Being here in Phnom Penh, the price points for H&M products are actually affordable and in reach for local, up-and-coming middle-class Cambodians.

Why are people so anti-fast fashion? My theory: it is an elitism thing. People don’t like the idea that anyone and everyone can look cool, with cool styles.

For example, Zara is often critiqued for “stealing” the newest styles. However, all of the clothes I bought a Zara, either brand new or secondhand have lasted until now!

Clothes don’t fall apart anymore

Whoever says that the “quality“ of H&M, Zara, and other products isn’t good is misguided. What do you really mean? The clothes don’t fall apart. They last forever.

The only critique should be that people get easily bored of their old clothes, old fashion, and purchase new clothes to follow the new trends. And this happens anywhere and everywhere, irrespective of how fast or “slow” the fashion is.

And nobody throws away their clothes; rather, for most Americans, the clothes keep piling up in their closets, with no end.

Therefore, the only big problem can be a production thing; producing new clothes causes environmental damage. This should be the focus of “sustainable“ fashion.