Some thoughts regarding markets and the garment industry.
First, most people of the world need clothing to protect them from the elements. In our neck of the woods, full nudity or loincloths are in the category of underdressed when it gets -20F in the winter. People don't need fashion so much. The industry has not only destroyed itself in the US in it quest for fast fashion, but it has exported worst labor practices and poor quality standards to other nations as well. With this in mind, shaping consumer practices so that garment production can be sustaining industries in all nations should be the goal. This would mean that production needs to be environmentally sound, provide living wages for laborers, and products should be sold in the markets of the country they are produced and not largely for export. Skilled labor needs to be encouraged in the US. Not every aging celebrity needs to be a designer nor do we need as many designers in fashion.
In the zeal for profits and flashiness and bling, the functional aspect of garments has been lost. When we have gotten to the point that US consumers are being sold the notion that the average home must have a room sized closet for their wardrobe, we can safely say that we are well into the land of excess. I keep waiting for a backlash against excess and still hope it comes. Thus far austerity has n't affected fashion and bling so much. A little less demand for quick fashion turnover could very much contribute to the return of some quality to our clothing and reduce the demands on our resources and environment placed by the garment industry. It could also shape more realistic and safe work environments and market places for distribution of garments.
These are general observations on my part and not hugely technical analyses that are deemed to be the standard for discourse by some here. However, there is a sensibility toward clothing and fashion that needs to change in this nation. The staggering amount of money that swirls around in this industry could be put to better use by it.
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