An international fashion research project exploring the 'craft of use'

Of Value

The intrinsic value of material goods is discounted by consumerism; yet many of us still sense our "stuff" is of value. It is part of a process of reacquainting ourselves with a "true" materialism where we tend and care for material goods more deliberately; where we see ourselves as more conscientious custodians of our material world.

Intrinsic value

“This is a vintage leather jacket that I bought it in 2003. There’s not much of a story I suppose. There’s just something about it. I’ve hardly worn it; I’ve worn it about twice back when I bought it. I’ve kept it for all this time for some reason. I don’t know why. When I moved [recently] I threw away loads of clothes and other vintage things. But this for some reason, I couldn’t throw this jacket away. So I’ve kept it and really like it but I just don’t wear it…

It’s hard to describe. I just perhaps feel it’s of value. It’s so easy to throw things these days… I’m a writer so I’m good with words but I can’t honestly explain.”

Oslo - March 2012
Photograph by Kristin von Hirsch

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