The World Is On Fire But We’re Still Buying Shoes

by Alec Leach

We know fashion is bad for the planet, so
why are we still shopping?
As a former fashion editor for streetwear
publication Highsnobiety and the founder of
sustainable fashion platform @future__dust,
I feel like I'm in a good place to figure that out.
I wrote this book to explain why we love to
shop so much, how fashion keeps us hungry
for more, and the tricks it plays to cover up
its true impact on the planet.
It's a journey touching on consumerism,
sneaker hype, greenwashing, Karl Marx,
mindfulness and everything in between.
The result is a manifesto for a slower, more
intentional approach to fashion, one that
redefines what shopping is - and what it isn't.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Sustainability, Environment, Design, Sociology, Politics

Paperback

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book, hoping I would gain a new perspective on fast fashion and its environmental and ethical impact globally. And I did, in some ways. Mostly when it came to unveiling fast fashion's marketing approach, how it plays with our minds to trick us into buying more stuff we neither need or want. Here, it was obvious Leech had gained a lot of inside knowledge after working a decade in the industry, and I'm thankful he chose to share this knowledge with us. However, I had wished for some more hands-on facts when it came to investigating fast fashion's environmental impact and its nonexistent ethical responsibility. And on this matter, I have to say that the book had an embarrassingly short reference list... On the other hand, there are several other great sources out there on these matters, and I still found the book interesting and eye-opening.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For people who care about what they wear and what’s going on in the world — and how conflicted that makes them feel.

This book is a great intro to consumerism for those interested in fashion or just shopping in general. It covers marketing tools to get us to shop more (collabs, drops, limited edition), greenwashing, and how to shop less.

It’s easy to understand, digest, and has clear takeaways for those wanting to do and be better in regards to environmental impact. Its also compassionate and nuanced — not shamey or intimidating. It’s a fast and short book, perfect to give as a gift, especially to someone who isn’t much of a reader.

I’ve already given one to my brother and plan to buy a few for friends who need this push.

Would recommend.

[Anna Yum · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE RUN DO NOT WALK AND GRAB THIS POWERFUL MANIFESTO ON FASHION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

Awaken your consciousness and elevate your mind on what it takes to really be aware of mass consumerism and the colonial systemic practices of the current fashion webbed industry.

[Johanna Katharina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good insights into hype and streetwear marketing strategies, but otherwise superficial and not well researched, especially contemporary clothing industry statistics and laws. The content feeds off of stereotypes. The book is telling us what we as conscious consumers - the target group - already know and want to hear, but I didn’t learn anything new.

[Marie Grégoire · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAUW! Must read for all human beings.

[Nathania Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. I really did enjoy this book and the impact/influence it has had on me, I hope, will last a lifetime. It deconstructs and reconstructs the idea of shopping and consumerism.

I particularly enjoyed how Leach explores how actual pieces are made and the impact it has on the environment and the idea of “sustainability” in fashion.

It’s a good read, I wished he spoke a little bit more about legislation and how such could be improved on but again how can we start talking about legislation if the individual is ignorant about what is actually happening in the production of fashion? This is going beyond sweatshops in developing countries.

It’s a good, it’s interesting, but most of all engaging.

I think this is a book for everyone, but in particular someone who does notice luxury brand names such as Margelia or Our Legacy. Little smart comments that include such brand names made me giggle. :3

Would have given it a 4.75/5 but have rounded it up!

Please do read !!

[Romany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book which may introduce some readers to the ways in which fashion contributes to the world burning down around us. One unique thing this book brings: name dropping! I had barely heard of any of these brands. But if you want a more nuanced discussion of the same topic, read Aja Barber.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

An introduction to the gigantic problem of the fashion industry. From overconsumption to unethical and dehumanizing practices. This 'essay' offers an insight for anyone who is still (a bit) unfamiliar with this extremely complex problem, but for people who where already aware of the problem and its complexities, it may be a less interesting read - as it mainly touches the surface.

[maría cometa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, the tone and the way it makes you think about fashion and shopping habits. This is definitely a place to start but not a book to look for answers, if you needed instructions on how to do things right this is not the book, but it does give a lot of needed information, insight and raises a lot of questions to start on the right path to rethink our relationship to material things and habits. Recommended to anyone with the slight interest in the subject!

[Kirsten Gorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buy less, buy better, make it last!

[Anne Léger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief read, thought-provoking, intended to be mobilizing and accessible. A candid and gloves-off critique of the fashion system that we are increasingly pushing to its limits. The author shares his firsthand experience and the evolution of his own thoughts, from both a professional perspective and as a consumer himself. The author's emphasis on valuing individuality and the joy of clothing, while questioning the system we contribute to, is a nuance I particularly appreciated.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great and very concise introductory text about fashion and sustainability. I don’t know why it took me over a month to read in pieces because it’s so short and quite good 😭 I love how Leach explored the existential, spiritual, and introspective elements of fashion and our relationship to consuming fashion.

[sas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this could have been a blog entry. I kind of wanted more insight on the mechanisms behind the industry. The part about our relationship to fashion and the overall mentality felt too repetitive for me. There’s nothing new to write about that aspect.

[Deena Kassem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shopping is a privilege, an indulgence, and something to practice responsibly

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leach does an impressive job of distilling complex issues and giving practical insights and perspective on how to move forward. A topic that has many parallels.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOM. PRA. CARALHO. Um dos melhores livros que já li, que fala de um assunto difícil de encontrar e de maneira leve super compreensível. Realmente genial. Life changing.

A história de como consegui esse livro é que, um dia no Instagram, vi um post sobre ele, salvei, tentei achar e não consegui. No último dia da minha viagem pra Nova York em outubro, a Marina falou de uma livraria independente onde ela encontrou um livro da Clarice Lispector que ela tava procurando. Sem lembrar do livro, fui pra loja, e era o primeiro na frente da entrada. Caro demais mas valeu cada centavo (de dólar).

[Olivier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential read. Short, yet powerful. Will keep the "Buy less, buy better, make it last" in mind.

[Benedicte · Rating 4 out of 5]

"if buying things truly made us whole, then we'd have stopped by now."

"we don't need a few people to be perfect, we need millions of people to be better."

big fashion
ethics and consumerism
psychology

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a great intro to fashion and sustainability. i would tell everyone in my life to read this book for an understanding of how they’re impacting the world. its a must read and an easy read at that!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then you stumble upon a book that ends up just being part of your personal narrative. The World is on Fire But We’re Still Buying Shoes fits right into some things I have been saying for years and is way more articulate in expressing my complicated and complex feelings about the ‘problem’ of consumerism, in this case, through the lens of fashion.

We are creatures driven to not just consume out of necessity, but also desire and social standing. So, while I am currently seriously considering a specific red purse from a consignment shop- I, who has many purses and changes them out every day- also know that there is nothing ‘moral’ about either my choice to buy it or not. Alec Leach gives us the words and the framework in which we can place our ambivalence into more concrete terms. And while, as he points out, there is no magic bullet to ‘shop our way’ out of the climate crisis, I felt more empowered about many of the choices I already make, primarily, when I look at something I am interested in, I spend more time envisioning how the end of its ‘life’ looks like when I am done with it than how I will feel when I get it. Mistakes are going to be made, but it is better to make better choices than be perfect.

I highly recommend this book!

[Bob Strad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wished more upcoming and sustainable brands were mentioned, not just the big boys like storymfg n bode. Deff did what it needed. I think maybe a missed opp to use his insider perspective to show a more quantitative narrative but as murky as the supply chain is, could see the challenge.

Also missed opp to s/o black peoples huge influencing factor in fashion this could have been atleast touched on, but inclusivity was always kinda glazed over


Writing feels like a long form blog post but no shade here(makes sense, editor background) I do feel better equipped w knowing some of the psyc elements in consumerism. Looking at shopping as entering a relationship w w/e the item maybe helpful.

Giving it a 3.5 since I think sections from here will be on mind as I continue getting fly

[Eline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read countless books on sustainable fashion, so I didn’t expect to learn something new by opening this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. What makes this book different is that it is written from the perspective of someone who loves fashion - or should I say, shopping - and therefore understands the traps that fashion companies set up for us as consumers. Alec spells out the lies that these companies tell us, but also the lies that we tell ourselves when we think the next purchase will be “it”. I’m sure to go back to this book from time to time when I’m in need of a reminder of those things.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an insightful piece. Some notes:

Fashion is an attitude and the attitude should be responsible. :)

More awareness on the harm that buying more and buy faster brings.

Although sustainable fashion is an impossible mission and probably a term contributing to greenwashing, we can still shop slower, more responsible.

Mantra is buy less, buy better.

Knowing that the high that impulsive buy brought could only last for a minute.

Total transparency is impossible at this stage, but some brands are doing better than others.

Consumer demands determine how fast and how much the fashion brands will produce.

Again, buy less, and buy better.

[Kaiti Vartholomaios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful discussion on what fashion means to us, how it’s hurting the planet, and how we can be better consumers - “we don’t need a few people to be perfect, we need millions to be better.” Once you look under the surface, it’s hard to unsee the realities and hazards of fashion supply chains, and Alec Leach addresses this humbly through his own experience at HighSnobiety, and in earnest. Very very good and important.

PS. I always check brands’ ratings on the Good On You app, I think it’s pretty solid.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really appreciated the notes on how fashion and shopping are psychological! Also loved reading something that came from a person who was in the very industry he is now advocating against. I do think the sources and reference list feels incredibly small, but I believe that this book was more of a passion project than scientific exploration so I will give him that. Overall an interesting read and acted as a gateway for my wanting to read something with more depth regarding sustainability and consumption.

[Mike Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book that is very nicely written and packs a punch. Alec is knowledgeable and passionate about his subject, making him both credible and influential.

This is a non-fiction book that is written like a good story: humble origins, the protagonist unwittingly thrown into a global conflict, ending in solutions and hope.

Thank you, Alec, for speaking out and sharing your observations.

[Ren Wan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every contemporary fashion consumer should read this. With a little more than 100 pages, Leach gives you a clear, to-the-point manifesto of what you should know before you wipe your card again.

From his perspective as a former fashion editor of a hyped consumerist website, he explains what hooks people onto endless shopping, why it is wrong and what changes you need to make from now on.

It's a short read but is totally worth the time.

[Lucy Hassel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Alec Leach's substack so reading the book was a no brainer. I liked the perspective he contributed about hype/streetwear culture since I don't see that part of the industry as much. I also liked his inclusion of Warenfetischismus/commodity fetishism idea from Karl Marx. Viewing a shirt or bag as this transcendental whole commodity and not really thinking further about what makes up/what sort of labor made an item.

[Anna Hogan Dyadko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true self help guide that’s the size of a pocketbook, explaining the not so simple truth of why we are addicted to shopping and wanting new things. I love the graphics and the font and how direct the author is, which made it fairly easy to understand complex psychological patterns. The book focuses on the environmental impact of the fashion supply chain, and what we can do to be more responsible and accountable consumers.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick read; I thought the examples and points Alec Leach made throughout the book, especially providing how streetwear has influenced mainstream fashion in the first part was fascinating. While I understand this is not a end-all-be-all book about fashion consumerism, I wish he'd provide some more ideas/resources about how to intentionally and ethically part with items we currently have as well. overall, a good read.