Assuming Quote by Stephen Bayley
“Fashion is the most intense expression of the phenomenon of neomania, which has grown ever since the birth of capitalism. Neomania assumes that purchasing the new is the same as acquiring value... If the purchase of a new garment coincides with the wearing out of an old one, then obviously there is no fashion. If a garment is worn beyond the moment of its natural replacement, there is pauperization. Fashion flourishes on surplus, when someone buys more than he or she needs.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Fashion and Society, Stephen Bayley, 2005
Fashion thrives on constant novelty and excess; when new items replace old ones, true fashion ends, leading to waste and poverty.
In simple terms: Fashion depends on buying new things, causing waste and poverty.
Key Takeaway
Encourage sustainable consumption and value over novelty.
Themes
consumerism
capitalism
environment
identity
excess
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- wardrobe audits
- second‑hand markets
- ethical branding
- public awareness campaigns
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
sustainability
cultural critique
economic disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance innovation with sustainability?
- What alternatives reduce waste?
A Different Perspective
Not all fashion is wasteful; some promotes creativity and cultural expression.
