As we begin to re-open, will everything go back to normal?

Stage 1 begins

This week was Stage 1 of re-opening Ontario. As we begin to re-open, do you wonder if everything will go back to normal?

Quarantine lasted 65 days give or take. For some of us, it seemed like a lifetime. For others it was an opportunity to cocoon and step away from the day-to-day hustle. But, was it long enough to effect change?

It’s only Day 4 of re-opening. Do you feel the rush of traffic on the roads, the busyness, the impatience? It’s in the air. The new normal already feels like the old normal.

Impact on the fashion industry

In the fashion world, three long-time industry giants filed for bankruptcy during the Coronavirus pandemic – J. Crew, Neiman-Marcus, and most recently J.C. Penney. All three were struggling long before the pandemic hit, but it nudged them over the edge sooner than expected.

Is this the beginning of a move towards smaller, more sustainable, more ethically produced closer to home fashions? Will this lead to the revitalization of neighbourhood businesses with doors that open to the street? Will this be the demise of the big suburban shopping malls?

And, what does this mean for you the consumer? My hopes are you’ll be more conscious of what, where, and why you purchase the clothing you wear on your body. Look beyond the pretty colour, trendy style, and cheap price tag.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Will the pandemic change the way you buy?

I hope you’ll leave the fast disposable styles behind and embrace slow fashion. I hope you’ll seek out clothing made closer to home in Canada and in your local community. It comes with a higher price tag but spending more less often is good for the environment and good for the soul.

Take a look at what’s in your closet. Pay attention to the pieces you immediately grab and love to wear time and time again. And, even more so, pay attention to what you never wear.

This quarantine has shown us we don’t need a closet full of outfits. We only wear a handful of our clothing most of the time. Three-quarters of our wardrobe stays hanging in the closet.

Think about how a pared-down coordinated closet would make you feel. It’s aesthetically pleasing to look at. It feels lighter, freer, and more spacious. Both you and your clothes have room to breathe.

It saves you time in the morning. There are less options to choose from so fewer decisions to make. It simplifies your life. Less is more.

My design philosophy

This has always been my design philosophy: few colours, classic styles, quality construction, all-season fabric, and made with your comfort in mind.

From day one, keeping COKANNA Canadian made was important to me. I’m proud to say even the bamboo fabric is knit in Mississauga, Ontario. I want to know the people that make my patterns, cut the fabric, and sew the garments. I want to contribute to our economy and support fellow Canadian made local businesses.

If you embrace these values too, then shop COKANNA. Pre-order the Carolyn reversible sundress. It’s soft and silky next to your skin and can be worn with the V or round neck in front. It has a single pleat skirt and side seam pockets. The perfect dress to pull on and go. It’s no fuss summertime dressing.