Despite the uncertainty around U.S.-imposed tariffs — and the broader precariousness felt by so many Americans (especially those who’ve made this country their home) — I’m finding a glimmer of hope.
Could this moment of instability spark real dialogue and lasting change in the fashion industry?
For small, independent brands like my upcycled line A Shirt Story, the implications are real. If tariffs increase, profit margins shrink. Retail prices rise. Will consumers keep shopping the same way?
For me, the signature elements of A Shirt Story — vintage buttons and crystals, mostly sourced in Europe — will be harder to get. Sourcing domestically would mean navigating brokers and much smaller quantities of high-quality goods, all while competing against mega-fashion giants who are doing the same thing. Harder to get and more expensive.
And yet… maybe this is exactly the push we need to rethink the way we shop. What if this is a turning point?
Not long ago, during the pandemic, we saw a glimpse of what a slower fashion world could look like. People leaned into core wardrobes. We bought less — and wore what we had more.
If import costs go up, shopping secondhand just makes sense. Resale platforms are overflowing with inventory, across every price point. (PS: After scouring Vestiaire and The Real Real, I just found a Carolina Herrera Mother of the Bride dress for $24. No joke.)
Even better? Shop your own closet.
Hold onto quality. Mend what you love — visibly, invisibly, loudly, proudly. Wearing pre-loved clothing and taking notice of people doing the same is almost like a secret handshake - a peaceful protest. We’re finding a solution, taking action bit by bit.
And when you are ready to bring something new-to-you into your wardrobe, choose pieces that already exist in the ecosystem — reimagined with intention and care.
That’s the spirit behind A Shirt Story: breathing new life into beautiful old shirts, each one one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, and meant to be worn and loved again (and again).
As we head into an uncertain economic and political season, one thing is clear:
We don’t need more. We need to take better care of what we already have.
Tariffs or not, fast fashion isn’t the future — craftsmanship, circularity, and care for fashion are.
Let’s stay engaged. Let’s demand transparency and keep reimagining the way fashion works.
And if that means getting crafty and doing a little visible mending — I’m all in. Are you?
And when you're ready to acquire something new, start with a shirt that’s already lived one life — and is ready for another.
xxSasha