Contemporary vs. Fast Fashion: Ethical & Environmental Impacts

Cheap clothes don’t last, so why do we keep buying them? If you’ve ever pulled a top out of the wash only to find twisted seams, pilling fabric, or a shape that barely resembles what you bought a few weeks ago, you’re not alone. Many women feel stuck in a cycle of buying inexpensive clothing that wears out quickly, only to replace it again and again. While buying high-quality clothes can feel intimidating or out of reach, it doesn’t have to be. That’s where contemporary fashion comes in. As a designer and founder working closely with every step of the production process, I’ve seen firsthand how clothing quality, production choices, and consumption habits directly impact both people and the planet. Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression but it can also be more thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between contemporary fashion and fast fashion, explore the environmental and ethical impacts of the fashion industry, and share practical tips for making more mindful choices. After reading, you’ll know: What contemporary fashion is What fast fashion is The environmental impacts of the fashion industry The benefits of contemporary fashion How to practice mindful consumption Let’s dive into the world of sustainable fashion. What is Contemporary Fashion? Contemporary fashion sits between luxury designer labels and mass-produced fast fashion. If you’ve ever wondered what contemporary fashion is, it’s best described as modern, accessible apparel that prioritizes quality, fit, and thoughtful design without the high-end price tag of designer brands. Contemporary fashion brands focus on creating well-made pieces that feel current but aren’t tied to fleeting trends. These garments are designed to be worn season after season, making them versatile staples rather than disposable items. Compared to fast fashion, contemporary fashion is: Higher quality, with better fabrics and construction More intentional in design and production More sustainable, with smaller production runs and reduced waste What is Fast Fashion? To understand the difference between contemporary and fast fashion, it’s important to define what fast fashion is. Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of inexpensive clothing designed to mimic current trends. These garments are produced quickly using low-quality materials, sold cheaply, and often intended to be worn only a handful of times. So, why is fast fashion bad? Fast fashion prioritizes speed and low cost above all else. To achieve this, brands often cut corners during material sourcing and production. The result is low-quality apparel that doesn’t hold up over time. Seams unravel, fabrics thin out, and garments lose their shape after minimal wear. Beyond quality issues, fast fashion encourages overconsumption. New collections are released constantly, pushing consumers to buy more than they need—and discard clothing just as quickly. Category Amy Page DeBlasio Fast Fashion Design Approach Intentional, timeless designs made to transcend trends Trend-driven styles designed for rapid turnover Quality & Longevity High-quality fabrics and construction built to last Low-quality materials that wear out quickly Production Speed Slow, thoughtful production focused on craftsmanship Mass production with extremely fast turnaround times Sustainability Sustainable fashion practices with reduced waste High environmental impact due to overproduction Environmental Impact Lower footprint through mindful sourcing and production Major contributor to pollution and textile waste Ethical Labor Ethical labor practices and transparent production Often linked to unfair wages and unsafe working conditions Cost Over Time Investment pieces that save money long-term Cheap upfront costs that lead to constant repurchasing Shopping Mindset Encourages mindful consumption and capsule wardrobes Encourages impulse buying and overconsumption Where It’s Made Designed with intention, Made in USA Mass-produced overseas with limited transparency The Environmental Impacts of the Fashion Industry The fast fashion environmental impact is one of the most pressing issues facing the industry today. The effects of fast fashion on the environment are far-reaching and difficult to ignore. Overconsumption of Water Clothing production requires enormous amounts of water, particularly when manufacturing synthetic fabrics and conventional cotton. Fast fashion’s high-volume production model amplifies this problem, contributing to water shortages in already vulnerable regions. Mass Pollution and Waste Cheap materials and short garment lifespans lead to massive textile waste. Millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, where synthetic fibers can take decades—or longer—to break down. Carbon Emissions from Production Fast fashion relies on energy-intensive manufacturing and global shipping. Producing garments quickly and cheaply often means factories run continuously, increasing carbon emissions and accelerating climate change. In contrast, contemporary fashion brands are increasingly focused on reducing these impacts through smaller production runs, higher-quality materials, and more responsible manufacturing practices. The Ethical Impacts of the Fashion Industry Environmental damage isn’t the only concern. Fast fashion ethical issues are deeply intertwined with how clothing is produced. Fast fashion often relies on underpaid labor, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of transparency throughout the supply chain. Workers may face long hours, minimal protections, and wages that don’t support a livable standard. Contemporary fashion brands take a more intentional approach. Many prioritize ethical labor practices, work with trusted production partners, and maintain closer oversight of how garments are made. Slower production timelines allow for better working conditions and more accountability. Why is Sustainable Fashion Important? Sustainable fashion is about more than materials—it’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of clothing. So, why is sustainable fashion important? Choosing sustainable fashion helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and support ethical labor practices. Contemporary fashion plays a key role here by emphasizing quality over quantity and encouraging consumers to invest in pieces that last. Key benefits of sustainable fashion include: Reduced environmental impact through lower waste and energy use Ethical labor practices and greater transparency Long-term value for consumers through durable, well-made garments Local production is another important factor. Producing clothing closer to home helps minimize transportation emissions and supports local economies. Learn more about why we value being Made in NYC and how it shapes our approach to sustainability. Mindful Consumption: Sustainable Practices for Consumers Mindful consumption means being intentional about what you buy, how often you buy it, and why. Before making a purchase, consider: The environmental impact of the garment The ethical practices behind its production How long the piece will realistically last in your wardrobe Practical tips for mindful consumption include: Investing in high-quality pieces from contemporary fashion brands Avoiding impulse buys driven by sales or fleeting trends Supporting local, slow fashion brands like APD At APD, sustainability and ethical fashion are rooted in small-batch production, thoughtful design, and creating garments meant to be worn and loved for years—not weeks. Building a wardrobe this way naturally leads to fewer purchases and more meaningful style choices. If you’re interested in creating long-lasting outfits, exploring a capsule wardrobe is a great place to start. Always Choose Quality Over Quantity Fast fashion may seem like a bargain upfront, but it comes with hidden costs—environmental damage, ethical concerns, and a closet full of clothes that don’t last. Choosing contemporary fashion is a way to step off the fast fashion treadmill and invest in pieces that align with your values. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you build a wardrobe filled with long-lasting staples that reflect your individuality and creativity. Supporting locally made clothing also helps strengthen ethical production practices and reduce environmental impact. If you’re ready to make the shift, explore our collection and shop locally made pieces through our Made in NYC designs. Discover our Bestsellers and invest in high-quality, contemporary fashion pieces for your ethical wardrobe.

Category	Amy Page DeBlasio	Fast Fashion
Design Approach	Intentional, timeless designs made to transcend trends	Trend-driven styles designed for rapid turnover
Quality & Longevity	High-quality fabrics and construction built to last	Low-quality materials that wear out quickly
Production Speed	Slow, thoughtful production focused on craftsmanship	Mass production with extremely fast turnaround times
Sustainability	Sustainable fashion practices with reduced waste	High environmental impact due to overproduction
Environmental Impact	Lower footprint through mindful sourcing and production	Major contributor to pollution and textile waste
Ethical Labor	Ethical labor practices and transparent production	Often linked to unfair wages and unsafe working conditions
Cost Over Time	Investment pieces that save money long-term	Cheap upfront costs that lead to constant repurchasing
Shopping Mindset	Encourages mindful consumption and capsule wardrobes	Encourages impulse buying and overconsumption
Where It’s Made	Designed with intention, Made in USA	Mass-produced overseas with limited transparency