Be Here Now (LFW): Nina Badkar
In light of London Fashion Week, 2021, we are intentionally slowing down to highlight some of the change makers in our GIFTED community. As the recent IPCC report reveals frightening news, in regards to the current state of the climate crisis, it also sheds light on the urgent role that the fashion industry plays in mitigating the worst-case scenarios of global warming.
Rental platform, By Rotation, the UK’s leading peer-to-peer fashion rental app, plays its part by extending the life of clothes - in this way, fashion doesn’t involve a landfill and instead becomes a part of a regenerative ecosystem. It’s undeniable that mindless over consumption, the unethical conditions of garment workers within, typically, third world countries, and excessive emissions associated with transportation within the fashion supply chain is something that we cannot ignore. However, platforms like By Rotation provide a refreshing opportunity to slow down this relentless cycle - leaving us to enjoy the freedom to explore a growing sense of joy and community that sustainable fashion offers.
Let’s take some time to slow down, to listen to stories from people who choose to rent their wardrobe, and to continue to grow together as Gifted, by Nature.
Who are you?
Name: Nina Badkar
Gifted: Merchandising at Soho House
IG handle: @bee_nina_
By Rotation profile: byrotation.app.link/ninabadkar
Three words to describe how you’re feeling right now: Content. Excited. Grateful
Slow down… I just wanna get to know you....
How did you first become interested in slow fashion?
I read a book called ‘How to Break Up With Fast Fashion’ by Lauren Bravo last year, this really changed my outlook on fashion as a whole. After I read this I began researching more about slow fashion, I watched ‘The True Cost’ documentary which was really powerful and cemented my decision to swear off fast fashion.
How has your experience of renting your pieces been so far?
Thoroughly enjoyable! It’s so exciting seeing my loved pieces on others, I also love renting pieces myself – it makes them feel so special knowing that I’ll only wear them once
Have you noticed any changes within yourself and your habits on your slow fashion journey?
Definitely. I used to be obsessed with fast fashion, running into Zara and Topshop on my lunch break to squeeze in trying on outfits in the changing room. I now barely even think about fast fashion, my passion for clothing and style has shifted into rental apps and second hand shopping (I use Vinted loads!). I still love fashion, but it doesn’t consume me like it did before – I definitely think I was addicted to the thrill of buying something new rather than loving what I was buying and knowing it would be cared for – this has completely switched around now and the thrill comes from knowing that I will love and care for my clothes for a long time, I really enjoy shopping my own wardrobe.
Letting go…
With all the heaviness that the world is experiencing, it’s important to hold space for light. We’re all moving through a climate crisis, a global health, environmental and racial pandemic; yet, despite and because of this weight, we still rise. The human spirit continues to leave us encouraged by change.
What are you ‘letting go’ of in this season?
Expectations and reaching perfectionism, I am quite rigid with my schedule whether work or personal life, I want to let go of this slightly and become more flexible as things around me change.
Grateful...
As we shift out of lockdown, into a renewed season of ‘normality’ - take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for…
What are your lockdown blessings?
There are so many things I’m grateful for, I feel like the pandemic has really changed me as a person and I focus so much more on what’s important. I’ve learnt so much about the planet and the effects we have on it, I’ve gone from a fast fashion loving meat eater to a mindful shopping vegetarian. I don’t judge anyone else for the decisions they make on food and clothes, I was that person only last year, but I’m much happier living an eco-conscious lifestyle (and it’s much easier than you’d think).
Recommendations
At the moment, what are you:
Listening to: I love listening to Calm playlists when I want to relax or during my commute, they really help. Music wise, it depends on what mood I’m in! I listen to everything. Ariana, Nirvana, Bonobo, Tame Impala…I could go on.
Reading: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. The book is fictional & focuses on two women struggling through life under the Taliban in Afghanistan, definitely an important read given everything that’s going on right now.
Watching: The Bold Type on Netflix. It’s about three millennials working at a magazine in New York, it’s great to watch as it gives you that Gossip Girl/Emily in Paris fun vibe, but also tackles serious issues such as racism, social inequality and sexual harassment.
