Fashion Week and Mental Health

As New York Fashion Week approaches, we’re launching a social media campaign highlighting the positive societal and environmental benefits of secondhand clothing, with a focus on mental health. Our recent report revealed alarming findings on the negative impact of fast fashion on mental well-being, especially for Gen Z.

With NYFW showcasing glamorous new products and increasing consumption pressure, we see this as a prime opportunity to promote positive messages about sustainable fashion and the benefits of secondhand clothing – offering a healthier and more mindful alternative.

We’d be thrilled to have you join this campaign. To participate, simply use the social media kit we’ll provide, which contains all the content you need. (See below)

By collaborating, we can amplify our message on clothing reuse and reach a broader audience, promoting mindful fashion choices. We believe your involvement will enhance the campaign and strengthen our collective voice for a more sustainable fashion industry.

Fashion Week Social Media Tool Kit:

Our Brief

The NYFW Social Media Toolkit contains resources for promoting the importance of second-hand clothing, advocating for mental health awareness, and driving participation in our #MindfulFashion campaign, particularly among Gen Z.

The content in the toolkit can be used during and after #NYFW as part of our social media campaign.

Key Messages

• Mental Health and Fast Fashion: Young people believe pressure to buy fast fashion damages mental health.
• Second-hand clothing (SHC) for the People and Planet: The SHC sector mitigates negative impacts of the fashion industry.

Call to Action

We aim to encourage stakeholders to join our #MindfulFashion campaign as part of the #ReuseBeforeRecycle movement, advocating a shift towards a circular economy in fashion, and participate in the ongoing conversation about the intersection of fashion, mental health, and sustainability.

Toolkit Components

• Sample Copy for Social Media (see below): Pre-written social media posts that can be used across all social media platforms, focusing on key messages around mental health, sustainable fashion, and the environmental impact of fast fashion. These can be customized or used as-is with some suggested hashtags.
• Visual Assets: Branded graphics for all social media platforms. These can be used as-is, but have also been designed with blank space next to the Garson & Shaw logo for you to insert your own company logo.

Hashtag and Guide

• A list of recommended hashtags to use in posts, including:
  • #MindfulFashion
  • #NYFW24
  • #Reuse
  • #Thrift
  • #SustainableFashion
  • #GenZ
  • #CircularEconomy

Links and Resources

• Garson & Shaw 2024 Report: Link
• Article: Why we support the Slow Fashion Caucus
• Article: New research shows young people over-consuming fast fashion and dumping useable clothes
• Article: America’s Act

List of Items Included in the Toolkit Folder

• Visual Assets
  • Infographics

Sample Copy for Social Media

Tag Garson & Shaw in your posts using these handles:

1. LinkedIn – Garson & Shaw
2. Instagram Garson_Shaw 
3. X – GarsonandShaw
4. Facebook – Garson & Shaw LLC

Sample 1

As #NYFW kicks off today, we’re reflecting on the impact that the fashion industry has on our mental health. The need to keep up with the latest fashion trends does not create happy, healthy minds. Garson & Shaw 2024 report shows that 50% of Gen Z believe that pressure from the fast fashion industry harms people’s mental health.

50% of Gen Z have bought fast fashion just to follow a trend or to keep up with friends/colleagues and over a third have not worn a clothing item after posting a picture on social media or being seen in it by friends.

It’s time to make a change. Join us in our #MindfulFashion campaign promoting thrifting for happier people and a healthier planet.

Sample 2

Choose second-hand clothing to protect our planet.

While the fashion industry has serious negative environmental impact on the planet, Garson & Shaw’s 2024 report shows that #reuse could be part of the solution. Clothing reuse could save around 20 trillion gallons of water over the next decade, the equivalent to 30 million Olympic sized swimming pools, by replacing the need to produce new clothing. Let’s protect our planet, one sustainable choice at a time.

Sample 3

By choosing second-hand clothing, you can reduce waste, protect mental health, and support a sustainable future. 50% of Gen Z believe pressure to buy from the fast fashion industry harms people’s mental health. And half of Gen Z have bought fast fashion just to follow a trend or to keep up with friends/colleagues. Consumption culture is why Americans throw away 10.4billion items of clothing a year.

Let’s make #MindfulFashion choices and promote #SustainableFashion through #reuse.

Sample 4

The constant need to keep up with fashion trends has fostered a culture of over-consumption and waste, with 10.4 billion wearable clothing items thrown away in the US every year. Garson & Show’s 2024 report also shows that 50% of Gen Z believes the fast fashion industry damages mental health.

Simultaneously, 47% of Gen Z expresses deep concern over the environmental damage caused by fast fashion. This eco-anxiety is fueling a shift toward more sustainable practices, with second-hand clothing emerging as a powerful solution.

Let’s champion sustainable fashion, reduce waste, and promote mental well-being through #MindfulFashion.

Sample 5

50% of Gen Z have bought fast fashion just to follow a trend or to keep up with friends/colleagues. A third of Gen Z have ditched an outfit after just one social media post or after being seen in it by friends, contributing to a culture of waste. Instead of following fast fashion’s unsustainable cycle, embrace second-hand shopping. Every preloved purchase is a statement against waste and a vote for a healthier planet.

Sample 6

Did you know that secondhand clothes are good for people and the planet? Garson & Shaw’s survey of American consumers found that people feel ‘empowered’, ‘good about themselves’ and ‘proud’ when buying second-hand clothing compared to buying new clothes. Buy #secondhand because what you wear should make you feel good inside and out!