Myrto

Myrto’s dress commemorates an essential moment in her sustainable fashion journey: the genesis of an obsession with vintage fashion. She found this beautiful piece while shopping back in Portsmouth. She knew she was looking for something with roses but she fell in love with the design and embroidery. She loves it so much she’s learnt to style it for any occasion. The first time she wore it, styled with a long coat and leather boots, she felt as if she was going to the Opera. Myrto’s resplendent jewellery ties this look together, and each piece has a story to tell. One of her rings had been her mothers, a gift from her father when, as a young couple in Greece, they moved into a new home. Another, was a close imitation of a ring she had found in a public toilet and treasured when she was young. Myrto explained that she uses rings to express strength and self-assurance saying “for me it’s all about confidence, so, if I’m not feeling 100% I don’t wear the rings, I always think of them as an extension of my confidence, if I want to feel powerful I wear lots of rings, like I’m in the Mafia.”

 

“This dress marks a transition in my fashion journey, it was with this item that I got into vintage fashion more, I fell in love with the design in a charity shop in my hometown in Portsmouth.”

“It’s just so beautiful and it became a staple piece for me. I wear it constantly, for glamorous occasions, for every day, if I could I’d wear it to go swimming.”

The environmental impact of the jewellery industry is often omitted from our understanding of fast fashion. While people have become increasingly socially engaged with the ethical problems at the high-end of jewellery production, especially with regards to the social evils of diamond mining, people are far more reluctant to consider the problems associated with low-end jewellery. Many of the social and environmental problems embedded in the apparel industry extend to jewellery, especially with regards to the rise in mass production of low quality, disposable products. There is a growing impetus on consumers to turn towards second-hand and recycled jewellery. Supporting small businesses that make handcrafted jewellery is also a great way to avoid falling into the trap of hyper-consumerism while buying beautiful, one of a kind pieces to last. This article from EcoWarrior Princess lays out some of the best independent brands and designers in the ethical and affordable jewellery game right now. Alternatively, check out Re_considered’s own collection of Zero Waste Earrings here.