My shopping cart empty. My mind free from endless wish lists. My body wrapped in clothes I already own.
A new shopping addiction replacing an old - the addiction to anti-consume.
In the few weeks since I decided to embark on a nothing-new endeavour, my mind has been tingling at the thought of space - but what space looks like, I have no idea.
Mercilessly shoving coat hangers draped in clothes back into my wardrobe feels like a personality trait I want to leave behind. Clothes that squeeze my body in ways even a five year old would never tolerate, clothes that lay limp as their core construction and threads unravel - signs of their hasty construction and later their hasty purchase.
Clothes unloved - unworn - unneeded.
For the next 12 months, the following will be my guiding principles in distilling my personal perspective (and style); a perspective I crave deeply in my wardrobe - but also beyond.
NOTHING NEW : Rule book.
1st August 2024 - 31st July 2025
No shopping for anything wearable. No clothes, shoes, shades, socks, jocks, bras, hair clips, hats, scarves, etc.
No vintage or second-hand. Nothing new to me.
No clothing swaps.
Borrowing an outfit is ok if participating in a particular dress code.
No shopping for stuff - though this project is really about redefining my relationship with clothes, I will not fall into the trap of accidentally replacing one habit with another.
No books, magazines, personal art supplies, craft supplies, or homewares—think everything from vases to sheet sets, pillows, etc.
No excessive makeup, skincare, or toiletries. Less is more. *I trust what I have, so commit to using that repeatedly and having 1 x new in the box - I don't often notice things running out.
No non-essential items. Think anything from new types of cameras and tech, to note books and pens.
GIFTS
Receiving: I have a strict no-gifts policy for at least the last three years; the odd gift sneaks in, but I have always preferred time spent together.
Giving: I'm not a huge gift giver, I'll only buy when I am confident it's what they want.
Brands: Over my career in fashion, I have been given a few items I will treasure for my entire life. For this reason, I will accept heirloom pieces that align with my style. Think diamond earrings, Chanel shoes, a DIOR beret, etc. No other gifts from brands.
REPLACING ITEMS
If something breaks, I can replace it with the same or better—assuming I can't live without it.
Stockings: I have not cracked the code on the best stockings and will need to do a stock take on what I have. I often wear these as part of a work uniform, and if I need to buy one or two pairs next winter for work, I'll research which are the best and take care of them in any way I can.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Commercial partnerships where I have to be given clothes will be declined, but I can still participate if clothes can be loaned. *Heirloom items accepted.
As a photographer, I have crafted and am often required to wear a particular uniform. I have built up a breadth of options over the last few years, but if a particular piece is required, it will be accessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, these circumstances would only arise with luxury brands, so they would fall into the same heirloom category.
APPROVED SHOPPING LIST *Predetermined items that I have been looking for and feel are justified purchases. Comment below, if you’d like further clarification and I will happily respond.
Tuxedo.
Black wool jumper - not too thin, not too thick.
Rattan beret. *I have been speaking with an Australian milliner since June.
Black stockings for work - if required.
Specific craft supplies to customise clothing I already own. Think buttons, etc., but only when I am ready to use them and know exactly what I plan to do. No craft hoarding.
Art supplies for exhibitions are ok.
Work supplies think company stationary, products etc.
Replacing or upgrading photography equipment as required is ok.
*This post is part of a larger body of work that explores Our Relationship With Clothes. Australia is the largest consumer of textiles in the world; we ask questions in the hope of encouraging self-reflection and change.