Rachael Finch Favourite Outfit Interview

Fast Fashion is Resulting in an Australian Confidence Crisis

Research, commissioned by Lovables Australia, reveals a fifth of Aussies (18%) are spending $12,000 on clothes on average per year in an effort to feel and look their best, but the nation's fast fashion addiction is nothing but a quick-fix solution.

Aussies are looking to fashion for a confidence boost, with 46% of Australians purchasing clothes in an attempt to feel more confident, while others (20%) are looking to simply lift their mood. Over one-third of people surveyed (35%) confessed to purchasing a staggering 10 or more new clothing items every month.

However, half of those surveyed felt nothing but regret or guilt after their spending splurge.

Clinical psychologist, Dr. Kate Baecher, identifies the rise of the 'spend and scrap' generation. "Aussies are living in a fast and disposable world; we've become accustomed to a world of instant gratification and have fewer concerns about the comes to the financial and emotional costs. Fast fashion has become the new fast food, it fills you up and makes you feel good for a short period of time but you become dissatisfied and are left wanting more.

In such a disposable society, it's important to take stock and reassess the value of the items we surround ourselves with.

Rather than throwing our favourite threads away when they've become worn, faded or shapeless, we should be investing in the clothes we love to continue feeling our best, most confident self."

A shocking 48% of Aussies are throwing out clothes every three to six months with half of all people (48%) scraping clothes due to lost shape and almost a third (28%) discarding garments due to fabric pilling. The nation's expectations on quality are even fading, with four out of 10 Australians admitting to buying two of the same garment knowing it will pill, lose shape or fade.

To show how cared for clothes can make you look and feel more confident, Henkel Australia is introducing Lovables Care & Renew liquids detergent. This latest innovation from Henkel Australia not only cleans your clothes, it also aids renewing them and intensifies colours wash after wash. The detergent's formulation works by smoothing out the fibres and restoring colour through a unique enzymatic formula, leaving your favourite garments looking like new for longer.

TV presenter and model, Rachael Finch, has partnered with Lovables Australia for the launch, encouraging Aussies to take better care of what they wear and feel good, no matter what they have on.

"Fashion is such an important part of our lives, we choose clothes to represent the best version of ourselves and they help make us look and feel a certain way whether that's beautiful, confident or powerful.

I always try to buy staple items that will last beyond the seasons and years; whether that's a designer dress for an event or active wear for playing with my kids.

It's important to remember and invest in the items that make us feel our best, taking care of them so that they last the test of time alongside your confidence. Rather than throwing them away and looking for the next best thing," says brand ambassador and fashion designer, Rachael Finch.

"At Lovables Australia, we're passionate about garment care and empowering Aussies to look after their most precious wardrobe items. With over a half (63%) of people saying they would prefer to take care of their existing clothes than buy new items, we created the Lovables Care & Renew liquid detergent to help Aussies feel confident in their favourite pieces. We're proud to have created a laundry detergent that not only deeply cleans your clothes, but also helps them look like new for longer", says Romain Thillaye du Boullay, Laundry & Home Care, Henkel Australia.

The Lovables Care & Renew Colours liquid detergent can be found at all major retailers including Coles and Woolworths (RRP $12).

Interview with Rachael Finch

Question: Why did you decide to get involved in the Lovables campaign?

Rachael Finch: Fashion is such an important part of our lives, especially for women, we choose clothes to represent the best version of ourselves and they help make us look and feel a certain way whether that's beautiful, confident or powerful. Being able to have that confidence that you get when you have a new outfit, over and over from looking after your clothes with Lovables, is such a good feeling.


Question: When did you begin using Lovables detergent?

Rachael Finch: Lovables have only just launched their new Care & Renew formula in Australia. I've started using the liquid detergent and already love how vibrant my clothes look. Plus they smell great too.


Question: Can you describe your favourite outfit, to us?

Rachael Finch: My favourite clothes to wear is activewear! It does feel nice to get dressed up in a dress or pant and suit, but nothing beats the comfort and support I feel in my B.O.D by Finch pieces. They all live in my second drawer and it's the first place I go to in the morning.


Question: How does having a new outfit usually make you feel?

Rachael Finch: Having a new outfit can make you feel fresh, confident and strong. My tip is to find something that suits your body shape and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.


Question: What types of qualities do you look for in the clothing garments, you buy?

Rachael Finch: When I buy clothing, I look for good quality fabric, a flattering fit and longevity. Spending time looking at the labels and seeing what they are made of always helps understanding how to best look after the items, so they last longer.

Question: How many pieces of clothing do you buy, monthly?

Rachael Finch: I buy very little but when I do I buy quality over quantity. Especially when you find those pieces that are just you! It's important to remember and invest in the items that make us feel our best, taking care of them so that they last the test of time alongside your confidence. Rather than throwing them away and looking for the next best thing.


Question: How do you look after these clothes?

Rachael Finch: I have a few key tips on looking after clothes:

Invest in good quality staples
I'm a big believer in quality over quantity. While I don't recommend buying only expensive brand-name garments, I definitely encourage purchasing quality clothing. Invest in those staple pieces that never go out of style and give your wardrobe longevity. Not only will they take through the different seasons, their quality means they will last longer, and ultimately save you money in the long-run.

Wash your clothes with love
The easiest way to prevent clothes from fading or wearing out is to ensure you wash them with care and using the right products. Remember, the tag found on the neck or down the side seam of your shirt is not for decoration; it's there for a reason. Take note of the laundering instructions and ensure you use a detergent that looks after for your clothes. My go-to is Lovables Care & Renew, a liquid detergent that not only cleans but also helps restore and renew your clothes, intensifying colours wash after wash and helping your clothes to look newer for longer

Treat your delicates, delicately
It is a universally acknowledged truth that good bras are never affordable. Ladies invest a lot to ensure we have the best quality undergarments, however, we always forget to take care of them. Purchase yourself a mesh bag (less than $5.00 at most major retailers) and put your delicates inside it before washing. This prevents them from catching on the washer and other garments.

Do your makeup first
Makeup can be your clothes' worst nightmare. If you're like me and are guilty of accidentally getting lipstick or bronzer on your shirt before leaving the house, buy yourself a robe to wear instead. Cosmetics are notoriously hard to get out of fabrics and can often stain and cause fading to your favourite garments. By doing your makeup before getting dressed, you can avoid this and ensure you leave the house stain-free and feeling great.
Avoid the messy wardrobe
I'm a big fan of organisation and keeping a tidy wardrobe. Not only does it help when picking out an outfit each morning, it also helps to keep your clothes looking their best. By cramming clothes together in messy piles, you not only wrinkle them, but can also damage and wear down sensitive fabrics. Spend some time minimising any clutter and give your clothes some room to breathe.


Interview by Brooke Hunter