Fashion has always been a way for individuals to express themselves and their unique style. However, the fashion industry has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, with the rise of fast fashion causing immense environmental and social harm. At Libas Collective, we refuse to be swayed and stand our ground on the urgency of fighting this business model and the need to take immediate action.

According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. In addition, fashion pollution is the second-largest in the world, with the sector emitting more carbon than the aviation and shipping industries combined. The use of harmful chemicals in textile production, such as pesticides, dyes, and finishing agents, has led to severe water pollution, adversely affecting the health of both people and wildlife. As individuals, we should be resolute in our beliefs and strive to eliminate any harm that could jeopardize our livelihood. Beyond the environmental damage, fast fashion also perpetuates labor exploitation, particularly in developing countries. Have we taken a step back to consider the dedicated practitioners who are pouring their hearts into meeting the market’s steeping demands? The appetite for cheap clothing leads to sweatshop labor and unsafe working conditions, with workers often being paid unfairly and forced to work in hazardous environments. In short, fast fashion has brought about negative implications for us, and we must reverse its impact.

It’s about time to tackle this urgency head-on. This is not a dilemma we’re struggling with—it’s a full-time commitment we must embrace today and for generations to come. In short, circular fashion is the future; it’s the only long-term solution to overcome all the challenges.

We are going above and beyond to promote sustainable fashion practices that focus on reducing fashion waste and minimizing its environmental impact. You might be wondering, ‘What can I do?’ Well, you can start by spreading awareness and then buying pre-loved, especially pre-loved luxury items, as their quality lasts longer.

With that said, our mission is crystal clear: we strive to change the way we consume fashion by offering a platform for buying and selling pre-loved fashion luxuries. By blending aesthetics with values of responsibility and leadership, we believe that every luxury piece has a story to tell, and we want to help create new ones by giving them a second chance in life!

Our community-powered marketplace is the foolproof resolution to campaign against fast fashion. We have thousands of like-minded individuals called the fashion-disruptors community who are making a sustainable impact with each pre-loved luxury sale and purchase. By buying and selling pre-loved designer fashion, our community is closing the loop of the fashion model. They’re not giving up on their clothes, but rather giving them a chance to live on, extending their lifespan, and ensuring they are loved for years to come while saving them from landfills. Let’s get real, who wouldn’t want to lavish themselves with luxuries? You can, and responsibly! We understand your concerns now. Counterfeiting is a deeply-rooted problem in the industry and a main catalyst of fast fashion, affecting us all – especially when you’re duped into buying counterfeit goods, leading to confidence falling short. That’s why we’re committed to making product authentication an utmost priority in our business by having expert brand authenticators thoroughly evaluating each and every piece. And we’ll continue to fight for a world where honesty, integrity, and most importantly trust, are the hallmarks of commerce.

In this regard, our community is at the forefront of the fight against fast fashion. It has asserted its stance for what it believes in and is actively making a difference in reducing the impact of fast fashion. Each sale and purchase of pre-loved designer clothing reduces the demand for new, unsustainable fashion items. And we are boosting this mindful practice by empowering you to:

• Chat, connect and negotiate up to 3 offers and counteroffers with thousands of community members.
• Sell your closet and share it with the world through dynamic links and social media features.
• Lead conversation starters by leaving reviews and liking products, which will eventually increase engagement, awareness and knowledge within the community.
• Build a sustainable wardrobe by getting your hands on rare finds and investment pieces. This proves that sustainable fashion can be stylish, appealing, and necessary for a better future.
• Buy now and pay later with our flexible payment methods.
• Shop worry-free with our top-of-mind authentication input.

It’s a collective effort powered by each individual’s action. By joining forces with our community, you become a Fashion Disrupter and participate in our endeavors by sharing your experience and encouraging others to do the same. Be the driving force for change, and let’s have you on board.

Make a sustainable impact with every purchase or sale now!

At Libas Collective, we believe that education and awareness are integral parts of confronting the fast fashion culture. We have the first-established online magazine in the UAE called The Crypt, which educates and brings awareness about the costs of fast fashion and the importance of approaching fashion more consciously. We’re ahead of the game, and our magazine not only entertains you with cultural pieces but also places greater weight and emphasis on articles and reports related to sustainable fashion practices.

Read all our fashion sustainability articles on The Crypt.

It’s high time to acknowledge that the shadow of fast fashion is lurking, and its impact on the environment and society is alarming. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to it. We must seek sustainable alternatives, and you can start now by selling and buying second hand online. We urge you to join us to create a positive impact and lead the fashion-conscious movement.