The multi-billion dollar fashion industry continues to expand in the form of media, pop culture and even politics. American fashion, in particular, is best displayed in New York’s SoHo and Beverly Hill’s Rodeo Drive. The dozens of boutiques on these high-fashion streets keep the hearts of American fashion-lovers beating. Brands such as Ralph Lauren and Levi specifically showcase the styles of the traditional American boy or girl. However, one question still exists: are these Americanized fashion labels – both high end and retailer – really American-born? The fashion citizens of the USA might unknowingly be digging a deeper unemployment whole, simply by financially supporting countries other than our own. We have all been guilty of this trend but 2013 is a new year. Let’s make outsourcing a ‘fashion don’t’ with hopes that the fashion industry will find more concern with where their products are made and who makes them.
Just days before the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony commenced in London, politicians were outraged by American designer, Ralph Lauren’s, decision to construct the ceremony uniforms in China. Ralph Lauren was not the first designer to result to clothing products made outside of the United States, however, he was certainly the first to outsource for such a crucial and worldwide event. His unconscious decision shocked US citizens everywhere including fashion designers, reporters, bloggers and especially politicians.
Senator Harry Reid stated, “I am so upset. “I think the Olympic Committee should be ashamed of themselves. I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms and put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again.” Bradley Scott, also a New York fashion designer, found the ‘Made in China’ labels “simply embarrassing.” Women’s Wear Daily’s Bridget Foley wrote, “Most offensive, this professed outrage by members of Congress ignores the fact that Ralph Lauren the man is someone who declares his patriotism regularly, without embarrassment, and puts his money where his sentiments are — not just when the Olympics roll around."
Months later, Vogue magazine’s February 2013 issue was released, celebrating New York’s survival through Hurricane Sandy and a special feature titled, “The American Way,” showcasing America’s signature fashion statement: denim. For hundreds of years, denim has remained a part of our fashion history. Vogue Fashion Editor, Alex White, assembled rich denim pieces and Western-inspired belts, hats, printed footwear and leather vests for the photo shoot. Although America’s favorite denim brand, Levi Strauss & Co., was not used for the spread, it has led the race in best promoting American denim since 1853. The brand’s jeans were manufactured in the U.S. until the 1990s when most of the production moved to Mexico and Guatemala. At that time, only 3% of Levi jeans was Made in the U.S.A. annually. Ironically, in 2011, approximately 3% of all the clothing sold in the U.S.A was made here. (American Apparel and Footwear Association) In 1960, that number was 95%.
This decreasing percentage is devastating. Dave Schiff, the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer for Made Movement says, “If Americans bought just 1% more of products made in USA, it would create 200,000 jobs.” He continues, “The bottom line is when people buy things made in America, it’s good for America.” As we are all very aware of, overseas production saves money, time and effort. But its overall effect on our country is leaving thousands of Americans jobless. Quality over quantity is still and will always be a ‘fashion do.’ So what’s the plan? Let’s stick to our guns. We are the consumers and our money is our voice.
Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu at the 2009 (left) and 2013 (right) Inaugural Balls.
Before buying, do your research. If fashion is your passion, support American fashion first. Yes, it is possible to wear high fashion brands while still thinking economically. Brands such as Jason Wu - one of Michelle Obama's favorites - Nanette Leopore, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's, The Row, Rag & Bone, the extroidinary Oscar de la Renta and J. Brand still fight to save New York City's crumbling Garment District. Jason Wu told the Huffington Post in April of 2010, "All my resources are here. It would only make sense for a designer who's very hands-on to be in the midst of where it all takes place." Wouldn't you agree? Ladies and gentlemen, trade your Levi's in for J. Brand and check out the labels listed above. Let's save our economy! It’s never too late to make a new New Year’s Resolution.
Stay tuned for more of my fashion-worthy posts,
Lauren J. Grose
Twitter: @Lauren_Grose
Instagram: @LaurenGrose
Instagram: @LaurenGrose
