion consumer have changed post-COVID. We sat locked in our houses for far too long and subliminally educated ourselves on global issues through too much media consumption. One thing that has become increasingly hard to ignore since Thunberg skipped school in 2018 is that overconsumption, and fast fashion is destroying our planet. Like a convergent evolution of a species, Melbourne folks have begun to invest more in wardrobe staples, sustainable brands and up-cycled clothing, becoming less frivolous with their spending. This has triggered a more recognisable style of gender-neutral and oversized clothing, creating an evolution of identity. This growth helps men and women to firmly wriggle out of social and patriarchal constructs and affect a change of social norms, attitudes, and beliefs. Sure, toxic and unachievable beauty ideals will continue to exist. Still, suppose people continue to pull their boots out of the cement that's created the foundation upon which those expectations live and walk away. In that case, we can begin to taste a differing level of equality.
For decades Collingwood has set an example for the rest of our city. With feminism, gender diversity and queer rights, physically and visually represented through community, music, art and fashion. The suburb celebrates inclusivity, renowned for its vintage fashion stores, environmental patronage, music venues and galleries. Here's hoping we continue to follow in the communities footsteps.
